After reviewing my GAME plan, I am excited about the progress I have made in so little time. It has proven very successful in terms of me meeting my technological goals. It has truly proven to direct my “learning process, specifically while learning about technology and how to integrate it into the curriculum” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 3). Even though I have not entirely completed my plans because it requires working with my colleagues during the next school year, I have definitely achieved many of the goals needed to get to the finish line.
I have acquired the ability to not only create goals, but have a clear plan to achieve my goals. I was impressed on how the GAME plan is very clear and precise, and best of all, easy to follow. I always set goals, but sometimes they get lost in what appears to be more important. The GAME plan has accountability, and that is what makes me successful in meeting my goals. By setting goals and meeting them, I will be able to become a better teacher by evaluating myself more thoroughly (Laureate, 2009). Furthermore, I will be able to create meaningful learning experiences for my students.
From my GAME plan, I have been able to participate in several virtual workshops to increase my knowledge of teaching with technology. Through these workshops, I have been able to develop new ideas and lessons for my students. For instance, one software program that I have learned to use is SMART’s Classroom Suite. This program enables me to bring my students’ learning to a higher level. I can virtually group students, create virtual webquests that are group specific, monitor student learning, create learning experiences for specific students or groups, and so forth. This software has the potential to completely transform my classroom, and I am excited about beginning the school year.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Program one. Promoting self-directed learning with technology. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Finish Line
The GAME plan process has truly opened my eyes to a new and improved method for setting goals, being accountable, and achieving those goals. The clear and precise steps are an easy method for students to follow, and best of all, even easier for a teacher to monitor. I want to incorporate the GAME plan in my classroom through varying means. To begin, I want to use it as a way for my students to grow and undertake new tasks in my classroom. For instance, I was thinking about using it at the very beginning of the year to introduce students to my classroom. I would ask them to list specific challenges they face in language arts. With these lists, I will have my students begin to create an individual GAME plan to tackle one of those challenges. Together, I can individually monitor their progress much like the blogging in this class. I will have my students go through the process and blog about their experiences; this will also allow me to leave comments as needed.
Furthermore, as students become familiar with this plan, I will give them a list of the technology standards and indicators and have them identify their needs once more. I will help develop assignments that incorporate varying technologies so that students can work towards fulfilling their GAME plans. The main goal is for my students to become self-directed. “As in any self-directed learning activity, you need to set goals for your own professional growth, take action, then monitor and evaluate your progress toward obtaining your goals” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 11). All of this can easily be achieved by utilizing the GAME plan.
At the same time, I am very interested in how my colleagues plan to utilize the GAME plan in their classrooms. If any of you have ideas, I would love to hear about them. I will definitely be perusing all of your blogs to learn more.
Thanks,
Christina
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Furthermore, as students become familiar with this plan, I will give them a list of the technology standards and indicators and have them identify their needs once more. I will help develop assignments that incorporate varying technologies so that students can work towards fulfilling their GAME plans. The main goal is for my students to become self-directed. “As in any self-directed learning activity, you need to set goals for your own professional growth, take action, then monitor and evaluate your progress toward obtaining your goals” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 11). All of this can easily be achieved by utilizing the GAME plan.
At the same time, I am very interested in how my colleagues plan to utilize the GAME plan in their classrooms. If any of you have ideas, I would love to hear about them. I will definitely be perusing all of your blogs to learn more.
Thanks,
Christina
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
GAME Plan Evaluation:
So far, the SMART conferences I have attended have truly opened my eyes to the possibilities of incorporating more technology into my every daily lessons. By creating a plan and moving towards my goals, I have already started developing new lessons. I have learned that even the smallest aspect of technology enriches my lessons tenfold. I am still working towards learning more of what my SMART products can achieve for both my students and me. I am still learning how to utilize all of the functions successfully.
At this point, I still want to maintain the same goals because I still need to work on being a leader for my faculty by staying informed of new products and implementing them in my classroom as a living example. With technology changing at such an astronomical rate, I need to continue to strive to keep up with the latest trends. I know that this is going to be an ongoing process, and so I have to make sure that it becomes a continuous goal. However, at the same time, “You should focus on how to use technology to engage 21st-century learners, rather than on the technology itself” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 192).
I will continue to extend my learning by employing my newly acquired knowledge in my classroom and sharing it with my colleagues. I will also make an effort to maintain my professional development through web seminars and other conferences. However, it is not enough to just attend, I will continue to learn so that I can remain as a presenter for various SMART conferences.
The best way to improve my learning is through practice. I cannot be afraid to try new technologies within my classroom. I cannot get into a comfort zone or be satisfied with the status quo. I have to realize what benefits arise from my learning for my students. Technology is a way for me to peer into the minds of my students (Laureate, 2009a), and I need to continue to learn for their benefit, and I am excited about the possibilities.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Spotlight on technology part I. Social networking and online collaboration. Baltimore: Author
At this point, I still want to maintain the same goals because I still need to work on being a leader for my faculty by staying informed of new products and implementing them in my classroom as a living example. With technology changing at such an astronomical rate, I need to continue to strive to keep up with the latest trends. I know that this is going to be an ongoing process, and so I have to make sure that it becomes a continuous goal. However, at the same time, “You should focus on how to use technology to engage 21st-century learners, rather than on the technology itself” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 192).
