Reflection

The GAME plan that I developed for each of my goals was well worth it. I was able to set goals, plan an action of attack, monitor my progress and evaluate what I did. The GAME plan kept me organized throughout my lesson. At the end of the lessons the evaluation portion of the plan is what I think helped me the most. I looked back at what I did and then tried to fix my lesson. The evaluation area has made me a better teacher and helps improve my lessons.

Through the GAME plan process I was able to learn how to incorporate technology more often in my lessons. With the GAME plan I was able to incorporate blogging and wikis for my students to collaborate with each other. I have also found a very effective use for digital storytelling and all the possible scenarios it could be used for. Digital storytelling is a great way for students to showcase narrations they have written, biographies, and other projects.

Some immediate adjustments I will take in my instructional practice regarding technology integration is to find more time for it. I will have to use the GAME plan which will really benefit me and the students. By using the GAME plan it can find me that time and keep me organized. If done correctly, the time spent will more than enhance my lesson and my students learning and understanding. Finding time for online collaboration and digital storytelling is what I will focus on. PBL in my opinion can be a part of both online collaboration and digital storytelling.

Week 7 Using the Game Plan with Students

The way I would use the GAME plan process with my students would be to use it as a graphic organizer for projects. I could make a poster of it and have it placed on in a wall in my room. When working on projects the students can always look at it and see what part of the plan they are on, still need to work on and perhaps what needs to be revised. The graphic organizer can also be made into a checklist for the students as well. Again I feel like this is a good way to keep them organized and focused on what needs to be accomplished. For students to be self directed I feel like giving them this organizer could support their efforts to being self directed learners. It will also give them free range with their creativity. They are coming up with their GAME plan and how they want to accomplish their goal. With the GAME plan it will also make them learn how to use technology effectively and productively in order to fulfill their goals.

Revising My GAME Plan

What I have learned so far that I can apply in my instructional practice is to be more flexible when it comes to incorporating technology with projects. I have to realize that yes it might be frustrating not having the tools and or time, but the end product is worth the effort. What the students get out of the learning experience is the most important part. With the use of the digital tools it enhances my students learning quite a bit. It makes learning meaningful and engages them. A goal that I want to still work towards is getting more collaboration amongst my students’ parents. I feel like this is the most frustrating goal to accomplish due to the fact I cannot control if homes have computers or internet at all. In the future perhaps with the help of the district and other corporations we could set up foundations or grants that will give unfortunate families the opportunity to have these services in their homes.

The NETS-T goal I would like to set for myself is to grow as a professional (5a). By taking my classes here at Walden University I feel like I have taken a small step in that direction. As my career continues I want to stay up to date with all that is happening in the world of educational technology. Our students live in a world of technology, so being able to harness it and use it in the classroom will be a great advantage. So I would say my goal here would to be more connected with the happenings in my field of technology.

I do not have new learning goals but the way I would extend what I have learned so far is to use it more and more. I feel as my level of confidence grows with something, the more eager I am to apply it to my practice.

Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress

As I evaluate my GAME plan status, I have noticed something’s that I need to change. There has been progress within indicators, 2a and 3b; however there are things I need to adjust in order for me to be satisfied with the overall outcomes.

For indicator 3c I have created a classroom blog. On my blog I have listed daily homework assignments, upcoming events, and things we could use in the classroom. I have also registered my cell phone so I can post updates without logging onto my computer. My blog has become more like a one way communication. I am sending out the information, but am not getting any feedback or comments back. My students have been checking the blog for homework. It has become more of a resource for the students than for parents. Currently I have been also posting pictures from various events in school as well, students have been commenting on the pictures but not the parents. I have 10 followers of this blog, all are students. I guess I have to figure out a way to get it out there more where parents can find it useful for them. I have had some parents say they do check the blog from time to time but not on a consistent basis. I have to learn what will parents get out of my blog? I thought they would follow or contribute about happenings in the class. I think a lot of my parents are too busy with work and taking care of a household, and some parents don’t have internet or a computer at home. For my collaboration to occur among my parents I think my blog or technology might not be the answer here. Why, due to the fact that most of my student’s households do not have computers. I think for now I will have to focus my collaboration amongst the educational world; perhaps with other schools around the district or state.

Indicator 2a has been a work in progress. The biggest obstacle facing my progress here is time. I have been able to get a few digital cameras and computers in my classroom, so resources aren’t a problem right now, but the number of resources are. I have not been able to get much computer lab time at all. And with all of the current AIS Math and Reading push-ins, has lingered the progress I am seeking. With this practice I have learned that I need to be more patient with the tools and time I have available. I do not like to start something and have it put off to the side. I like to have my set time and say this project should be done within a week or 2 weeks etc. But with this type of practice that does not seem to be practical.