Monitoring My Progress...

As I take some time to reflect on the progress I have made for my GAME plan, I am actually surprised at how much I have been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. I have subscribed to 3 technology magazines that focus on integrating and new and emerging technologies in the classroom (Technology and Children, tech Trends and Mac Life). I have actually received the first issues of 2 of the magazines. The Technology and Children magazine seems amazing and is filled with useful websites, ideas and articles from other educators. This journal is very interesting and has helped me not only plan but also to introduce me to things I did not know existed. The second magazine, Tech trends, is like reading stereo instruction in a room that is 90 degrees with 99% humidity. It is extremely lengthy and not very friendly. I am still trying to push myself through the first issue, but I have not had much luck with it yet.

Although I have joined www.betterlesson.org, I have not really seen much benefit from it yet. It is, currently, not the easiest site to join and members do not really interact a whole lot. It is a good idea, but maybe in the long run it will pan out. I do meet with several other colleagues to plan with a specific emphasis on using technology in our plans, but time has been a real challenge since the end of the year is approaching and many times we end up talking about everything except what we are there for.

I have gone on the web and just done some research and exploring for various technologies and resources. I have tried to give myself 2 hours a week to explore the web and look at new things. I have found this the most promising and worthwhile part of my GAME plan so far. I have discovered many new and interesting gadgets that could be very useful in the classroom. One that comes to mind is a media player. These little gadgets, which I was aware of before this, are amazing. They can allow students to view broadcasts and shows from across the world. In addition, teachers can use these gadgets to show downloaded movie clips, shows, YouTube videos etc. and they are not that expensive. I have also been reading how other educators are using tools like iPods and Flips in the classroom for projects and alternative assessments.

Overall, I feel I am making steady progress in my GAME plan. The biggest obstacle, besides some very dry material, has been time. Between work, home life, graduate school and just life…time is often very short.

Carrying Out My GAME Plan

Last week, I posted my first blog in which I described my GAME plan for increasing my proficiency in regards to 2 indicators described in the ISTE NETS. This week I am “blogging” about the resources that I will need to carry out my GAME plan as well as what I have already done. The first resource that I would need is the Internet. The Internet is vital for me as it allows me to access the thoughts and ideas of hundreds of teachers and colleagues throughout the world. This is extremely important since I am trying to increase my capacity in using technology tools to promote student reflection and collaboration as well as using and demonstrating current, new and emerging technologies in the classroom. The Internet offers a vast array of reviews, ideas, instructions and lessons that are easily accessed via search engines and teacher websites. Sites that have already helped me are MacWord.com, News.com, Amazon.com, CNET and Bestbuy.com.

I have also joined the teacher networking/professional community Beterlesson.org. This site is very similar to Facebook, except it is for educators and promotes the sharing of lessons and ideas among educators. I feel that this resource will be very valuable to me as I will be able to tap into the ideas of hundreds of educators who are already familiar with technology. In addition, I want to use the ideas and suggestions of my colleagues in my current school building. They are an extremely valuable resource because they are familiar and have experience working with my specific population and all have a unique understanding of the student’s cultural needs and many effective ways to promote learning.

I have currently subscribed to two magazines that aim at integrating technology into the classroom. I have received only one copy of each, but so far I have not found them very useful. Many of the articles are about things that have been around for quite a while and some of the newer suggestions seem to be unrealistic or cost prohibitive.

I feel that using as many human resources, even via the Internet, is one of my best options simply because there is such a vast amount of technology available that is constantly changing that it would be impossible for me to try to do it all on my own. As always I would appreciate any suggestions that would aid me.

Personal GAME Plan for Technology Integration

This is my first ever BLOG post...

After reviewing the ISTE NETS for teachers located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm I have chosen the following two indicators to focus on and strengthen my proficiency in.

The first indicator is 1.c, which reads:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers: c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes(ISTE, 2008).

I have many ideas and have even planned many lessons that would have my students use technology to reflect on their learning and experiences. However, to date, I have not implemented a single one.

The GAME plan I have developed to help me achieve my goal of becoming more comfortable with this indicator is as follows:

G:(Set Goals) 1. Identify 2 technology resources that are easy and available for students to use that can serve as a reflective tool for students.

2. Develop an activity that takes no longer than 10 minutes, for students to use one of these technology resources to reflect upon their learning.

3. Make this activity a priority in the classroom so students will utilize it with seriousness and enthusiasm, therefore making it an effective monitoring and reflective tool for students.

4. Research the web for creative technology related websites, tools or hardware that maybe used for reflection by students.

A:(take Action) In the next 7 days, I will take the time to connect with colleagues at my school as well as colleagues on the NET to identify some possible resources for this reflective activity.

M: (Monitor progress) This BLOG is one tool that will allow me to monitor my progress as well as ensure that I follow through with the goals and actions I have set.

E: (Evaluate) Again this blog will allow me to reflect on whether I have fully or partially achieved my goal(s).

The second indicator I chose to focus on is:

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers: d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning (ISTE, 2008).

This indicator is something that every teacher should constantly focus on since technologies are constantly changing and new ones are introduced all of the time. Yet, I have not done what I need to in order to keep abreast of the latest tools, resources and technologies that are introduced and as a result I am often caught off guard when someone else introduces something that is unfamiliar to me.

G:(Set Goals) 1. Stay informed of new and emerging technologies that would benefit my students and I in the classroom.

2. Learn more about how I can use iPods and in the classroom to assist in learning and research.

A:(take Action) 1. Subscribe to news feeds and websites that can electronically notify me of articles and ideas of new technologies in the classroom.

2. Subscribe to an educational/technology resources that I can utilize for ideas and to be informed.

3. Utilize my professional development communities to keep up-to-date.

M: (Monitor progress) This BLOG is one tool that will allow me to monitor my progress as well as ensure that I follow through with the goals and actions I have set.

E: (Evaluate)Again this blog will allow me to reflect on whether I have fully or partially achieved my goal(s).

I look forward to suggestions from you all on the goals I have listed as well as the actions to achieve them and the steps to monitor and evaluate them.

Resources:

ISTE, Initials. (2008). Nets for teachers 2008. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm