I can't believe another course has come to an end! Eight down. Two more to go! Overall, I believe this course was the most challenging for me. In addition to the extra work, the content was challenging because it did require me to step outside my comfort zone with the use of technology in my classroom. However, I am thankful for this course because without that push I would not have started to plan to use technology in the ways I am. I am thankful for the challenge.
Onto the GAME plan! I want to start by saying that I FINALLY figured out on my own how to post blogs to my teacher web page!! It was so easy, I smacked my head! I made my first post and hopefully I will receive comments. I plan to make a post at the beginning of every workshop, which usually takes three to four weeks to complete.
Reflect on the GAME plan you developed and followed throughout the course.
I will admit at first, back in Week one when we had to write a GAME plan, I was not really into it (for a lack of better words); I viewed it as just another "assignment". However, as the weeks went on and I tried to implement the plan I saw the value in it- in the steps of that plan, in the way it helped me to adjust and make changes or to move on. The only problem I had with the plan is we had to adjust, monitor, and evaluate too quickly. I felt like I was given enough time to really make it work. I do understand, though, that it had to be that way due to the length of the course. I have not taken everything from these courses into my classroom, but this is one strategy I hope to use whenever I create any project using technology in my classroom.
Step 2: Summarize any new learning that resulted from your following your GAME plan and explain what impact your new learning will have on your instructional practice.
I found the GAME Plan to be a great way to keep me on track with my goals. Knowing that I had these goals and a plan pushed me to accomplish those goals. When I could not get help from my technology department, I set out to figure it out on my own (which I am usually not afraid of doing). I believe I can use this GAME Plan during projects that require technology as a way to find the best way to meet my goals. I can evaluate what works and what does not work and make adjustments. I believe the GAME Plan can be used for meeting professional goals, as well as education goals with the students.
Step 3: Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration in your content area(s) as a result of your learning from this course.
As a result of this course, I will change the way I integrate technology to do different things, not do things differently. Even though this is the third course I have taken that focused on technology, I think I am still stuck in the old ways of using technology- simply using technology to use it. I but I plan on changing that. I have a wiki project in the works, and have ideas for digital storytelling. I will use the GAME Plan to help me create projects that are the best they can be.
I think I have finally grown to appreciate my blog and the valuable advice my peers have given me. I hope to keep posting to this blog, and I hope my peers continue to follow me!
Linda
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Using the GAME Plan with Students
I have spent more time than usual thinking about this week's topic. I wasn't exactly sure which way to answer the question- how might you use the GAME plan process with your students to help them develop proficiency in the NETS-S? Am I suppose to devise a way of teaching my students the GAME Plan and then guiding them through the process of making goals for themselves? Or, am I making another GAME Plan, but this time with my students and the NETS-S in mind? I decided upon the latter.
This year, I really want to focus upon the second standard of the NETS-S: communication and collaboration. I think starting with one standard and slowly adding more will be less stressful and overwhelming for all involved. If by chance, more standards are covered, then great! It is the same approach I am taking with technology in general- take it one "tool" at a time. Right now, I am in the process of creating a project that will use wikis. I think a project in which my students have to work together to create a wiki page would be highly motivating and would help my students strengthen so many skills- from writing to communication to critical thinking and problem solving. Next year, I hope to bring more technology in the classroom- maybe digital storytelling or blogs. At the same time I will incorporate more standards in the NETS-S.
Goal- Incorporate a technology tool that will help my students meet the Communication and Collaboration standard of the NETS-S.
Action- Plan a project that involves a group of students creating a wiki page based around a topic from their course textbook, the rbook.
Monitor- I can assess the students progress by looking at the history of the wiki, asking students to explain how they contributed to the wiki. Also, I can observe students while they are working on the wiki.
Evaluate- I can look at the finished wiki to determine how well the group worked together to present the information. Also, the students can write a reflection essay that describes their experiences with the wiki. I can make changes to the project based up my own observations and their reflections.
On one hand I hate how slowly I am proceeding with technology, but on the other hand I know that if I move too quickly, there is a good chance I will get overwhelmed and frustrated, and might abandon all ideas I had. Also, I don't want to overwhelm my co-workers!
This has been a fun experience in blogging this semester. I hope to keep up with it and keep in touch with all of my "blog" mates.
