In reflecting upon my GAME plan I am so far finding it to be effective. After making a few minor adjustments my plan seems to be solid and helping me to become more productive as a teacher as well as enabling my students to become more technologically literate. So far I have been able to connect with other staff members to discuss technology needs and how to best meet them. By having other staff members' support it makes the integrating of technology much more attainable. By sharing technology projects with other teachers it helps to not only learn new way to use technology, but also is an important collaboration strategy to share the work.
So far I have been learning about new ways to integrate technology into my everyday lessons and have been able to learn about new resources that I have not been previously aware of. I have been more curious about blogs and how I can use them in the classroom. I have also been interested digital storytelling and how I could use it in my classroom. I have been looking into websites that allow digital storytelling and am trying to develop lessons that would incorporate it into my content areas.
One of the biggest pitfalls that I have encountered is that most of the websites and types of technology that we have been learning about is banned in my building and school district. Blogs, wikis, and many websites for publishing (podcasts, etc.) are not accessible on our school computers. The main question that I have now is how can I create projects involving technology without using traditional sites that I am familiar with? Administration is not in favor of social networking sites like blogs and wikis because of the privacy issues involved for students. It is one of the biggest drawbacks that I have encountered so far.
I will have to adjust my plan by finding alternate ways of using technology in the classroom that does not include banned sites and programs. I have found that allowing the students to create digital stories using the SMART Board software is one way to get around the ban on many websites. Students will still be able to create a project, but complete it in the confines of a program rather than on the Internet. The students will still be able to share their projects via the SMART Board and instead of parents accessing a website I can email them the file with their child's work so that they can view it at home.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
GAME Plan Progress
Modifying and refining my GAME plan is an important step to meet with success in the classroom. Technology usage within the content areas is essential for our students and having a plan to implement these types of activities and projects into the classroom requires careful planning and research.
One of the most important things that I will need in order for my GAME plan to be successful is data to prove that the effects of technology are positive on my students. When parents and administrators question the usage of technology in the classroom it is important to be able to show examples of technology and how it has helped other students around the country. Thankfully this research is becoming more and more readily available as districts are encouraging more technology usage in the classroom. Other resources that I have been able to find include templates of projects that other teachers have created that can then be tailored to fit the needs of my students. When using a new type of technology it is helpful to have a model to refer to and fortunately this is one more resource that I have been fortunate enough to find.
My action plan is still appropriate and any changes that need to be made are minor. I am still interested in learning about new types of technology and trying to implement a new type into the classroom periodically. My initial plan stated that I wanted to try implementing a new technology or program each week, but have found that this is not enough time for me or my students to adequately learn new programs. Instead I will try to slow it down and maybe try a new technology or program once or twice a month. This will enable both my students and I to truly learn and understand from the technology rather than become frustrated by it.
So far I have learned that planning and implementation take time and by carefully setting forth steps to take my goal can be achieved. I have learned about the importance of networking with other teachers, both in my district and among my classmates. When teachers share ideas and work together more can be achieved and the goals that are set seem less daunting.
I do not have too many questions about my GAME plan at this point. Further research is needed to continue searching and learning about what type of technology works best for my students and my grade level. It will take a lot of trial and error to find just the right technology strategies to use with my students, but it is a goal that is worth working towards.
One of the most important things that I will need in order for my GAME plan to be successful is data to prove that the effects of technology are positive on my students. When parents and administrators question the usage of technology in the classroom it is important to be able to show examples of technology and how it has helped other students around the country. Thankfully this research is becoming more and more readily available as districts are encouraging more technology usage in the classroom. Other resources that I have been able to find include templates of projects that other teachers have created that can then be tailored to fit the needs of my students. When using a new type of technology it is helpful to have a model to refer to and fortunately this is one more resource that I have been fortunate enough to find.
My action plan is still appropriate and any changes that need to be made are minor. I am still interested in learning about new types of technology and trying to implement a new type into the classroom periodically. My initial plan stated that I wanted to try implementing a new technology or program each week, but have found that this is not enough time for me or my students to adequately learn new programs. Instead I will try to slow it down and maybe try a new technology or program once or twice a month. This will enable both my students and I to truly learn and understand from the technology rather than become frustrated by it.
