Monitoring My Personal GAME Plan Progress

Currently, I am very familiar with windows operated computers and software but my students will only have access to mac computers that run apple operating systems.  I will first need to familiarize myself with the mac operating system and software before I ask my students to learn how to use these computers.  I will also need to apply what the students are learning into the software I will choose for them to learn about.  I will choose a software processor that is used widely across the world, in different businesses and subjects across the curriculum

. 

            Learning this information will not be easy, I will need to make appointments with Apple to take sessions on using the software tips and tricks.  I will also ask the school’s Information Technician about using the mac computers and the software installed on the computers to broaden my options of what I want my students to learn.  I will modify my action plan based on the technology I would like to implement where my students can learn useful technology that can be used outside the classroom.  I have learned that many processing files can be made on windows can be opened on a mac computer using mac processing software.  I have also learned that using familiar windows interfaces will make things easier to learn the new software. 

            The use of the new software and technology to students who may not be familiar with it could need more time to finish the work required of them during the learning activity.  How much more time will I need to allow?

Carrying Out My Personal GAME Plan

                                                   Carrying Out My Personal GAME Plan

First I will need the use of a computer lab or a laptop cart with enough computers, where students can have their own or to share with another student.  I will also need a word and spreadsheet processor for students to organize their data.  I will also be looking into additional internet resources for students to use and navigate through them with graphic organizers to ensure that they are using reliable resources.  Besides graphic organizers, I will also attend professional development that integrates technology into the classroom to implement this activity efficiently and effectively.  Speaking to fellow colleagues would be helpful to get their outlook on what has happened in their classrooms when implementing technology into their lessons. 

I have been able to schedule time in the computer lab to bring students to use and familiarize them with the computers that they will be working with.  I have notified fellow colleagues and my assistant principal about my class integrating technology into the classroom for their support in analyzing the results. The assistant principal is also looking into finding my the appropriate learning opportunities for my classroom to receive technology through grants.   

Developing Your Own Personal GAME Plan

                       Visiting the website for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to examine the National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) reminded me of the time I visited the Danielson’s Framework for teaching.  The NETS-T focuses on integrating technology into the classroom and standards that teachers should strive for to create positive learning environments for our students to use the technology.  Two NETS-T standards that I would like to focus on is 1b, engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources, and 3a, demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. These are some weaknesses in my teachings that I would like to work on so that my students can incorporate modern technology into their work and to use these skill in other areas of their lives. 

The Game Plan:

Goals: Creating a learning environment where my students can incorporate technology into their learning while applying it and using it across their curriculums.     

Action:  Researching new software and technology is a passion of mine that I enjoy learning about, which will motivate me to stay up to date on modern tech tools.  I will compile a list of technology grants, where outside companies can invest technology into our students to incorporate the technology into their learning activities.  In addition to the grants, I can sign up for professional development that focuses on integrating technology to the common core state standards.  I will research computer software which will incorporate the use through multiple subjects of the mathematics curriculum.  Inform other teachers of my practices to see what other resources my students are familiar with, where they can incorporate those skills into all their classes.  

Monitor: I will assess my students’ progress through the technology activity and record learning efficiency when they are familiar and unfamiliar with technology.  I will give formative and summative assessments throughout the activity to see how much faster or slower students learn when the technology is new or unfamiliar. 

Evaluate and Extend: I will evaluate the time and effort used to incorporate the new technology and learning efficiency of each topic.  Evaluate the usefulness of the professional development into the classroom activity will be important in looking for additional resources for development.  I can inquiry with other teachers about their success using technology for activities with their classes.   

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers

              (NETS-T).

Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx