Progress

My progression toward meeting the goals of my GAME plan has been overwhelming.  I have been spending an immense amount of time jumping from one site to the next. I have decided that I need to focus on one technology tool at a time. Meeting this goal is a one step process and will be ongoing throughout my teaching career. 

The websites I have found are overloaded with information that it is difficult to know where to start.  One helpful site, www.P21.org, provided a downloadable toolkit.  This toolkit included sample lessons that matched up with the standards.  The last pages of the kit listed numerous links to Common Core implementation and assessment resources. I am going to continue my search by using these resources. Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything is packed with good information to help me hone in one tool at a time. 

Since I have started Walden’s master’s program, my technology knowledge was minimal. When I first tried to maneuver through the online class, it took me forever.  I know so much more about technology now than a year ago, and know I have to keep growing in this direction.  I do learn better when someone models the technology tool.  To continue this growth, I want to add enrolling in technology classes they are occasionally offered through our resource center.  I also want to keep an organized record of what tools I am learning, so I can remember how to incorporate them into my classroom. This class had helped me in discovery blogs, so I have also researched some professional blogs.  Kathy’s Schrock’s Katch of the month blog (http://denblogs.com/schrock) will help keep me abreast of current research and technology tools.

I have had brief discussions with the technology coordinator and colleagues this summer and plan to get more engaged when school starts in the fall. Student feedback too is not feasible since we are not in school.

As a result of my discoveries, I plan to focus on one tool at a time.  Otherwise, I get frustrated and overwhelmed.  I cannot focus on creating a class web page, wiki spaces, blogs, and other tools at the same time.  My goal is to pick one technology tool to master at a time.  Again, if anyone has suggestions, please share. 

GAME Plan

This week's blog concerns what resources and information I need to execute my GAME plan. I am having a little difficulty identifying separate resources for each goal. My first goal deals with designing experiences and assessments with technology to promote learning and creativity. A starting point for me will be to look at ISTE's student performance profile for grades 9-12. This list "provide us with an idea of the types of activities that ISTE considers appropriate for demonstrating mastery of...technology standards for students" (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 9).  I can use the list to focus on ideas to begin to search for helpful sites.  The technology coordinator will be a valuable resource as she will know what our system allows or prohibits and can guide and support my goal.  The collaboration will be an ongoing process; I would like to discuss my classroom projects with others at my school or online to get their feedback especially if they have been involved in similar projects. This meeting time would have to be prearranged.   To elicit student feedback, I considered using an online survey or classroom clickers.

My second goal, 5c, requires me to reflect regularly on the use of technology/resources to support student learning.  All of the above resources will be needed. I have been slowly investigating sites that Dr. L. suggests in our course.  I have been reflecting by considering my content and asking numerous questions about how the technology can be used or how it could help my students.  Another valuable resource will be our book's companion website that offers tutorial links to help reach my goal.

References

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.

ISTE standards and GAME plan

I chose standards 2a and 5c from The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for teachers.  Standard 2a states teachers will “design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity” (ISTE Standards, 2008).  My goal is to learn more effective ways to use technology to increase learning and creativity in my students.  I want to be able to match the best technology tool with the content under study.   My action steps will involve looking at content and researching technology tools.  I will collaborate with my school’s technology coordinator, colleagues, and students to expand my knowledge with technology.  As I learn about available technology, I will monitor my progress.  I would check to see if the resources I am utilizing are providing the knowledge to incorporate new technology. Once I apply the technology into my classroom, I can evaluate by reflecting on what worked and what failed.  An important part of the evaluation process will be involving students.  I want their feedback and through assessments I can determine what I need to adjust in the future.

Standard 5c states, teachers “evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning” (ISTE, 2008).   My goal is to stay current on technology advancements and continue to integrate in my classroom to support student learning.  One action step is taking online classes through Walden University.  Dr. Ertmer discussed the importance of having a supportive culture. Another goal is to find people to support my learning and with teachers who are not afraid to take risks (Laureate Education, 2009).  I will continue to monitor by reflecting on my progress in the same way mentioned with standard 2b. In addition, I will evaluate using similar methods above with the added element of teacher feedback. 

References

ISTE Standards. (2008) ISTE Standards Teacher. Retrieved from iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1.