Blog Post: Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

The NETS for teachers is related to the NETS for students because if a teacher accomplishes their goals, students will have a better chance in developing proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NETS-S.

In my classroom, I plan to promote creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration, critical thinking, research, digital citizenship, and the use of new and improved technologies that will steer my students towards the 21st century. I will also stay abreast of the new technologies that are constantly changing the face of our classrooms. I think that’s important because our students must be ready to face the new challenges of the real world.

My experience of going over these NETS goals for teachers has opened my eyes to new ideas that I normally would not have thought of. I realized that I have to improve my knowledge and use of the many technology tools that are available. It helped me be more effective with technology resources that I already have, but not being used. NETS standards are good reminders for me and can be posted on a bulletin board or wall so that I can remember to use them. It is easy to fall back to traditional way of teaching in my school because that is all you see outside of the computer classes. So will I see if I can enlarge the NETS for teacher and students, and post them in my classroom.

Revising My GAME Plan

I have learned a great deal about Microsoft Excel. I still have room for improvement. I have seen educational games created using Excel. The sky is the limit with this program.The NETS_T learning goal that I like to set for myself is ( 3,d.) in which the teacher should model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning , (ISTE 2008). I really need to improve my class in being responsible in citing and giving credit for the sources they are using on their projects.

My next goal is to learn and master the SMART board. I don’t have one but I will get one before I retire. They are a great tool to use in the classroom. I think every classroom should have one. I hate chalk, and the boards you use them on. Cleaning chalkboards is a major task for me. I am at the end of the hall where there is no water, and we have very long hallways. To put water in the bucket can only be done in the girl's bathroom at the other end of the hall. Security locks the bathroom before and after school, and in between periods. The science room also has sinks, but they are on the first floor. I am on the second floor. So my chalkboard is chalky greenish. My district from time to time offers free SMART board training. As soon as the next one comes up, I will sign up for the training.


Reference:

International Society for Technology in Education, 2008, National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf

Evaluating Your GAME Plan Progress

I have watched some of the tutorials to help learn Excel. I have to admit that I am a beginner, so the first video helps me very much because it was made for beginners which were called, “Microsoft Excel Tutorial for Beginners #1 – Overview,” located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L1OVkw2ZQ8. The second video is called,
“Excel Spread Sheet Basics - Using a Formula,” located at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOU_hL2_zBo&feature=related. As I watch the videos, I match every move the instructor made. I felt like I was getting hands on experience. I learn that the button that operates AutoSum works like magic. Just watching the first video I all ready feel like an expert. The second video dealing with formulas seemed easy too, but I see if you don’t use Excel on a regular basis, you can forget many of the steps.

I know chalkboards will be obsolete in the near future as new school buildings are being built with SMART Board interactive whiteboards. I have no experience with them but they are a few in our building, but guarded under tight supervision. One computer teacher will let fellow teacher to use her computer lab at times, but the SMART Board is off limits. I guess I can understand that the teachers that the SMART Boards were assigned to, don’t want just anybody to use them. They are a great tool to be used by teachers and students. Before my students are allowed to use them, I must learn something about them. Video tutorial worked excellent with Excel because I had access to the program. I don’t have the same access with a SMART Board. I know it is better to get hands on experience. Not only would I like to get trained to use SMART Boards, I like to use them. Should I just forget that dream and move on. Am I just wasting time holding on to that dream? Or is there something else I’m missing? Colleagues, what to do?

How’s My GAME Plan

The Progress Toward The Goals in My GAME Plan
My Association representative in my school informed teachers that in August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2011, the Summer Technology Integration Institute in Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, will be holding free professional development conference for New Jersey Education Association members, but on first come first serve basis. This would be perfect for me as I progress towards my goals in my GAME plan.

The one modification I would like to make is searching the internet for video tutoring and demos. I’m finding that there are numerous demos on how to use various technology equipments such as smart boards, clickers, graphic calculators, etc. Also there are video tutors on how to use software like Excel and Publisher. One of the videos is located here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L1OVkw2ZQ8 which an introduction to Excel.

To presently engage my students in a small self directed science activity to solve authentic real world problems, I will assigned my students in groups of threes a two period construction project on building a recreational outdoor park that will produce a greener community for their make believe community. They will sketch out their scaled park on poster board with the measurement clearly labeled and a legend at the bottom. Students will show their creativity by naming their small town, and deciding what will be in there outdoor park. They will download sample pictures of items that promote green on their thumb drives. The hope is, through research, students will find that trees, ponds, no smoking areas, recycle cans, play areas etc. will promote a greener environment. They will present their sketch and photos through VoiceThread. Presentation may take two more periods.

Carry Out My Action Plan

To carry out my GAME plan as express in my last post; it would be a good idea to attend workshops, conferences and expositions dedicated to technology integration or developing a technology-enriched learning environments. International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) annual conference and exposition offers just that, by rotating throughout the United States to different cities yearly, and providing much need technological skills to educators, (NETS-T 2008.) Attending these types of events is a good way to stay on the forefront of utilizing modern up to date technology to improve learning and teaching. Educators can socialize, share common experiences, and ideas with each other. Some of the professional development skills at these conferences can be utilized right away in the classroom. The different vendors offer on site demos of education programs which many are independent computer tutorials.