Linda
This year, I really want to focus upon the second standard of the NETS-S: communication and collaboration. I think starting with one standard and slowly adding more will be less stressful and overwhelming for all involved. If by chance, more standards are covered, then great! It is the same approach I am taking with technology in general- take it one "tool" at a time. Right now, I am in the process of creating a project that will use wikis. I think a project in which my students have to work together to create a wiki page would be highly motivating and would help my students strengthen so many skills- from writing to communication to critical thinking and problem solving. Next year, I hope to bring more technology in the classroom- maybe digital storytelling or blogs. At the same time I will incorporate more standards in the NETS-S.
Goal- Incorporate a technology tool that will help my students meet the Communication and Collaboration standard of the NETS-S.
Action- Plan a project that involves a group of students creating a wiki page based around a topic from their course textbook, the rbook.
Monitor- I can assess the students progress by looking at the history of the wiki, asking students to explain how they contributed to the wiki. Also, I can observe students while they are working on the wiki.
Evaluate- I can look at the finished wiki to determine how well the group worked together to present the information. Also, the students can write a reflection essay that describes their experiences with the wiki. I can make changes to the project based up my own observations and their reflections.
On one hand I hate how slowly I am proceeding with technology, but on the other hand I know that if I move too quickly, there is a good chance I will get overwhelmed and frustrated, and might abandon all ideas I had. Also, I don't want to overwhelm my co-workers!
This has been a fun experience in blogging this semester. I hope to keep up with it and keep in touch with all of my "blog" mates.
Linda
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Revising my GAME Plan
Boy, time is flying by!! This is a busy time of year for me- progress reports, parent conferences, IEP progress reports, homecoming, and the list could goes on! I feel like I have not spent adequate time working on my GAME plan in the last few weeks.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned several things as a result of this GAME plan-
#1- Changes do not occur overnight. It takes time to learn new things- especially in the area of technology. It takes time for some people to "Get on-board" with technology. I have discussed various ways to incorporate new technology into class and some of my co-workers are hesitant or uninterested. One co-teacher feels that technology-based assignments take too much time. Another co-teacher is very traditional and feels that technology-based activities are not needed. How can I help them see the value in technology? How can I help them see the disservice they are doing to our students by refusing to incorporate technology into our classroom?
#2- A person cannot always wait for others to answer questions. Sometimes, a person has to take the initiative to seek out the answers to his/her questions.
#3- A plan does not always come to together as imagined, but it is important to adapt and continue with the plan.
What goals are you still working toward?
I am still working on learning how to use and incorporate web 2.0 tools on my school web page. Also, I am still devising ways to best use these tools in my own classroom. One of my goals was to become familiar with blogging and podcasts through my web page before using them in my classroom. This is going to take time, I think.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
Based on the attitudes of some of my colleagues, I wish to add a new goal to my GAME plan- "exhibit leadership by demonstrating vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others." In other words, I want to teach my co-workers the value of incorporating new technology into the classroom, and show them the value and worth of the skills our students will gain as a result.
I have quite a challenge ahead of me this school year, but I am up to that challenge!
Linda
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned several things as a result of this GAME plan-
#1- Changes do not occur overnight. It takes time to learn new things- especially in the area of technology. It takes time for some people to "Get on-board" with technology. I have discussed various ways to incorporate new technology into class and some of my co-workers are hesitant or uninterested. One co-teacher feels that technology-based assignments take too much time. Another co-teacher is very traditional and feels that technology-based activities are not needed. How can I help them see the value in technology? How can I help them see the disservice they are doing to our students by refusing to incorporate technology into our classroom?
#2- A person cannot always wait for others to answer questions. Sometimes, a person has to take the initiative to seek out the answers to his/her questions.
#3- A plan does not always come to together as imagined, but it is important to adapt and continue with the plan.
What goals are you still working toward?
I am still working on learning how to use and incorporate web 2.0 tools on my school web page. Also, I am still devising ways to best use these tools in my own classroom. One of my goals was to become familiar with blogging and podcasts through my web page before using them in my classroom. This is going to take time, I think.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
Based on the attitudes of some of my colleagues, I wish to add a new goal to my GAME plan- "exhibit leadership by demonstrating vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others." In other words, I want to teach my co-workers the value of incorporating new technology into the classroom, and show them the value and worth of the skills our students will gain as a result.
