As we explore the strategies to integrate technology into our classroom we continually develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the GAME plan developed during our first weeks of this class. The two indicators of the NETS-T I chose to reflect on include the; “design, develop, and evaluation of authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes” (National Education Standards for Teachers, 2008). The other is to; “engage in Professional Growth and Leadership” (NETS, 2008). While learning about technology and technology resources in an effort to advance my personal growth towards meeting these goals questions arise.
First, Am I finding the resources and information needed to advance my own GAME plan?
While I continue to use the technology available on a daily basis, I believe I am advancing my GAME plan progress. The sites and software introduced during the conference will be integrated into future lessons. I have asked that the facts4me site whose subscription was expiring, to be continued. I will seek opportunities to incorporate GoAnimate, a free website with digital storytelling applications. While the internet offers unlimited opportunities and a plethora of resources, peers offer the best advice for additional use and added resources.
I have not seen a need to modify the action plan I have laid out yet. Having only been contemplated over the last couple of weeks and with the advantage of attending a major technology conference just last week; I feel that I am on track to achieving my goals.
What have I learned so far? So far, I realize that the most important part of creating a GAME plan is the research behind it. I need to remain active in my own educational process and continue to develop, research, and support new innovations and ideas. An educator must be as open to growth as the students to be an effective teacher. Becoming complacent is probably the biggest threat to education today. As Dr. Ross stated; “Technology offers opportunities to draw students in” (Laureate, 2010), however, the understanding, engagement, and support of new technology is infectious to me as well. I want to have, use, and understand the new applications as well as desiring to incorporate them into lessons.
The only new questions I have pertain to the new and free resources available. Attending the conference was as much a chance to share free sites with peers as it was an introduction to new technology. The financial situation of school districts impressed upon me the need to seek, not just new sites, but free sites. Cautiously though. I still must protect the students from advertising that often accompanies many good sites.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010) Assessing Student Learning with Technology [Webcast]. Supporting information literacy and online learning in the classroom. Baltimore, MD: Author.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
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Hello!
ReplyDeleteSounds like our district is in the same situation yours. Unfortunately, some sites that we had subscribed to last year have been discontinued.
You might consider using mass email at your school and ask your fellow teachers what websites they use that are free and useful in the classroom. This will allow you to compile a solid list that you can even share with others in your building.