I will look into Neural Networks that influence learning. (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009) states that the three Neural Networks, Recognition, Strategic, and Affective Networks incorporates aspects of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework into your instruction in order to provide students with greater access to learning using the theories of how the brain reacts to various activities, such as multi media, music, video, and many other activities. I believe that digital media can provide teachers with the flexibility to reach the different levels of students in the classroom, therefore differentiated instruction can be obtained easier with UDL.

Another resource I feel will help me fulfill my “GAME Plan” is to customize my classroom environment with authentic real world activities that will produce meaningful learning. Allowing students to be creative and self directed when constructing their projects will help my students put the responsibility on themselves. I think students understand the content better when they are self directed and required to express their learning using technology of their choice such as PowerPoint, web cast, Publisher, and multi media software.

I am presently learning how to use Excel through help with my colleagues at school. I have played with some of the functions within Excel just to get a feel of it. I believe Excel offers so many tools that will help me master my craftsmanship in the class and stimulate learning by my students.


Reference

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


Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful Classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

Developing Your Personal GAME Plan

The two goals I selected for strengthening my confidence and proficiency from the indicators in the National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T) located at the International Society for Technology in Education ( (ISTE) web site are:

2b: 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.

2c: To customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

My GAME Plan:

Goal 1: To engage students in self directed instruction to solve authentic real world problems through the use of various technologies. This goal will be incorporated into the middle school science curriculum.

Goal 2: Students will be able to use learn more about computer tutorials developing critical and creative thinking skills, (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer 2009.) This goal will be incorporated into the middle school science curriculum.

Take Action 1: I will subscribe to educational blogs related to science and technology. I will take professional development workshops addressing the content of our science curriculum materials and our state frameworks so there are clear expectations for the middle school level. I will continue to motivate students to model and demonstrate their understanding of course material through the use of technology.

Take Action 2: Practice using computer tutorials throughout the web outside the content area to get a feel of tutorials. Look for and preview middle school science tutorials on the web. Assign students to various science tutorials on the middle school level.


Monitor 1: Review the progress of developing technology-enriched learning environments in my classroom. Determine the extent to which the characteristics listed in indicator 2b, are being used in my class. Make a check list to see if students are making progress towards indicator 2b.

Monitor 2: Review the progress of customizing and personalizing learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles. Determine if indicator 2c is being addressed by examining the work strategies used by students, and abilities to use tutorial resources.
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Evaluate and Extend: Assess if I met my goals to whether the indicators I picked are being utilized in my classroom through observation. Assess if technology is bolstering a rich learning environment and students are exhibiting excitement about their participation in the education process. I will continue to seek new science and technology skills being used in education through professional development. Continue to master the craftsmanship of using technology to enrich learning in my classroom as needed.


Reference

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach (Laureate Education custom edition).

Effective Bridging of Technology and Instruction - Reflection

My personal theory of learning in week one was gear towards instructional theory approach. Dr. Orey, Laureate 2009, explain that instructional theory examines the environment to facilitate learning. My instruction in the classroom was more teacher centered, than student centered. The technology I used in my class was used as busy work. As a result of my learning in this course, I realize now that I have to think about how to make my lessons more gear towards student learning. I love what I learned about constructionism approach to learning. I should use technology that engage student’s emotions and help them remember longer.

Social Constructivism caught my attention during the fifth week of the course. Therefore this upcoming school year, my immediate adjustments in my instructional practice would be to use the textbook only as a guide for doing lesson plans and adding more interactive and cooperative engaging activities in my lessons. Also, give less busy work and give more meaningful activities. Dr. Orey, Laureate 2009, made a good point when he talk about the conversations students engage in during collaborations which he said help students contretize and understand what they are learning. It puts meaning in the activity they are working on. Some of the technology that we used in this course that I feel would enhance student learning in the classroom are VoiceThread, Virtual Field Trips and blog posting. Not only would they enhance student learning, they also promote social interaction among students.

Two long-term goal changes I would like to make in my instructional practice regarding technology integration would be to use WebQuest. It requires a lot of planning by teachers but seems like a very valuable tool for 21st century learning. If I as a teacher want my students to get ready to work in the real world, I must provide then with the tools even if it requires a lot of planning. WebQuests make good use of the internet while engaging their students in the kinds of modern day social learning students should be participating in. My other long tern goal is to use VoiceThread as a presentation tool. I was very please how easy it was to use. Older teachers like myself, love the term Web 2.0, because that means the internet tool that was hard to use is now made easy for me to use. VoiceThread, a web 2.0 tool allows a quick and easy way to share information via the internet using pictures, text, audio and video. I will allow my students to work in groups of 3 and 4 to present information they reached or studied.

Integrating technology in the classroom has always been a goal of my since the introduction of Reader’s Rabbit. Technology in the classroom always was like another teacher in the classroom with me. But when choosing the type of technology to be used in my classroom, I must think of it as a student tool, not a teacher tool. Both WebQuest and VoiceThread are two of many tools that are student centered, and will engage student's emotions.

Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Instructional Theory vs. Learning Theory. [DVD]. Baltimore, MD.

Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories, Part One. [DVD]. Baltimore, MD.