Developing a personal GAME plan

In reviewing the ISTE website and examining the NETS-T, I felt there were three standards that I would like to work to improve in my own instruction.

The first standard that I would like to include is 1b, "engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources." It is important that students engage in activities and learning experiences that have relevance to their own lives. At least once a week students will brainstorm with the teacher ways to implement the knowledge level skills we address in our "I can" statements focused on each state grade level indicator. Included in these lists will be uses for cell phones, ipods and computers that students have access to outside the classroom walls. Explore the viability of each option presented and plan to implement at least one idea a month with the help of student planning. Students will communicate with the teacher through blog or email problems, concerns and positive learning moments as the plan progresses. Final evaluations will be completed by students and teacher for reflection on changes to be made before the next class meeting.

The second to be included is 3b, "collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation." I was intrigued by the GAME plan presented in the text for webconferencing. It is difficult to collaborate with students, parents and community members in the same location at any common time. By using webconferencing and the use of wikis collaboration could be possible without bringing all parties together in a physical sense. First, I must learn how to use webconferencing and wikis effectively with a small group of individuals that are familiar with the terms and the technology. Next plan to "meet" to disseminate information about students on a regular basis, (monthly). To monitor and evaluate progress there must be some sense of the number of possible participants and the number of actual participants. The question will need to be address, "why are some adults participating and others are not?"

Finally I would like to work with 4b, "address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources." My goal with this standard is to track how often each student gets to use a laptop, elmo, mimio, or digital camera. Where there appears to be a gap or discrepancy, analyse what might be the cause of such difference. Where appilcable I would like to recommend to cooperating teachers that technology usage be increased in their homerooms in any content area. I would like to continue to observe fellow educators using learner-centered lessons, to best adapt these to my own best practice.

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

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