Since school is approaching quickly, I will be able to begin a better evaluation of my plan then. As for now, my plan has been thoughtfully planned according to the GAME plan criteria (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). “During the evaluating stage, you reflect on how well you have met your goals and determine whether you should modify your strategies for future learning tasks” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 3). I feel as though my goals will be met with my current actions, yet I continue to modify my plan to better meet the needs of my learners.
I will be able to meet my NETS- T goal: “Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments” by focusing on the indicator that suggests I “develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress” (NETS-T, 2008). I have taken action towards this goal by using my Walden colleagues as resources, which allowed me to find several resources that I can use for my math classroom. In looking at the resources, I also found several other technology based choices that I can provide my students to heighten motivation (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). The resource I am excited to use is at http://www.figurethis.org/index.html. I have learned that not only do I need to look at choice and student interest, but I should also think about the readiness level of the students if I truly wish to differentiate learning (Laureate Education, 2009). To make sure this new area is covered, I need to find math resources, preferably technology based, that have various levels for the different readiness levels of students. Colleagues, have you used any online math resources that figure out the level a student should work at based on their performance on other problems? I know of freerice.com, which is a great resource to get my classroom started. The complexity of the questions change based on the answers the student gets correct. I need a program like this that keeps the student data online, so the students can monitor their own progress. I know I have a lot to learn about the various resources available to me, but I feel as though I am gaining by the resources presented to me and by spending time searching for valuable tools.
My NETS-T standard “4d. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility, develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools” goal is ready for action (NETS-T, 2008). After doing some planning with a math colleague, we set a plan to incorporate blogging into our math classroom. Since my students will vary in cultural representation, I can use blogs in addition to communicating with the ELL classroom to also meet this NETS-T goal. Perhaps I can even have the ELL math class join our blog so they can participate in the math discussions we have online. How awesome it would be for students to discuss math topics with a diverse group of students? “The nature of a blog is to share personal reflections, opinions, and feelings,” so students would learn about each others cultures and math simultaneously (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 75). For this activity, I wonder if all of my students and the ELL math students will be able to join one protected blog. I know there is a limit to how many people can be invited to one protected blog.
As I began evaluating my plan, I have realized the true impact of a GAME plan. It is ever changing, evolving. As I reflect and evaluate, it just keeps getting deeper. I am “updating my knowledge and skills” week by week to better meet the needs of my learners (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 7).
References:
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.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Introduction to differentiated instruction. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.
National Education Standards for Teachers. (2008) Retrieved July 7, 2010. Website:http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
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Hi Tianna,
ReplyDeleteI love the GAME Plan for three reasons. First, it keeps me on tract and focused on the goals I set with a clear path to accomplish those goals. Second, the plan is very specific and directed, but with opportunity to revise as needed. The plan is not set in stone and as new questions arise, the plan is monitored and modified. Finally, the plan leads to new and future GAME plans. I have noticed I have thought of more ideas in the past month on integrating technology than I have in the past 4 years.
James
Tianna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the GAME plan we have learned to use in this course (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I have attended so many classes and hear so many great ideas that never made their way into my repertoire because I couldn’t find the time, or didn’t have the resources or some other excuse. Creating a plan to achieve set, written goals gives me the inspiration I need to push through the excuses and re-evaluate the plan until I find success. Learning to work this way myself has taught me valuable skills that I will be able to model for my students.
Carla
References
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.