I have quite a challenge ahead of me this school year, but I am up to that challenge!
Linda
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Evaluating my GAME Plan Process
Evaluating my GAME Plan Process
Okay, I will admit that I have not done alot of work this week on meeting the goals of my GAME Plan. It is progress report time and I have been concentrating on making sure everything is graded and entering grades into the gradebook. I will get back to making progress on my teacher web page next week after the stress of progress reports has died down.
How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
To be honest, I don't think my actions were very successful in helping me to meet my goals. I tried to rely on my tech team and their "Tech Thursdays" to walk me through the process. I did try to talk to a few tech-savvy colleagues, but when they were unable to help me I gave up.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I think the biggest lesson I learned is that I cannot give up. I cannot always rely on others to teach me things I do not understand. I have to continue to seek out answers myself. I cannot be afraid to try technology. I cannot be afraid to click on links and read FAQs and try things through trial and error. I need to pass this along to my students when we begin working more with technology in the classroom. I have to emphasize to my students that they should not give up and do nothing because they do not know what to do.
What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I have to get better at seeking out answers for myself and not rely on my technology department for assistance all of the time.
How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I do not feel that I have to adjust my plans. I think it can still be accomplished if I seek out my own answers. We have a new electronic gradebook and attendance program; a lot of focus is being put into that right now. In fact, the new few Tech Thursday sessions will be focused on that. Once people start getting the hang of it, more attention can be given to our other "tech tools". Hopefully, I will have figured out how to link a blog and can maybe help out my colleagues!
In the meanwhile, parent conferences are next week and I plan on giving out information about my web page to the parents who attend. I will be sending home information with students for those parents who were unable to attend.
I want to thank everyone who has offered advice, encouragement, and stories of your own experiences and frustrations! You have truly made this experience more enjoyable!
Linda
Okay, I will admit that I have not done alot of work this week on meeting the goals of my GAME Plan. It is progress report time and I have been concentrating on making sure everything is graded and entering grades into the gradebook. I will get back to making progress on my teacher web page next week after the stress of progress reports has died down.
How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
To be honest, I don't think my actions were very successful in helping me to meet my goals. I tried to rely on my tech team and their "Tech Thursdays" to walk me through the process. I did try to talk to a few tech-savvy colleagues, but when they were unable to help me I gave up.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I think the biggest lesson I learned is that I cannot give up. I cannot always rely on others to teach me things I do not understand. I have to continue to seek out answers myself. I cannot be afraid to try technology. I cannot be afraid to click on links and read FAQs and try things through trial and error. I need to pass this along to my students when we begin working more with technology in the classroom. I have to emphasize to my students that they should not give up and do nothing because they do not know what to do.
What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I have to get better at seeking out answers for myself and not rely on my technology department for assistance all of the time.
How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I do not feel that I have to adjust my plans. I think it can still be accomplished if I seek out my own answers. We have a new electronic gradebook and attendance program; a lot of focus is being put into that right now. In fact, the new few Tech Thursday sessions will be focused on that. Once people start getting the hang of it, more attention can be given to our other "tech tools". Hopefully, I will have figured out how to link a blog and can maybe help out my colleagues!
In the meanwhile, parent conferences are next week and I plan on giving out information about my web page to the parents who attend. I will be sending home information with students for those parents who were unable to attend.
I want to thank everyone who has offered advice, encouragement, and stories of your own experiences and frustrations! You have truly made this experience more enjoyable!
Linda
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Continuation of the GAME Plan
Progress towards meeting the goals of my GAME plan is going slowly. My goals were to improve my confidence in technology skills and improve communication with parents through the use of various tools on my website- a blog, pod casts, and a unit calendar, plus any tools that are available to me that I am not aware of. Some issues, roadblocks, and questions arisen that I want to discuss.
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
For reasons unknown, "Tech Thursday" have been postponed. Without these tech sessions, I am unable to find out how to use some of the tools necessary to fulfill my game plan. I do not know how to link a blog or pod casts to my web page- we have a "program" specifically for this use, but I have not been able to figure it out on my own. I have turned to some of my tech-savvy colleagues, but they have not been unable to help. I know we are suppose to be getting a new program that will make all of this easier, but an ETA is also unknown. I believe the program is Microsoft Live. Has anyone heard of this?
Do you need to modify your action plan?
