Reflection

Throughout the last 8 weeks of this course I have been a self directed learner and both created and followed my own GAME plan. The goal of this plan was to help my students become literate in technology and find educational websites that will help them with that as well as enforcing the classroom content. From this assignment I was able to work directly with colleagues in my own school as well as my Walden University colleagues while blogging. I was able to create what I call my "portfolio" of book marked websites that I found useful and relevant to my class. Using my delicious account, I was able to expand this "portfolio" and create a full toolbox of ideas that I can access at anytime using the internet.

In addition to following my own self directed learning, I was able to discover ways in which to direct my own students to become self directed learners. I have changed some of my future assignments, based on the knowledge I received from this course. I also tried out digital story telling in my classroom a few weeks ago, based on the lesson I created for this class assignment. It has been extremely beneficial working with my Walden Colleagues these past weeks through blogging. The coursework has been useful and beneficial.

Using the GAME plan process with students

After accomplishing my own goal using the GAME plan process, I have actually thought of (an in progress) GAME plan to allow my students to follow. I would allow the students to see the process through a series of "Aims" which we have in our classroom everyday. This allows students to see the goal of the day and explain briefly how we are going to get there. I would show students the the ultimate goal is becoming experts at using social networking for education. Students would see that we would be doing this by creating individual blog accounts using kidblogs and writing book reviews on the novels read independently. The monitoring step would take place when we reviewed our classmates blogs and wrote back to them. We could eventually evaluate by reading classmates responses and then answering them back. It would take more concrete planning, but it would allow students to experience the GAME plan process as a class. Eventually, students would see this model and be able to create their own GAME plan and further their learning on a more independent level.

Revising GAME plan

After reviewing my goals and looking back at the NETS-T, I have found that I am on track with my plan. Rather than setting new learning goals, I believe that I need to extend the goals that I have now. I have been working with both Walden colleagues as well as colleagues from my district and finding valuable resources for my classroom. One of my original goals was to learn how to better differentiate instruction by using technology. I think I have found an abundance of resources, however, I do not think that I have enough in this particular area. When revising my GAME plan, I would slightly shift my focus when working with colleagues.

Evaluating GAME Plan

By reaching out through my blog, through Walden discussions, and other educators, I have been successful with my GAME plan. Evaluating its effectiveness, I would say that contacting educators from many different backgrounds and in many different formats was extremely useful. I have been able to expand my "portfolio of resources" and work on my future planning. So far I have discovered different formats of writing book reviews from the traditional book report format. I was able to see one of my Walden colleague's wikis in which she had students write book reviews; as she titled it "for students and by students." There is still much I have to learn. I am interested in finding other sites beyond smartboard exchange to discover already made templates for interactive white boards. I plan on continuing my GAME plan the way I have been doing already. So far it has proven to be useful and provide me with great resources. If anyone can think of any other ways to expand my process, I would greatly welcome the suggestions.

Continuing my GAME Plan

I have been discovering many useful ideas for using technology in my classroom by using fellow colleagues as a resource. I have also discovered that I have been a self-directed learner without even knowing it! Meeting with my colleagues and discussing education is something that I would do regardless of my goal. My Walden colleagues have proved to be just as resourceful as meeting in person with co-workers at my school. I think that the only way that I need to adjust my action plan is by doing some personal research as well and not relying solely on the word of colleagues. I have done some minor research on some pieces of technology, however, I think I need to take it a step further and actively research available lessons using the internet as aid. So far I have found a lot of great internet based programs that are useful for writing book reviews, however, I still am searching for a discussion forum that I can use for my students. I am looking for a discussion forum that looks similar to the Walden discussion board but does not require students to use an email as a login. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!

Action Plan

One goal that I would like to accomplish (the G in my GAME plan) would be with Designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments. My action plan to achieve this goal would be to find resources and colleagues to share their own personal experiences in the classroom and create a portfolio of ideas to try out in my own classroom. One way that I have already done this was by posting my GAME plan on my educational blog and having my Walden colleagues share their suggestions and ideas. On the same level, I plan to research other educators blogs (specifically technology blogs) to see what is going on in their classrooms. Another idea for my action plan would be to consult the technology specialist in my building to discover any suggestions or programs that my school may have available. A third technique available would be to form a cohort of colleagues from several different content areas to discuss daily technology activities. In my district, every classroom is equipped with a Smart Board. It may also be beneficial to create a file share folder in the school server to allow educators to share interactive lessons.

Developing GAME Plan

The first step in making the GAME plan is to create a goal which you would like to accomplish. In order to even begin this process, you must be a self-directed learner. Discovering areas of weakness can be a good way to start finding your goals and taking the first step in self-directed learning. After viewing the International Society for Technology in Education I was able to focus in on some standards and indicators and see where I need to improve as an educator.

One area that I would like to focus on would be in the second standard, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). One area that I specifically do not feel confident in is number 2c. As I am becoming familiar with creating and implementing assignments and assessments using technology, I have found that I am not taking into consideration students diverse learning styles. I am currently using technology in my classroom, however, I think that I am not using the resources I have available to the best of their abilities. I plan improve in this area by seeking out colleagues in a learning community in order to discover more techniques.

Another area that I would like to improve in is Modeling Digital-Age Work and Learning. Specifically 3b in which I collaborate with parents and the community members. I am beginning to make connections using my classroom website along with the school’s infinite campus grade posting website, however, I cannot be sure that I am reaching students, parents, and the rest of the community. Just as with the other area which I felt a lack of confidence, I plan on turning to colleagues to find strategies, techniques, and suggestions.

References:

International Society of Technology in Education. (2008). NETS for Teachers. Retrieved January 10, 2011, from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx