My Personal GAME Plan

At the beginning of EDUC 6713-Integrating Technology across Content Areas, I was introduced to the GAME plan concept.  According to Cannamo, Ross and Ertmer (2009), the GAME plan requires one to think about and take steps to direct their learning process, specifically while learning about technology and how to integrate it into their curriculum (p. 3).  The Game plan emphasizes self-directed learning, a strategy that all teachers are familiar with and have implemented in their own learning many times over.  This week’s assignment ask that I, examine the National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T), choose at least two indicators I need strengthening in, and share my GAME plan for achieving these goals.

GOALS

After reviewing the NETS-T, I decided on the two standards I would like deeper growth and understanding in.

The first standard I would like deeper growth in is Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Students Learning and Creativity, with an emphasis on indicator b, “engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources,” (NETS-T, 2012).  As a mathematics teacher, it has been my goal to design lessons to motivate and engage my students using more thought provoking real-world issues, while implementing technology.

The second standard I would like deeper growth in is Standards 2: Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, with an emphasis on indicator c, “customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources,” (NETS-T, 2012).  With the NCLB Act it is imperative that I find ways in which to reach all students, by designing lessons which incorporates a wide range of technology tools for differentiated instruction. 

ACTIONS

To achieve the stated goals it is important for me to ask myself the following questions, a) what information do I need to meet my goals, b) what learning strategies will I use, and c) what resources are needed (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 4). 

To engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources, I must first look at my curriculum to see where I can implement more authentic real-world problems, while using technology, thus leading to more project-based learning.  This will also require self-directed learning on both teacher and students.  Then I will research different technology tools that can be aligned with project based learning. 

In order to customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources, I must first evaluate my students Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores, paying attention to their exceptionalities, and also by providing students with a learning inventory assessment.  This will lead to the incorporation of differentiated instruction; I will also research different software programs which will align with this standard.

MONITOR.

It is imperative that I monitor whether I am making adequate progress towards meeting my goals, and also reflect on whether the strategies I have selected are working (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 4).  I must also incorporate a timeline; indicating dates I would like to implement my goals.  I will also access my strategies to ensure that they are assisting me in meeting goals.

With implementing differentiated strategies, I must ensure that I am meeting the needs of all students.  Therefore I will have to monitor students learning on a weekly basis, to ensure that they are all learning the materials while utilizing different technology tools.  I must also assess whether the chosen technology tools are benefiting students.

EVALUATION

To evaluate whether or not I am meeting my goals based on the standards, I must determine whether or not I have met my goal and reflect on whether my approaches worked or whether I must modify my strategies for the future (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 5).

For Standard 1, indicator b: engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources, I must first, a) access student’s attitude towards project-based learning, b) survey students  and c) observe and take antidotal notes while students are working on assignment.  If this is not working then I will look at different ways of introducing students to project-based learning.

For 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 will survey individual students to see if this way of work is working for them.  Another way of evaluating this Standard is by assessing students, this will provide me with the required data needed to evaluate whether or not these different software are assisting in students' comprehension of the lesson.

Resources:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved September 10, 2012, from: http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

No Child Left Behind-Ed.gov. Retrieved September 10, 2012, from: http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml