Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum Areas: Reflection

Never have I created such a specific, purposeful goal plan as I have for this course. The GAME Plan I created was a living, breathing document, because I continually took steps to improve my plan (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). As I learned the steps to implement my plan, I learned the value of having students create their own unique GAME plans (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). In my classroom, I will provide this process for my students, because I have experienced first hand the growth that can be attained. When a person creates specific goals, writes steps to put the goals in action, monitors the goals, revises the goals, and evaluates their effectiveness, reflection is required (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Learning the value of reflection has taught me the importance of requiring this level of deep thinking for my students on a daily basis. At the end of every period, I will have my students reflect upon their mastery of the content objectives. I want to provide this depth of learning every day in my classroom.

One way to increase motivation, creative thinking, and authentic learning experiences is to provide opportunities for students to use technology in the classroom (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). According to Bray, Brown, and Green (2004) “By providing all students with access to technology in the regular classroom, you are also providing them with opportunities to gain skills that will serve them well after they leave school” (p.2). I have taken in all of the learning from this course, committing to providing these real learning experiences for my students. I want to thoughtfully create lessons that not just integrate technology but find the perfect technologies to enhance my learning objectives. I will start by integrating the technology I know how to do, like wikis and blogs, and I will begin by adding small steps. Peggy Ertmer spoke to me when she mentioned that teachers can start with previous lessons and add valuable tools little by little (Laureate Education, 2009). I will put my GAME plan into motion this coming week, and I will begin applying what I learned from this class to make my classroom a 21st century classroom.


References:

Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004). Technology and the diverse learner: A guide to classroom practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

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). (2009). Integrating Technology Across
the Content Areas: Assessing Students Learning With Technology. Baltimore:
Author.