Revising My GAME Plan

What learning will I take with me into the four walls of my classroom? I have learned so much through the implementation of creating a real plan towards goals. The GAME plan has focused my attention to specific needs that I wanted to improve on (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Since I have seen my own growth throughout this process, I understand the benefit of having my students create game plans. There are also NETS standards for students; it would be incredible for them to experience growth toward becoming true 21st century learners. They will learn new ideas from others who comment on their GAME plan blogs, just as I have. They will experience true collaboration “and gain skills that will serve them well after they leave school” (Bray, Brown, & Green, 2004, p. 2). That is my ultimate goal; students will become self-directed learners who are able to create, monitor, evaluate, and revise their goals (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).

As I looked back at the NETS-T standards, I will set a new goal. I really like standard 4 Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility; I would like to specifically focus on indicator “b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources” (NETS-T, 2008). I have often tried to incorporate technology, but I would like to set the bar higher. There are resources available online that differentiate based on interest, readiness, and learner profiles (Laureate Education, 2009b). I want to be more purposeful in finding resources that meet the needs of students at an individual level. Technology is the tool that can help me reach this intimidating task.

After thoughtfully analyzing my goals previously set by revising and modifying them to be realistic in my own classroom, I feel comfortable with the goals set before me. Not only am I excited to start the 2010-2011 school year, but I have a clear purpose. I feel that after this upcoming school year, the NETS-T goals I set will be no longer be weaknesses but instead strengths. To improve my learning, I will take the questions I ask on my blog and post them on other educator blogging communities. I know there are resources available at my fingertips, and I need to make connections with other teachers to find the resources I need (Laureate Education, 2009a).

Resources:

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). (2009a). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Introduction to differentiated instruction. Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.