Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress

I am finding the information and resources that I need to meet my GAME goals regarding technology by collaborating with colleagues and participating in blogs appropriate to my goals and type of project. 

I have engaged in online research utilizing sites such as Edutopia and other project-based learning websites. 

I have begun gathering and analyzing pertinent data and asking questions relevant to my GAME plan and project.

I have created preliminary charts, checklists, and rubrics and continue to review and revise.

I have adjusted my action plan by determining what is initially working and what needs to be changed.

What I have learned so far includes the need for specific yet modifiable formative assessments throughout the step by step project process.

Questions that have arisen pertain to whether or not all accommodations and modifications have been considered to meet the needs of all students, along with sufficient rules and procedures regarding technology.

Carrying Out My GAME Plan

For this project the resources will consist of computers with online capabilities and access to websites that inform though text, audio and visual.  Software that converts data from one form to another, enhances demonstration of knowledge and skills, and aids with communication among experts and peers will be available to all students including those with disabilities and limited language skills.  Access to video cameras, document cameras, LCD projectors, and any assistive technology will also be available to all.  In addition, students’ personal technology may be used with prior consent from me.  

Additional information I need to carry out my plan includes collecting data on student interests, prior knowledge, talents, digital abilities, learning styles, and special and linguistic needs through online surveys, discussion and observation (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).  Facts to determine which methods and strategies would best suit my students and the project is also imperative.  Research data regarding enhancing critical and creative thinking will be necessary, in addition to hands on experience with all potential technology.

The steps I have taken so far to implement my GAME plan are comprised of choosing a lesson compatible with my goals that will engage my students in a real-world scenario through collaboration and communication.  Accessing technology tailored to each student by choice and by need, aids students in connecting the content beyond the classroom (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2010).   My intended learning strategy takes into account my individual students and their need to acquire 21^st century skills.    

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Supporting information literacy and online inquiry in the classroom. Baltimore, MD: Author.

G.A.M.E ON!

My GAME plan for strengthening my confidence and proficiency in NETS-T standards:  

            #1.  Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

            #5.  Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Consists of setting goals, deciding on the actions I will take to accomplish these goals, determining how I will monitor my progress, and how I will evaluate and extend my learning.

Through professional growth courses, previous, current, and future, I will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity for the 21^st century.

Goals:

Use my content, technological, and professional knowledge and skills to promote divergent, creative problem-solving, critical thinking utilizing open-ended real world scenarios, and knowledge construction processes in a collaborative environment via digital tools and resources.

Complete and continue graduate level courses that improve the practice of my profession, technical skills and understanding, and communication and leadership within my learning community.

Actions:

Discover the interests, talents, and learning styles of my students

Provide as much access to various forms of educational technology

Design or adapt curriculum that encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information using creative and critical thinking

Assist students in connecting content to real-world dilemmas using open-ended projects

Participate in local and global learning communities

Provide support and leadership in technology and learning community knowledge and skills

Utilize research data to promote policies that enhance creative and critical thinking using technology

Monitor:

Gather and analyze all pertinent data

Ask relevant questions

Create charts, checklists, and rubrics to guide progress

Determine what works and what needs to be adjusted

Evaluate and Extend:

Determine if goals have been met

Reflect on efficacy of methods and strategies

Ask relevant questions to determine what modifications may be needed