To help prepare students for 21st century careers, it is important that I can strengthen my ability to implement technology according to state content standards. By integrating technology into the curriculum, students are kept more motivated and engaged in academic content (Prensky, 2008). The two indicators from the ISTE NETS for teachers that I want to strengthen would be Standard 1, Indicator B “engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources” and Standard 2, Indicator C “ customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies and abilities using digital tools and resources”. I want to focus on these two areas to help develop lessons that meet the individual needs of my special education students.
Goal: I want to increase my knowledge and confidence in using technology to enhance student performance. To do this I will use these technology standards for a project each quarter. I will also collaborate with colleagues to gain insight and assistance in applying math standards to real world issues.
Action: To meet the goal, I want to seek assistance from colleagues to help design and modify lessons using technology to reach my diverse students. I will also research different types of technology that work most effectively in meeting the objectives of the lesson. I want to investigate professional development opportunities that promote technology to engage and motivate students in learning.
Monitor: As I monitor the progression of the lessons goals, I will reflect the effectiveness of the strategies. The use of formative assessments will allow me to check for comprehension. Through this I can make modifications to the lesson that assist the development of students’ understanding of real world applications.
Evaluate and Extend : To evaluate my approach I will reflect on which technologies worked with the lesson, and which did not work. Throughout the lesson I will use a journal to keep notes to help modify the current lesson and prepare future lessons. This knowledge will enhance my ability to reach the needs of my students in preparing them with authentic learning using technology.
References:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National educational standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs?NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership ,65 (6), 40-45.
I also chose to work on improving customizing and personalizing learning using technology. United Streaming is a great tool that I have used to help personalize learning and engage students. There are so many possibilities with this website. It takes time to explore and learn all that can be done, but once you are familiar with it, it can be used for in class activities, projects, homework, and more. Does your school have PLC groups to encourage and allow time for collaboration? I sure value the time I get to work with and discuss teaching with my colleagues. PLC time is often the highlight of my week. Good luck with implementing your GAME plan.
ReplyDeleteYou first step is already in progress: communicating with colleagues about technology and how they integrate it into their classroom. I do believe that we all are interested in growing as technologists for our students and school as a whole. This GAME plan will serve you very well!
ReplyDeleteGregg
ReplyDeleteI don't know how often you and your colleagues have an opportunity to observe each other. In my own school, it is not that often. Fortunately, my vice principal, who is my former teaching partner, has agreed to include my goal of designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments as part of her professional observations of my teaching. if at all possible, have your colleague observe you, and if you can, video record your lessons so the two of you can watch the lesson together and discuss it. If your colleague agrees, you could observe him/her teaching the same lesson. Collaboration is always more powerful than teaching alone, especially when trying new strategies.
Everyone thanks for the input and advice on making my GAME plan more effective. My department meets on a monthly basis to discuss teaching strategies. Through these discussions we can learn better ways to meet students’ needs through instruction and technology. One thing that my district needs to incorporate is more technology and professional development about using 21st century digital tools in the classroom. This would encourage more learning opportunities and collaboration among the entire staff to enhance student achievement.
ReplyDeleteGreg-
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with about taking notes on the lessons you do in class. I have learned over the last five years of teaching that just because an educator may think the lesson is great and productive, if the students are not gaining anything from it (whether the presentation was lackluster, or the information presented was boring, etc.) the lesson was not effective. I think by taking notes after each lesson, especially new ones, an educator can truly make changes and in effect will be a better educator. In my GAME plan, I commented about taking notes as well, you had some great ideas in there. Good luck!
Ken