So far I have learned that planning and implementation take time and by carefully setting forth steps to take my goal can be achieved. I have learned about the importance of networking with other teachers, both in my district and among my classmates. When teachers share ideas and work together more can be achieved and the goals that are set seem less daunting.
I do not have too many questions about my GAME plan at this point. Further research is needed to continue searching and learning about what type of technology works best for my students and my grade level. It will take a lot of trial and error to find just the right technology strategies to use with my students, but it is a goal that is worth working towards.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monitoring the GAME Plan
Creating and developing a GAME plan to systematically achieve goals is a great way for teachers to assess and monitor their own teaching and learning of themselves and their students. When teachers have a plan in place it focuses the attention on the end result and provides teachers the steps for getting there.
The goals that I have are to create digital age learning experiences and assessments as well as to promote and model digital-age work and learning. Both of these goals will require collaborating with peers as well as having discussions with grade level teams, administration and parents. The more people that are involved in technology conversations the better. When parents are able to be supportive it will enhance their own child's learning as well as provide support for the classroom teacher. Administrators are also key in reaching my goal. When administrators are able to offer and provide feedback about technology it allows teachers and administration to be on the same page. Administration may also be able to offer staff development to aid in the acquisition of technology skills through workshops and peer training.
Another important resource that will be needed is text about types of technology projects that worked well within other classrooms. Teachers are able to connect on educator forum websites which allows teachers to discuss important topics and discuss what has worked and not worked in their own classroom. Teachers are able to share lessons and unit plans as well as webquests on the Internet so it becomes an invaluable resource to meeting success with my GAME plan.
Additional information that I need may include how to create different types of technology infused projects as well as receving additional information on the types of tools that are being used in classrooms across the country. Knowing this type of information opens the door to using and integrating new types of technology into the classroom both for myself and my students.
So far I have been able to discuss my technology needs with a few of my colleagues as well as my principal. My next goal is to write down specific ways in which I would like to use technology and create projects to show to my administration. The hope in doing this is to make them aware of how technology is being utilized as well as gaining support for these types of projects. When staff and administration work together more can be accomplished to help our students.
The goals that I have are to create digital age learning experiences and assessments as well as to promote and model digital-age work and learning. Both of these goals will require collaborating with peers as well as having discussions with grade level teams, administration and parents. The more people that are involved in technology conversations the better. When parents are able to be supportive it will enhance their own child's learning as well as provide support for the classroom teacher. Administrators are also key in reaching my goal. When administrators are able to offer and provide feedback about technology it allows teachers and administration to be on the same page. Administration may also be able to offer staff development to aid in the acquisition of technology skills through workshops and peer training.
Another important resource that will be needed is text about types of technology projects that worked well within other classrooms. Teachers are able to connect on educator forum websites which allows teachers to discuss important topics and discuss what has worked and not worked in their own classroom. Teachers are able to share lessons and unit plans as well as webquests on the Internet so it becomes an invaluable resource to meeting success with my GAME plan.
Additional information that I need may include how to create different types of technology infused projects as well as receving additional information on the types of tools that are being used in classrooms across the country. Knowing this type of information opens the door to using and integrating new types of technology into the classroom both for myself and my students.
So far I have been able to discuss my technology needs with a few of my colleagues as well as my principal. My next goal is to write down specific ways in which I would like to use technology and create projects to show to my administration. The hope in doing this is to make them aware of how technology is being utilized as well as gaining support for these types of projects. When staff and administration work together more can be accomplished to help our students.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Educational Goal Setting
Goal setting is an integral part of teaching and learning. When we set goals we are embracing new knowledge as well as enhancing the teaching skills and strategies that we already possess. Students and teachers alike benefit from new teaching strategies and repertoire. Especially important is setting goals which will motivate and enhance our teaching to inspire our students to create, explore and think critically. With the development of the National Educational Standards (NETS) teachers are able to clearly understand and challenge themselves to incorporate technology into their classrooms.
