Using the GAME plan to help students

The first thing I think of when considering how to use the game plan to help my students develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NETS-S is that I need to explicitly teach them the GAME Plan. Students need to understand what we want them to learn, what our goals are for them, and what mechanism we want to use to accomplish this. I will expose them to and explain both the GAME Plan and the technology standards. Much like we have done in our coursework, an engaging approach may be to let them develop their own plan on learning with guidance from the teacher on logistical issues. Some students may need a great deal more support than others and this can be an area for brainstorming or peer assistance from students more confident with the activities. We would probably stick to one goal for each student and work the GAME plan through a whole semester worth or activities.

Revising my GAME Plan

My first goal was to introduce and familiarize myself and my students with emerging and existing digital tools that will enhance the learning environment. I have learned and experienced many things that I can apply to my practice. I am gaining experience and confidence using wikis and blogs with my classmates and this can be readily transferred to use with my students. I now check my RSS feeds daily to manage my incoming information and stay abreast of new ideas and uses for digital tools. I am increasing my use of my Delicious account to easily located links to relevant topics. This is a tool my students are using on their own after I gave a demonstration and many have commented on how much they like it. I also can incorporate voice threads - although I need to play with this a little more... I'd like to have my students experience this before the end of the year.

I am still working toward my own professional development and sharing my knowledge with colleagues. We have a PD this Friday and I will be presenting so I am well on my way!

The next goal I would like to work toward is to develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become
active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress. I chose this goal because my students need to develop their ability to to manage their own learning. They struggle with self discipline and accountability. They require a great deal of "hand holding" and lack self assurance. I would like them to gain confidence to take risks and work on open ended projects where they have a voice and choice.

Monitoring my GAME Plan

I believe I am making effective progress toward the goals I have set. My actions so far have been effective in this progress. I have taken an active role in my building to promote the use of technology tools. In addition, the course I am currently taking at Walden is exposing me to many new strategies for integrating digital tools. For example, this week we are collaborating on a Wiki as a project. Through this authentic experience I am invigorating my skill with this particular tool and can pass it along for use with my students. I am using my aggregator account to follow the blogs of my classmates and staying up to date with their postings - again, an authentic learning experience that can easily translate for use with my students.

I still need to find grant sources and apply for them. I am finding some great sites that compile possibilities through my social bookmarking site. One good site is http://www.grantsalert.com/grants.cfm?id=4&gid=33360.

I feel like I am making good progress so at this point I don’t feel the need to modify my actions. In retrospect they seem quite doable.