How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Over the past few weeks I have been developing, implementing, monitoring and now evaluating my GAME Plan. Some parts of my GAME plan have been successful while others have not. One area that I am pleased with is the collaboration between myself and my colleagues with regard to the implementation of technology. As a matter of fact, my principal has become "on board" with this as well. So much so that today he scheduled a meeting for both the english and history departments to discuss strategies for implementing technology. This is very exciting for me because we have a staff that is currently divided in half on the idea of the importance of technology in the classroom. My hope is that this meeting will give them ideas that will motivate them to learn more about the technology that could bring some of their lessons alive for their students.
An area of frustration is the lack of concern on the part of our superintendent and school board. While many schools are adopting long range plans for technology development, ours is not. Since our school received a state of the art computer lab and mobile laptop cart two years ago, they are taking a break from adopting new technology. It is probable that next year many of our teachers will receive a SMART board, which is encouraging, however that is as far as it will go for now. What our administrators fail to realize is that as soon as that new computer lab was up and running, it was most likely already outdated. Technology advances and changes so quickly! How will we ever get ahead?
I could write pages on the amount of knowledge I have gained over the past five weeks. One strategy that I am anxious to implement is digital storytelling. This is something I am getting familiar with in order to model it for my students. Another strategy is the digital portfolio. Since we already create portfolios, and have the use of student accounts in place, this is the next logical step. I will add this aspect to my eighth grade class project at the end of this year. Problem-based lessons (PBL) are the current focus and one that fits in with my curriculum perfectly. I am already planning which lessons I can adapt into PBL. Although overwhelming, this new knowledge is the key to creating motivating, authentic lessons for my students that are successful.
With all of these new techniques, there will be many questions. Many will have to be answered as we work through the different lessons. For example, there is always the question of how much time each lesson will require. Also, in our school we always have the issue of sharing the computers. What is the best way to make sure I get enough time with the different tools so my students are successful? In addition, I am concerned that I will encounter a glitch, and it's bound to happen, and I won't know how to overcome it. These questions remind me that I still have much to learn. One area is how to balance many new tools during the same project. Students do well when they are allowed to choose the method they use. As a result, I will have many different projects going on withing one project. It will take some time and experience to learn how to meet everyone's needs. Another thing I must learn is as much information about each technique as possible. Keeping a log is one way I have learned to keep the information straight. It will also help through this trial and error process!
To be honest, I do not know how I will adjust my plan to fit my (and my students') needs. I think a good teacher has to be patient and flexible. We know that there is no "normal" day. As a matter of fact, that's exactly why I love my job. So I will adjust my plan the same way I adjust my expectations and my lessons each day. I will pay attention to how my students are receiving the information, ask many questions to check their confidence and their knowledge, and hope for the best!
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Hello!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited for you that got to schedule a tech meeting with a few departments in your school! Just this week (even with all the tech issues my campus has been dealing with) I was asked by my principal/director to sponsor some more professional development with technology. I feel that although using technology in the classroom has been around forever, we are the next generation of users in our "modern" field. So in this aspect I am blessed, that I have the support of both my administration and the board of directors.
I also appreciate your honesty when it comes to having to adjust your GAME Plan. Sometimes things are just out of our hands, as educators. In your case, you can only do as much as your school campus will allow. In my case I can only do as much as the technology that we have will allow. In all classrooms, and in all plans of education, we as teachers are dependent on many different factors. This is something I do not like, but accept. Keep trucking on Dupler!
It's great, Adib, that your administrators are recognizing your leadership and technology skills. I am confident you would bring many strengths to any department. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAs far as adjusting my GAME plan, I feel that as educators we must be flexible, if nothing else. When we walk in the building each morning, we have no idea what our day will hold. With all the individuals we teach, the professionals with whom we work, and the parents that we must deal with, we must be flexible. Thank you for the encouragement!