At this point, I do think I need to modify the GAME PLAN to address the lack of technical support at this time. I may need to put the communication with parents through technology on hold until we get access to this new program. However, I can continue posting my unit calendar to my website.
What have you learned so far?
So far, I have learned that I am not always able to figure out technology. I am usually pretty good at figuring things out- like our electronic lesson plan program or our new online gradebook. I am able to do this through trial and error. I am not afraid to click on links to see what they do or where they send me! I even figured out how to link the calendar from the lesson planner to my web page! However, I have been unsuccessful in figuring out the blog and podcasts. It is frustrating!
What new questions have arisen?
I had my "back-to-school" night last week and sadly attendance was not good. I informed that parents that did attend of my website and what I plan to do (a monthly unit calendar and a blog). They seemed interested. I am wondering what is the best way to get the information to that parents who did not attend. We have parent conferences next week. I can give out the information to any parents who show up then. From there, I may need to call home. It is always good to make positive contact with parents.
After some discussion last week, I questioned how often I want to post to the blog on my teacher web page. I was thinking that once a month might be good, or after we finish a unit (which usually takes about 3 weeks). I can discussion the next unit in the same blog. If parents or students want to comment, they are welcome to do so.
This GAME Plan has been a learning process, that is for sure!!
Linda
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
For reasons unknown, "Tech Thursday" have been postponed. Without these tech sessions, I am unable to find out how to use some of the tools necessary to fulfill my game plan. I do not know how to link a blog or pod casts to my web page- we have a "program" specifically for this use, but I have not been able to figure it out on my own. I have turned to some of my tech-savvy colleagues, but they have not been unable to help. I know we are suppose to be getting a new program that will make all of this easier, but an ETA is also unknown. I believe the program is Microsoft Live. Has anyone heard of this?
Do you need to modify your action plan?
At this point, I do think I need to modify the GAME PLAN to address the lack of technical support at this time. I may need to put the communication with parents through technology on hold until we get access to this new program. However, I can continue posting my unit calendar to my website.
What have you learned so far?
So far, I have learned that I am not always able to figure out technology. I am usually pretty good at figuring things out- like our electronic lesson plan program or our new online gradebook. I am able to do this through trial and error. I am not afraid to click on links to see what they do or where they send me! I even figured out how to link the calendar from the lesson planner to my web page! However, I have been unsuccessful in figuring out the blog and podcasts. It is frustrating!
What new questions have arisen?
I had my "back-to-school" night last week and sadly attendance was not good. I informed that parents that did attend of my website and what I plan to do (a monthly unit calendar and a blog). They seemed interested. I am wondering what is the best way to get the information to that parents who did not attend. We have parent conferences next week. I can give out the information to any parents who show up then. From there, I may need to call home. It is always good to make positive contact with parents.
After some discussion last week, I questioned how often I want to post to the blog on my teacher web page. I was thinking that once a month might be good, or after we finish a unit (which usually takes about 3 weeks). I can discussion the next unit in the same blog. If parents or students want to comment, they are welcome to do so.
This GAME Plan has been a learning process, that is for sure!!
Linda
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The GAME Plan, Part II
Well.... it has been one week since I formulated my GAME plan that involves using my school web page to enhance my own technology skills and communication with parents. In order to meet my goals, I need to attend the technology workshops (aka Tech Thursdays) led by the people in the technology department. At these workshops, I can use their expertise to assist me in making my goals become reality- making my web page an actual resource for parents and students; not just a site that is never visited. Since last week, I have updated my page on my own (there was not a workshop last week; nor will there be one this week, unfortunately). I have discovered that I can create a calendar on my electronic lesson plan program and post it to my web page. Therefore, I am currently working on a basic plan for the month of October. I will need to wait for another "Tech Thursday" Workshop in order to find out how to put a blog on my page. I have tried talking to some of my more tech-savvy peers, but no one has worked with blogs in this way yet. We are suppose to be getting a new program soon that is rumored to be more user-friendly in the are of blogs, podcasts, and other tech tools. I may need to wait until this program becomes live before starting a blog on my web page.
I am not entirely sure yet how often I want to post to my blog or what I want the content to be. I am wondering if a weekly blog may be too much. Or might it be too little? Do I post in the beginning of the week, explaining what I plan on accomplishing and any upcoming assignments? Or should I post at the end of the week, and summarize what was accomplished? These are details I want to work out before the blog goes live.
