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

Young Adult Lit Blog!

I was doing some searching looking for some interesting young adult literature novels and I found an excellent blog that would be useful for students, teachers, parents, or anyone who has any interest in literature for young adults. There are some great reviews of books as well as a link to purchase them. I would highly suggest it for the classroom or if anyone is browsing through looking for a new YA book to read!

http://yabookscentral.blogspot.com/

Reflection

Although I am still a bit wary of the classifications, I would define myself as a digital native. For many young educators with this digital native background comes the thoughts, “we grew up with all of this technology and we know how to use it!” Reflecting back on this prior opinion, I have come to realize that I could not have been more wrong. In my eighth week of Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society I have discovered many uses of technology that I never knew existed.
Growing up with the constant expansion of new technology has heightened and sharpened my skills with computers and electronic devices. I would in some areas even consider myself an expert. After working through this course I still feel comfortable with my skill level, however, there are more resources available than I imagined. This course has helped my ability to research what technology is available within our society.
With the goal of higher student achievement in mind, technology has proved to be extremely effective. From the start of the course we heard the phrase “doing things differently and doing things different”. I found this phrase extremely beneficial for distinguishing between the same lessons taught with the ease of a piece of technology, or actually changing the lesson to something students would not be able to complete without the use of technology. I have discovered that using the internet and expanding learning and making connections to other communities, makes a difference with student motivation. With the element of student motivation on our side, it is hopeful that students will be able to increase their own achievement. This course has provided strategies on how to effectively incorporate blogs and wikis into the classroom. I look forward to discovering other strategies and ideas through colleagues, future courses, educational websites, and many other bookmarked forums and research I have come in contact with in this course.
My first long term goal will be finding a classroom to use all of these useful strategies and suggestions. In my current situation, it is my main goal to find a district that is ready for me to fit into their school. When I do start my first year as a teacher, I would like to incorporate technology into my classroom from the very beginning. That being said it will depend entirely on the resources that school has available. My hopes are that the school will have an accessible computer lab along with a few classroom computers so that I can start with a classroom wiki. For my first year, this will ensure that students are beginning to practice the needed 21st century skills without increasing the burnout rate of a new teacher. As a second year educator I would like to set up each student with a blog account and have mandatory weekly postings due. As an English teacher, I think that practice with writing is essential, and by using blogs, topics can be focused on student interest. I felt that this course was extremely beneficial and added to my own qualities as an effective educator. I look forward to what future courses will have as well.

Technology Podcast

Here is the link to my first podcast as well as links to the interviews with students.