GAME plan for Integrating Technlogy

Original Post- November 15, 2009
GAME plan for Integrating Technology
By ahocutt

The GAME plan outlined in the text is a great tool to help anyone increase their effectivness as a self-directed learner (K. Cennamo, J. Ross, & P. Ertmer, 2009, p. 7). Though we are all required to participate in a certain amount of professional development, I believe that the most effective teachers are those who are self-motivated.

As I looked at the NETS performance indicators for teachers, there was a primary area that I feel I needed to focus on improving:

1b: engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

G- My major goal for improving this professional practice is to find out which "real-world issues" would be appropriate for my students. Since I teach only 3rd grade, there are many things that parents would not want students to discuss or research in my class. I may take a class survey to find out what interests them the most (i.e. politics, environment, etc.)

A- There will be a lot of action that must take place to truly get this project moving. First of all, I will have to gain access to enough technological tools for my students to use. Our primary issue now is a shortage of computers in our classroom. Therefore, I will have to get special permission to use some of the computers from our lab. I will also need to research the topic that is chosen by my class survey. This way I will be the expert in the room and able to help them. Finally, I will need to use proper websits and tools such as Skype, Google Earth, and Epals. These sites will enable my students to have access, not only to information on the web, but also use people around the globe as sources.

M- One aspect of this project that will need to monitor very closely is my use of the technology. Often, when I begin using new technology tools, I get frustrated when they don't work exactly as expected. At times, I have even stopped using tools, rather than learn more about them. In order to help my students explore the world digitally, I will need to take the time to learn about each of our resources. I may even need to get the help of our on site technology resource person to help me when I get stuck or frustrated.

E- In order to evaluate my learning, I think I will need to keep a reflection journal. I often jot down little thoughts in the side margins of my lesson plans to remind myself about certain improvments I would like to make next year. I think that I will make this process more formal so that I and my students have the full benefit of my reflections. I may also take student surveys to find out which aspects of the project may need improvement in the students' opinions.

Resources:

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

National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.