I have made some progress towards the goals in my GAME plan thus far. I have had some success with finding the information and resources that I need. Although the internet has provided me with a great deal of information, I now need to synthesize the information and try to make sense of it. I’m still in the process of trying to locate a professional conference on using technology to support authentic instruction. In addition, I’m going to contact a few teachers in the district who are computer savvy though e-mail, phone, or face to face if possible. There are also a few books that I’m in the process of ordering that may help contribute to me achieve my game plan.
As of now, I don’t think I need to make any modifications to my GAME plan. I have had some success, and I want to give my plan a little more time before I make any changes. There are several resources that will be available once school starts that may help open a few more doors. It seems that up to this point that the strategies that I’m using are helping me make sufficient progress toward my goals.
Up to this point I have learned a lot about how to become a self-directed learner. I have a better understanding how think about and how to take steps to direct my leaning process as I integrate technology into my classroom. I really like using the game plan strategy because it has allowed me to customize my approach to learning, help me integrate technology, and give me the tools for lifelong learning.
I have also learned a lot about the impact authentic experiences can have on students. The ability to help student immediately connect with what they are learning is the one key aspect that I continue to notice about authentic learning activities. It’s this connection that seems to help deepen the learning process and help students construct a personal meaning about their world, and technology gives them the opportunity to express what they have learned in many ways.
What are the restrictions or limitations that will arise as I experiment with using technology and with authentic instruction? These are the big questions I keep asking myslef? Will my students’ have the basic necessary skills to use technology in the classroom? Although I these questions seem negative, I feel that by using the steps in the GAME plan, I will be able to find answers to these questions. I believe that my game plan for learning will allow me to identify any limitation or restriction and help me apply my new knowledge to make the necessary change to meet my learning goals.
Hi Greg-
ReplyDeleteTalk about a small world. My husband spent four and a half months in Delaware almost ten years ago. He was there for a technology immersion grant with TRECA. He was so happy to get to golf in January! We do not get to golf in Alaska until June.
I do not know how much TRECA (I forget what TRECA stands for, but their main office is in Marion) has changed since he was there, but if your district is affiliated with them they have tons of technology experts that may be able to help you.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteGood job moving forward with your GAME plan! I also have liked using the GAME plan strategy because it puts us in the shoes of our students for a while, allowing us to see and feel what they will feel when we use this strategy on them.
I also liked your questions you asked at the end of your post. You asked about whether or not your students will have the basic and necessary skills to use technology in the classroom?? I also ask myself this question. I've decided that I am going to make a quick survey at the beginning of the year using survey monkey asking my students about their computer use, technology use and knowledge. After I get the results, I will use that information to make online tutorials or cheat sheets for some students who may struggle. Just an idea for you!
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI think you brought up a great point with the idea that you're learning to become a self-directed learner. Our class resources have pointed out several times that if we want our students to learn to do something or use a particular tech tool, we must be competant in doing it or using it as well. I think we will all be much better leaders of our self-directed learners simply because we've gone through the process ourselves. Whether we're finding success or hitting walls with our goals right now, it's definitely been an experience we will be able to share with the students.
Erin