I will continue to extend my learning by employing my newly acquired knowledge in my classroom and sharing it with my colleagues. I will also make an effort to maintain my professional development through web seminars and other conferences. However, it is not enough to just attend, I will continue to learn so that I can remain as a presenter for various SMART conferences.
The best way to improve my learning is through practice. I cannot be afraid to try new technologies within my classroom. I cannot get into a comfort zone or be satisfied with the status quo. I have to realize what benefits arise from my learning for my students. Technology is a way for me to peer into the minds of my students (Laureate, 2009a), and I need to continue to learn for their benefit, and I am excited about the possibilities.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Spotlight on technology part I. Social networking and online collaboration. Baltimore: Author
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Evaluating My GAME Plan
Once a GAME plan gets underway and the process for meeting initial goals is in place, it is important to begin evaluating current progress. My goals were centered on modeling digital-age work and learning as well as engaging in professional growth and leadership.
Firstly, by setting specific dates for staff development as well as sending my staff a survey, I feel that I am well on my way to meeting my first goal of modeling digital-age work and learning. I want to continue this goal by receiving more feedback in regards to the needs of my colleagues as the year progresses. I will try to achieve this by having them fill out a feedback form at the end of each session. I will take their comments and opinions into consideration when I plan our next session. Also, I believe that I am meeting my goal of engaging in professional growth by registering in various workshops throughout the summer. I am still working towards my leadership goal as I work to become a presenter for SMART technologies. I am currently fulfilling some criterion before I pursue this goal further.
After taking part in this process, I have learned many new instructional strategies. By going to various conferences thus far, I have already brought numerous new teaching approaches to my classroom. For instance, my knowledge of adapting technology to my lessons has vastly improved. I not only use my SMARTBoard on a daily basis, but my students are utilizing its potential as well. Without a doubt, “The increasing use of technology—not only in teaching and learning but in careers and professions—provides numerous opportunities to support higher-order thinking and creativity” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 188). By becoming more tech savvy, my students are truly reaping the benefits.
With anything, I know that there is a lot I have left to learn. Technology is always changing and transforming, and I have realized that I need to have constant professional development. My fear is that I will not have as many opportunities to continue to grow in my knowledge of technology. With teaching, time is always a factor, and I am worried about not being able to allocate time for professional development as I need it. Furthermore, I live in a remote part of the country, so available resources is always a concern. I know that I can fulfill many of my needs through technology, but nothing compares to attending conferences and being able to personal meet with presenters as well as have other face-to-face interactions.
With this in mind, I have to make sure that I register for future conferences ahead of time. I cannot wait till the last minute, and I have to make a contentious effort to rearrange my schedule as needed. Also, that means that I need to continue to bring back any new information to my colleagues so that they reap the benefits as well. My success with my GAME plan is entirely up to me; therefore, I have to continue to make a concerted effort to grow as an educator.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Firstly, by setting specific dates for staff development as well as sending my staff a survey, I feel that I am well on my way to meeting my first goal of modeling digital-age work and learning. I want to continue this goal by receiving more feedback in regards to the needs of my colleagues as the year progresses. I will try to achieve this by having them fill out a feedback form at the end of each session. I will take their comments and opinions into consideration when I plan our next session. Also, I believe that I am meeting my goal of engaging in professional growth by registering in various workshops throughout the summer. I am still working towards my leadership goal as I work to become a presenter for SMART technologies. I am currently fulfilling some criterion before I pursue this goal further.
After taking part in this process, I have learned many new instructional strategies. By going to various conferences thus far, I have already brought numerous new teaching approaches to my classroom. For instance, my knowledge of adapting technology to my lessons has vastly improved. I not only use my SMARTBoard on a daily basis, but my students are utilizing its potential as well. Without a doubt, “The increasing use of technology—not only in teaching and learning but in careers and professions—provides numerous opportunities to support higher-order thinking and creativity” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 188). By becoming more tech savvy, my students are truly reaping the benefits.
With anything, I know that there is a lot I have left to learn. Technology is always changing and transforming, and I have realized that I need to have constant professional development. My fear is that I will not have as many opportunities to continue to grow in my knowledge of technology. With teaching, time is always a factor, and I am worried about not being able to allocate time for professional development as I need it. Furthermore, I live in a remote part of the country, so available resources is always a concern. I know that I can fulfill many of my needs through technology, but nothing compares to attending conferences and being able to personal meet with presenters as well as have other face-to-face interactions.
With this in mind, I have to make sure that I register for future conferences ahead of time. I cannot wait till the last minute, and I have to make a contentious effort to rearrange my schedule as needed. Also, that means that I need to continue to bring back any new information to my colleagues so that they reap the benefits as well. My success with my GAME plan is entirely up to me; therefore, I have to continue to make a concerted effort to grow as an educator.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
