Final Blog Post- Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas - GAME Plan

Reflection

When I first started the class I knew there was a lot I needed to learn.  I recognize that although I had been using technology in my classes I needed to be more versatile in the assignments that I provide to the students.  As a result of being in this class I have learned ways to use technology to enhance the learning of my students.

            Creating a GAME plan I found to be eye opening because it could be restructured so students can also use it.   Being able to use this GAME plan provides advantages in that I was able to really look at the lessons that I create and evaluate and extend lessons after they have been taught.  This provides a means for me to really be honest to myself about what worked, and the areas that needed to be redone or totally thrown out.  

            A goal that I have for myself is to provide lessons that always integrate technology.  I know doing this will take a lot of planning and research in order to ensure that the work is beneficial to my students.  As an educator to be able to able to  focus on the type of lessons I want to teach that allows for students to become fully engaged and enhance their learning is what I am shooting for. Being involved in this class has provided me with opportunities to put this plan in action. When students can engage in social networking or digital story telling they are able to interact more with the content they are learning. 

            Something that I recognized as I went through my GAME plan is that I must allow students to take the reins in their learning.  I am a traditional teacher and it is taking a great effort on my part to provide my students with learning opportunities where they are at the helm.  Providing students with the opportunity to complete research on topics of their choosing or to guide them through the use of a wiki, blog, or Power Point will allow them to write using in another mode.  Their journal writing now will be done in blogs where collaboration among groups will be encouraged.

            The use of technology provides ways for my lessons to be enhanced while improving the understanding of the content for my students.  Being in this class has afforded me the means to discover new resources for the use in my class while allowing ways for me to collaborate with my peers to gain new insight and understanding in this course.

           

References:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2012). The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. Retrieved September 11,2013,  from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

References

Monitor Game Plan

With regard to using and a having access to the Smart Board, that has not happened.  We had testing last week so we could not use the smart board. We have been working on becoming proactive in my classroom.  Students were provided with the language that proactive people generally uses.   Students then had access to laptops and they became screen writers using Microsoft word and worked on scenarios about proactive behaviors of students and reactive behaviors of students.   I went on atomic learning and looked at ways to create a podcast.  Students got on audacity but due to time were not able to complete the recording of their scenario.  As a facilitator I was able to observe students taking control of their learning.  They were motivating each other reminded group members about managing their time.   I noticed that group leaders emerged.  Students were engaged in authentic learning experience.  I was able to observe some of my chatter boxes were quite intent on ensuring that the work be completed in a timely fashion.    I realize that I must find other technology to use in my class room to foster and prepare students for college.   There was a focus on the ISTE standards 1 which promotes  the use of real world issues and  authentic problems to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.  This was established with the work students were in the process of generating. We used the calendar feature of the smart phones.  Students acknowledge that they do not use the calendar feature of their phone.  We worked on using the calendar to set time and alerts for assignments.   Students will  continue to use Readon program for remediation and to self monitor.

Goal is to periodically check for training and attend PLC’s collaborate with peers to learn how to use the Smart board.

My Game Plan

As I embark on creating a game plan I have looked at the population of students that are currently under my tutelage. I have 41percent of my students who scored 1 out of five on their Reading test where the highest level is a 5.  When they completed their Inventory 83 percent of them stated that they only read when it was absolutely necessary. My goal in creating this game plan is to find a way to inspire them to start reading for the joy of reading. Another of my goals would be to be able to integrate technology wholly in my classes.  At this time I do have access to laptops but they do not hold their charges.  This is a big glitch when my students are working on an assignment.  I am in the process of searching for a grant to purchase chargers for the laptops.   Having students create their own digital stories and reading more e books.

The NETS-T indicators that I am interested in at the moment are:

Indicator #1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

 I have been working with my students to help them recognize the need for them to become self reliant and for them to take responsibility for their learning.  Too often I find that they will spend time talking about stuff that does not relate to their lesson and then they turn in unfinished work.   Being able to promote proactive behaviors is vital in ensuring they become lifelong learners.  Action that I will also employ is to create a class blog, create a concept maps and digital stories.  I hope to monitor myself by keeping a journal.  View students as they work to check their motivation and their engagement.

Being able to use the smart board so that my lessons will be engaging to my students and allow for more interactive lessons within my classroom.  There have been several trainings given on the use of the smart board. My plan is to look for upcoming trainings to attend.  Until such trainings become available the plan is to collaborate with colleagues, observing them as they use their smart boards.  

Currently I find that my classroom is not sufficiently in the technology age.  I do utilize a LCD projector, my students have access to laptops but my ultimate goal is to integrate technology in all my classes and have students engage in authentic learning. As expressed by Cennamo, Ross & Erthrmer,2009) technology provides many opportunities for students to engage in authentic learning activities and to be creative in different environment.

Standard:

• Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Indicators:

 develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

To be proficient in a few technology tools and transmit that knowledge to my student is something that I am hoping to do.  I currently have access to Atomic learning through my County and plan on perusing it to see what technology tools it can help me to learn.

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2012). The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. Retrieved September 11,2013,  from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

References

Carrying out your Game Plan

Had meeting with our technology person and learned that all small boards have been assigned.  He will allow me to use after school is out for the day.  What I plan on doing is going into a classroom that has one and speak teacher to possible observe her while she uses this tool.  Another avenue I could take is to see when there are trainings on the smart board and possible sign up.  I will be working on a career plan for my students so the next step would be to find videos that depicts the various careers they might choose, I have found a good tool that allows me to download videos from You tube.  Our school has blocked access so this is necessary.  I realize that there are many useful videos on You tube. It can be found at freemake.com

Whew, I am very unsure of this whole process.  It has been trial and error so far.  I am hoping as time goes on I will become more confident.  Right now I am threading on egg shells.  I thought I had completed the assignment but realize that I was missing the RSS feed.  Here goes.  I hope at this time I am published so my fellow classmates can see this.