Week 6 Revising GAME Plan

What have I learned so far that I can apply to my instructional practice?
This question prompted me to review the NETS standards and to evaluate the technology use of my students in classroom activities. While my GAME plan was to design digital age learning experiences and to engage in professional growth, I still think it is important to review the other three standards that my GAME plan does not address. So far I have learned to value the importance of creating lessons that facilitate and inspire student learning. By adapting my instruction to include digital media as much as possible, I am allowing students the opportunity to become critical thinkers who engage in real world authentic learning. I have learned of new resources for myself to better design relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources. The learning resources have offered several suggestions as well as the links posted in the next step of each weeks learning resources.

Goals that I still work towards, include, but are not limited to customizing and personalizing learning activities to address student diversity using digital tools and resources. My goal is to find opportunities to create small group teams who can access the four computers I have in my classroom and use them in meaningful ways. By rotating these groups and offering guidance while monitoring the activities of the remaining students, I hope to increase the time spent using technology for further research study and artifact creation. While I do feel that I provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments that are aligned with content and technology standards, I could seek peer guidance in reviewing the resulting data to determine additional learning and teaching needs. Often, more experienced instructors have tried and true methods that have worked for unique situations that I have not yet encountered.

Based on the NETS the new learning goal I will set for myself is to model digital age work and learning. I wish to better exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. I will collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. While I have created a class blog, I have become lax in the maintenance of it. I also intend on using our schools instant alert system as a means of contacting parents of up coming classroom events and information. I also intend on using Moodle to support classroom instruction in the future, as this is available to each of us in the school system, but minimally used. This will also extend what I have learned so far. By seeking new and innovative ways to use technology and utilizing tried and true methods, my students will continue to be challenged and supported.

As far as seeking new learning approaches, I will continue to maintain my values as a life long learner myself. Through self reflection, monitoring student progress, and maintaining contact and support of parents as well as peers, I see the future as an opportunity for my own personal growth as well as my students. The difficulty is in keeping up with the newest technology and applications. By seeking guidance from skilled support and offering my support to others, I will create a global center for learning in our community. Where teachers are not afraid to try new and innovative techniques but seek them out.