Reflective thoughts

It is important to set goals for our classrooms. For this course, I had to create a GAME plan to focus on two areas of integrating technology in the classroom. I set two goals: (1) to promote and model digital citizenship and (2) engage in professional growth and leadership. I learned that I have to make intentional efforts to model digital citizenship for my students. I focused on citing the sources I use in the classroom and I made sure my students cited their work when they researched information on the web. I also learned that engaging in professional growth is essential for me to stay current with new technologies. I have fun talking and discussing educational technology with other teachers and always walk away with new ideas to try.

I have already made some adjustments in my curriculum. Before break, my students engaged in a research project for science where they used the computers for research. We discussed digital citizenship and then talked about ways that they could use technology to present their information. I spend a significant amount of time discussing the citation of their sources. This next semester, I want to talk with other teachers in my content area and create activities where students are creatively using technology, but also learning the standards simultaneously.

Students enjoy using technology and I am always so surprised by their creativity. I have learned that high standards still need to be set, even if the students are using the computers as a learning tool. Creating rubrics is a great way for students to know the expectations. I have really enjoyed this course and have learned a great deal in regards to using creative project-based learning, collaborative activities, and digital storytelling to help my students understand the content.

Using the Game Plan Process with Students

The two goals for my game place are to model digital citizenship and engage in professional growth pertaining to technology. Both of these goals will help me encourage students to meet their NETS-S standards as far as technology is concerned. One of the NETS-S standards for students is to engage in digital citizenship. If I model good digital citizenship for my students, they, too, will learn to cite their sources and use the Internet responsibly. I want students to realize they can use technology for educational purposes and not just for socializing and for entertainment.

Another NETS-S standard for students is to be able to successfully use technology, to "be able to demonstrate sound understanding of technology concepts" (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx). One of my goals is to continue to meet and discuss with other teachers ways we can successfully implement and integrate technology into our content area. The more I know about technology, the more I can share with my students. When students have the opportunity to use technology for educational purposes, they are developing a good understanding as to how technology can help them learn and grow as a student.

Revising My Game Plan

I have learned a lot as a result of my GAME plan. I enjoy engaging in professional growth and leadership. Making a point to talk with other teachers in regards to technology integration in the classroom has been beneficial. I have integrated technology into my content area on a more regular basis and my students seem to benefit from it. I still want to pursue this goal and continue to learn about ways students can benefit from technology.

My second goal was to promote and model digital citizenship. This is an ongoing process as I am continuing to encourage students to cite their sources as I model that in my classroom.

I would like to set a new goal that goes somewhat with my previous two goals. I want to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. I can do this by providing ways for my students to use technology to further their understanding of the content. If I stay up to date on creative ways to integrate technology in the classroom, then my students can benefit by using this technology to express their creativity.

A learning approach I can take to see this goal happen is to make sure I assign a classroom project that involves technology that will allow my students to show their understanding of the content in a creative way.

Evaluating my GAME Plan Progress

My GAME plan is going well. I am still trying to model proper citizenship in regards to computer use for my students and I am still seeking out suggestions from other teachers in regards to integrating technology into my classroom.

So far I have learned that it takes a great deal of work to make sure everything is cited. Just yesterday, I pulled an image of a periodic table off the Internet to put into a Smart Board presentation at the last minute, and realized I needed to cite that image. I am still figuring out how to manage my time well to make sure the technologies I am integrating into the classroom are ones that are benefiting the students. I have not assigned my students a wiki or blog yet this year, and would like to do that.

I often use the excuse that we do not have time because of our standards, but I would like to create a classroom blog like many of my coworkers have done in social studies. I think that certain students really benefit from it and I could use it as a way of enrichment and reinforcement.