One area in which I would like to grow is modeling digital-age work and learning. When teachers model technology usage, the students in turn will see its importance and true capabilities in the classroom. Students learn by example and the example set forth by the classroom teacher is essential for students to develop appropriate skills using technology. Another goal which I would like to work towards is designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments. Once the students and I become more comfortable using technology I would like to start incorporating it more into my assessments as well as using it as a self-directed learning tool. When students are encouraged to use technology they are able to choose from a variety of projects and assessments which will give a true snapshot of what the students have learned as well as the learning process along the way. This type of learning prepares the way for students to think critically and to make connections across content areas.
In order to achieve these goals I believe that networking with colleagues is essential. When students are able to see me network with other teachers it encourages them to do the same with their own peers. I would also like to share technology infused projects with other teachers so that we could benefit from multiple teachers giving input and creating digital-age learning experiences. Communicating is key and I feel that communication with colleagues is the first step to reaching my instructional goals. Another step that would be beneficial is to sign up for any professional development conferences or seminars which will allow me to meet and network with other teachers in the area that are experiencing similar issues as I am facing. When teachers work together and collaborate, both the students and teachers benefit.
Monitoring progress is essential when setting goals. One way that I would like to monitor my progress is to make a list of new technologies that I would like to become more proficient in and have the students use. I could then learn about each new type of technology/software and incorporate it into my classroom a little at a time. This will make achieving my goals much more realistic than trying to incorporate a lot of technology all at once and becoming overwhelmed. When lists are created, teachers and students are able to see their progress which will lead to the success of the over-arching goal. By introducing a new technology every week or every other week the students can see the growth that I am making as well as learning the new technology themselves.
Once goals are attained it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions and monitoring that went into the goal setting. One way in which I would like to evaluate my success is by having the students complete a survey at the end of the year or at the end of the semester in which they are able to write down what new technologies they have learned and which ones they enjoyed using the most. This will allow me evaluate how effective I was at communicating the new technologies as well as finding out which ones were most effective and motivating in the classroom. Discussion with colleagues is another way to evaluate the learning that has taken place. When teachers are able to share what they have learned with one another it holds them accountable to one another as well as provides a forum in which teachers can candidly share their successes of what worked in their classrooms and what did not.
One area in which I would like to grow is modeling digital-age work and learning. When teachers model technology usage, the students in turn will see its importance and true capabilities in the classroom. Students learn by example and the example set forth by the classroom teacher is essential for students to develop appropriate skills using technology. Another goal which I would like to work towards is designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments. Once the students and I become more comfortable using technology I would like to start incorporating it more into my assessments as well as using it as a self-directed learning tool. When students are encouraged to use technology they are able to choose from a variety of projects and assessments which will give a true snapshot of what the students have learned as well as the learning process along the way. This type of learning prepares the way for students to think critically and to make connections across content areas.
In order to achieve these goals I believe that networking with colleagues is essential. When students are able to see me network with other teachers it encourages them to do the same with their own peers. I would also like to share technology infused projects with other teachers so that we could benefit from multiple teachers giving input and creating digital-age learning experiences. Communicating is key and I feel that communication with colleagues is the first step to reaching my instructional goals. Another step that would be beneficial is to sign up for any professional development conferences or seminars which will allow me to meet and network with other teachers in the area that are experiencing similar issues as I am facing. When teachers work together and collaborate, both the students and teachers benefit.
Monitoring progress is essential when setting goals. One way that I would like to monitor my progress is to make a list of new technologies that I would like to become more proficient in and have the students use. I could then learn about each new type of technology/software and incorporate it into my classroom a little at a time. This will make achieving my goals much more realistic than trying to incorporate a lot of technology all at once and becoming overwhelmed. When lists are created, teachers and students are able to see their progress which will lead to the success of the over-arching goal. By introducing a new technology every week or every other week the students can see the growth that I am making as well as learning the new technology themselves.
Once goals are attained it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions and monitoring that went into the goal setting. One way in which I would like to evaluate my success is by having the students complete a survey at the end of the year or at the end of the semester in which they are able to write down what new technologies they have learned and which ones they enjoyed using the most. This will allow me evaluate how effective I was at communicating the new technologies as well as finding out which ones were most effective and motivating in the classroom. Discussion with colleagues is another way to evaluate the learning that has taken place. When teachers are able to share what they have learned with one another it holds them accountable to one another as well as provides a forum in which teachers can candidly share their successes of what worked in their classrooms and what did not.
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