Reflecting on EDUC 6713

Whew these have been some interesting 8 weeks. The GAME Plan has now become a permanent part of my own learning. It has provided me with a focus for my learning. I can now move forward and continue on my path of life-long learning. I started my GAME plan by focusing on Standard #5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership and Standard #2 Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, (ISTE, 2008). The most positive thing I have learned is that there are colleagues even though it would be great to have more, that are willing to learn of new ways to integrate technology into their classrooms. Being able to meet with them to show them how to use wikis with their students is exciting. 


I have gained new ideas for using digital storytelling in the content areas, my favorites are hybrid animals,  showing fraction shapes and creating PSA's for the school community. As we continue after all the testing in our schools I will be use these projects to engage my students during a time that is difficult to motivate students. I have also be able to create unit plans to integrate technology within problem based learning. I look forward to incorporating this new knowledge during the next school year, as long as the budget cuts do not affect me.  


A new goal of mine to learn how to use video editing software for more than simply adding titles. I will use my summer to practice on my numerous videos of my daughter. Lord knows that I have enough to practice on.


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

Students and Their GAME PLans

How many times have I heard that students do not set goals and are not motivated? What if we show them what they will be capable of after they learn? Let them see what they can do with the use of technology. Give them examples of work presented by other students. Then let them set goals for what they want to be able to do on their own. Have students follow some of their personal interests. They will be more engaged and motivated than reading facts from any book. With these goals set students will use their creativity and innovation skills to make a product as good or better than what they saw. If students also establish their own projects and rubrics, they will also be driven to reach their goals. A student watches a digital story of about what if two different animals were crossed. They then say to themselves, "I can do that. I want to do that." It is a lot more motivating than, " I have to do that because the teacher told me to." The use of GAME plans keeps students focused on the goal and allows them to reflect on their progress and make changes when necessary. Students will take responsibility for their own learning and make gains that they did not think they were capable of accomplishing. The students will amazing themselves as well as each other.

Revising my GAME Plan

Another week has gone by and it is time to review my GAME plan.

The following questions will aid in this process.

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice? 

I have learned new ways to use blogs and wikis within in my own classroom. I have also made connections with other teachers within my school community that are interested in integrating technology in their classrooms. I have also learned how to prepare PBL's that are relevant to my students. I have also become more comfortable with tech tools that can be used by my students to aid in their learning.

What goals are you still working toward?

I am continuing to search for more tools to use within my classroom to engage students in meaningful learning. I am also working on a "manual" to share with my colleagues so that they will feel more comfortable integrating technology in their own classrooms.

Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?

With the impending district wide testing as well as the layoffs that are about to occur, I don't plan on adding any new learning goals. During the summer I will focus on NETS-T #4 d.

I will work towards networking with teachers from other cultures. I have requested that ePals be approved within my district.

What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?

I will attend conferences and/or workshops that promote integrating technology within the classroom as well as try out new emerging technologies.

This has been a very enjoyable learning experience.

Luis

Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress

As I continue to monitor my progress with my GAME plan, I see that I am making very good progress towards my goal of becoming a leader within my school community. I have more "meetings" scheduled with my colleagues that have shown an interest in integrating technology in their classrooms. My disappointment is not being able to pull in some of those other colleagues that a resistant to the idea of technology in their classrooms. I have made a change in my plan of attack to try to reach those teachers. I have prepared a frequently asked questions list to share with those staff members in the hope that they will see a reason to try "something new".

This week's have provided me with more tools to use in my classes, to develop and strengthen critical thinking and problem solving skills. I particularly like the possibilities of the Patch tool from NCTM's illumination website.
My students can benefit from the practice of pattern recognition and creation.

A question that comes to mind is how do I ensure that students that are behind or have IEP's do not become distracted by the "cool" activities and thus miss the content that they need to learn? How do I get those same students to rise up to meet the challenges that a presented in a problem-based learning activity? I will ask other teachers about any strategies that they use with these same type of students.