Completing my Master in Science - Intergrating Technology in the Classroom at Walden University has provided me with motivation and encouragement to get my GAME on to explore the possibilities of empowering students through integrating content area learning experiences with critical thinking and new media tools.
Goal
To get my GAME on, I first evaluated my confidence and proficiency with the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). I have selected two indicators as the focus for my GAME plan. The first indicator I have selected is to design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments. The second indicator I will concentrate on is to engage in professional growth and leadership.
Action
My plan is to employ an array of digital tools - blogs, wikis, videos, and social media to tap into my students' passion for collaborating, creating and sharing. By designing higher levels of engagement in authentic real world experiences within the content areas, my students will become more self-directed and self-motivated learners. I will start by changing he three major research projects my students complete into Internet- based collaborative inquiry projects. I will also continue to replace traditional textbook based lessons inscience and social studies with Internet-based activities.
The second part of my action plan was evident after listening to Marcie Hall (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009), speak on developing your personal learning network (PLC). In order to continue to build upon my personal best practices, I will, “participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning” (NETS-T, 2009). Although I will continue to assume a leadership roll in technology at my site, I will also seek out experts throughout the district as well as online resources to gain the knowledge and experiences necessary in reaching my goals.
Monitor
To monitor my progress, I will utilize digital lesson plans. With digital lesson plans I can easily evaluate lessons, make notes, revise, edit, and conveniently store for future use. Digital lessons will also facilitate collaboration and communication on enriching content area learning through technology with professionals in my PLC.
Evaluation
To evaluate and reflect on my progress, I will develop student self-assessments on their learning. Specifically, I will be evaluating their engagement, interest level, creative and critical thinking, and content knowledge learning. I will discuss the effectiveness of learning experiences and collaborate on next steps with colleagues in my PLC.
Final Thoughts
Our students are living in a digital world. Although they may possess the know-how on the actual digital tools, their knowledge on using media tools constructively to create, collaborate, problem solve and communicate is limited. I want my students to be creators to share their own learning instead of simply receivers of content.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program three. Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1 [Motion picture]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf on November 10, 2009.
Posts
Donnel
ReplyDeleteGood post--you have mentioned two very important traits needed by effective teachers who want to continue to learn, grow, and demonstrate their priorities involving education.
Like you, I am also analyzing my current activities to decide how I can alter them to offer a more interactive, genuine experience for my students. Collaborating with colleagues and other teachers on their ideas or strategies can also help to link your two goals together. Providing students with technology-infused activities that invoke creativity and problem-solving skills will enrich their comprehension of the content and add a digital dimension that will help them to transfer that knowledge in other areas. Your GAME plan is sound and will provide an excellent guide for growing professionally and increasing your efficacy.
Wanda,
ReplyDeleteAs always, thank you for your words of encouragement and insights. When I'm researching ideas and lessons for integrating technology, I get overwhelmed with the abundance of amazing learning experiences educators are providing their students. I get so lost in all the incredible opportunities, I don’t know where to begin. I thought Vickie Davis (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009), really had some practical advise. She recommended setting a research and development goal of the next 3 things you want to learn or do. I am going to take that advise because for me, it would make integrating technology into the content much more manageable.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program three. Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1 [Motion picture]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.