Tomorrow night is my "Back-To-School night and I will inform parents of my plan for the website. Wish me luck!
I am not entirely sure yet how often I want to post to my blog or what I want the content to be. I am wondering if a weekly blog may be too much. Or might it be too little? Do I post in the beginning of the week, explaining what I plan on accomplishing and any upcoming assignments? Or should I post at the end of the week, and summarize what was accomplished? These are details I want to work out before the blog goes live.
Tomorrow night is my "Back-To-School night and I will inform parents of my plan for the website. Wish me luck!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The GAME Plan
The best outcome of this specialization at Walden so far has been the confidence it has given me to break out of my “digital immigrant” shell and embrace the technology and digital tools that are available to me- both in my personal and professional life. I have experimented with some digital tools, but have not yet fully embraced them- in either aspect of my life. It is time to keep moving forward.
My district has a program that allows teachers to have personal web pages plus use blogs, podcasts, and file sharing. Up to this point, I have made a poor effort at using my web page as a communication tool. I kept it simple- background information about me and the class I teach. I have only made minor changes to it each year. I want to change that. I think my web page can be a great way to keep parents informed of what is happening in the classroom.
My goals are: (1) to communicate relevant information and ideas to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats; and (2) demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. More specifically, I want to use my web page the blog as a communication tool between my students and parents. I would like to post a calendar with assignments and due dates. I want to use a blog as a way to explain what has been happening in class (i.e.- skills taught, stories read, writing topics). Eventually, I hope to use what I learn with my students in the classroom.
The action I will take to achieve this goal is attend “Tech Thursdays”. These are workshops hosted by my technology department. The focus is on the digital tools we have available and how to utilize them in our classrooms. We bring our laptops and learn firsthand how to set up and use the various programs and tools- such as our web pages, blogs, file sharing, and podcasts. Attending these workshops will allow me to better understand how to set up my web page and utilize the tools in the manner I wish.
I will monitor my progress by analyzing what I have completed at the end of each tech session. Is my blog set up? Do I know how to post to it? Is my calendar set up? If I do not feel comfortable working on my own or have completed something to my liking, then I will know I have to attend another session.
I will evaluate my success at the end of the semester in January. I will ask myself: did I keep up with weekly blog postings? Did I keep an updated calendar of assignments? Did parents access my webpage and use it to keep informed? The answers to these questions will determine how I proceed- if the answer to any of these questions is “no”, then I will have to make adjustments. If all goes well, I can go forward with my plan to use blogs or other digital tools in my classroom where I can transfer my knowledge and experience to my students.
My district has a program that allows teachers to have personal web pages plus use blogs, podcasts, and file sharing. Up to this point, I have made a poor effort at using my web page as a communication tool. I kept it simple- background information about me and the class I teach. I have only made minor changes to it each year. I want to change that. I think my web page can be a great way to keep parents informed of what is happening in the classroom.
My goals are: (1) to communicate relevant information and ideas to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats; and (2) demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. More specifically, I want to use my web page the blog as a communication tool between my students and parents. I would like to post a calendar with assignments and due dates. I want to use a blog as a way to explain what has been happening in class (i.e.- skills taught, stories read, writing topics). Eventually, I hope to use what I learn with my students in the classroom.
The action I will take to achieve this goal is attend “Tech Thursdays”. These are workshops hosted by my technology department. The focus is on the digital tools we have available and how to utilize them in our classrooms. We bring our laptops and learn firsthand how to set up and use the various programs and tools- such as our web pages, blogs, file sharing, and podcasts. Attending these workshops will allow me to better understand how to set up my web page and utilize the tools in the manner I wish.
I will monitor my progress by analyzing what I have completed at the end of each tech session. Is my blog set up? Do I know how to post to it? Is my calendar set up? If I do not feel comfortable working on my own or have completed something to my liking, then I will know I have to attend another session.
I will evaluate my success at the end of the semester in January. I will ask myself: did I keep up with weekly blog postings? Did I keep an updated calendar of assignments? Did parents access my webpage and use it to keep informed? The answers to these questions will determine how I proceed- if the answer to any of these questions is “no”, then I will have to make adjustments. If all goes well, I can go forward with my plan to use blogs or other digital tools in my classroom where I can transfer my knowledge and experience to my students.
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