“Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008, p.1). In order to improve my effectiveness with incorporating technology in my classroom I have developed a GAME plan. By developing and implementing a GAME plan it “requires you to think about and take steps to direct your learning process, specifically while learning about technology and how to integrate it into the curriculum” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 3).
My GAME Plan
Step 1: Set Goals:
The first step of my plan is to identify and set goals for my learning. “First, you identify what you already know about the topic in order to identify what you need to learn” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 4). I am always looking for ways to incorporate technology or enhance the knowledge I know about specific technology devices. My goals are based on the following two ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Teachers (NETS•S):
“2.b. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers 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” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008, p.1).
“5.b. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008, p.1).
Step 2: Take Action:
“After you’ve identified your learning goals, you need to take action to meet those goals” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 4). In order to take action towards my first goal I need to research and visit technology-enriched classrooms within my school district. This way I can see first what these classrooms look like and how learning is structured within them. I can also ask one of those teachers classroom’s I visited to assist in helping me transform my classroom into a technology-enriched classroom. Pertaining to my second goal I can continue to take graduate level classes relating to integrating technology into my classroom and attend professional conferences where I can be exposed to technology best practices and latest research. I can also work closely with our school’s technology coordinator to make sure I know how to use all of the technology devices our school has to offer to assist with students learning.
Step 3: Monitor:
“As you take action to achieve your learning goals, you’ll need to monitor whether you are making sufficient progress toward your goals and reflect on whether the strategies you have chosen are working” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 4). In order to monitor my success towards achieving my first goal I will create a checklist based on how technology-enriched classrooms are constructed and set up while I am observing them. I will then assess my own classroom based on the checklist I developed in order to see if my classroom is closer to becoming a technology-enriched classroom or do I need to develop and implement other action steps. To monitor my success towards my second goal I will share what I have learned through my graduate classes and the research I have conducted with my fellow seventh grade teachers. It will allow me a chance to share what I have learned and hear their opinions on how to implement the latest research in our classrooms with our current students. If all of the seventh grade teachers come together and discuss their opinions and latest research we can all work together to enhance our students learning as a grade level.
Step 4: Evaluate and Extend:
“During this step you’ll determine whether you met your goal and reflect on whether you should modify your strategies for the future” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 5). The true evaluation of my first goal will be how I set up my classroom next year and how I will construct my class focusing more on implementing technology while teaching science standards and indicators. I will also volunteer to mentor other teachers who are interested in transforming their classroom and teaching to stay up to date with the latest technology. This will allow other teachers to give constructive criticism and offer any suggestions. I can evaluate the effectiveness of my second goal at the end of the school year next year. Next year if the entire grade level works together to enhance their teaching and implementing technology we can see how that affects student’s grades and scores on the state tests. Student’s grades and test scores will quickly allow the seventh grade faculty to see if your focus on implementing technology and common planning truly had an effect on students learning.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
