Revising My GAME Plan

With regard to my instructional practice, I have learned that there is so much new information on how to implement technology into my lessons that it's overwhelming! One of the most valid concepts that I have gained is the importance of making assignments authentic and giving my students a variety of choices. For example, in this week's video program, Vicki Davis (2009) discusses when students have difficulty typing, it would be better to give them the option of creating a video or Power Point presentation instead. In the same video program, other instructors gave suggestions such as Moodle or Ning to use for online collaboration. Both programs are easy to use and free. They help keep track of participation which is always a challenge. Finally, Davis offers the suggestion of using the terminology "educational networking" instead of social networking when teaching. Too many times kids separate their social time and school time, so this plays into that mindset.

I am happy with the progress that I am making on my current GAME plan goals. Last week our staff had a collaborative meeting between the english and history departments. We discussed the implementation of technology into our cross-curricular assignments. One of our primary focuses will be digital storytelling. This is major progress since last week I posted that we had no plan for technology. Now each teacher on staff is setting a goal to work digital storytelling into their curriculum in some way. Also, my junior high students will purchase a flash drive next year as a part of their materials for school. This will help when creating the eportfolio. They will be able to work on their papers at home and at school. Both of these areas will benefit all our students tremendously.

Currently, I am still focusing on my original NETS-T goals as set in January. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the amount of information that I am attempting to absorb, so I am more comfortable with extending what I've learned so far rather than setting additional goals. I am still looking forward to implementing digital storytelling and eportfolios next year. In addition, when using the blogs and wikis, I am extending that goal to include the use of Moodle and Ning in order to help my students with their collaboration. Other programs are available and once I am able to model these, I will be open to implementing them as well.

Various learning approaches have been discussed thus far. For me, I learn best when viewing the video programs and reading the subtitles at the same time. Also, when developing new technology, it's easiest for me to use tutorials and follow step by step directions. With practice, new strategies become easier for me to model. I have found that if I hit a snag along the way, there is always at least one student willing to offer their assistance. It's amazing the difference between a digital native and a digital immigrant!

References
Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Davis, V., Program: 10. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas [Educational Video]. Los Angeles: Solution.

Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Davis, V., Program: 11. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas [Educational Video]. Los Angeles: Solution.