Carrying Out My GAME Plan

My last post described two technology standards (NETs) that I want to focus on in order to improve my technology skills both in and out of the classroom.  My first goal (Standard 3) is to better exhibit the knowledge, skills, and work processes of someone in a digital society (International Society for Technology in Education [ITSE], 2008).  My second goal (Standard 5) is to improve my practice by engaging in professional growth and leadership opportunities (ITSE, 2008).  In order to follow a sequential and self-directed path to working on these goals, I have decided to follow the four-step, GAME plan approach that was outlined in our course text.  The GAME plan will enable me to customize my approach to learning tasks and developing the relevant skills that will help me to reach my goals, while preparing for lifelong learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).

The first step in the GAME plan involves goal setting, for which the groundwork has already been laid.  The second step of the game plan, the “A”, requires one to take action, which for me involves looking at the resources and information I will need to meet my goal.  For this step, I will also be choosing the learning strategies I plan to implement, once I have all of the necessary tools in order to do so.

For Standard 3, I will be looking for resources that will better allow me to understand the different types of technology that are available, and that would be directly beneficial to my classroom.  YouTube tutorials, educational technology blogs, and further review of Walden resources (i.e. Dr. LeBeau’s “Tech it Out” tools, resources discussed in our text/media segments), will give me a great start in locating tools that I can delve into more deeply.  I also need to make sure I set aside the time to work with these resources in order to find out if they are truly something I can use in my classroom.  I also plan to use digital tools to further collaborate and communicate with my colleagues, students, and parents.  Discovering ways to update my classroom website, sharing via blogging, and finding out how to utilize newer social media outlets would also lead me a step in the right direction.  The more I do to locate and test out new types of technology, the more success I will have in finding resources that will best suit my needs.  This week, I decided to switch my old classroom website format (I have a website that is linked to our county’s education service center) to a new (and more exciting!) format through the free website tool Weebly.  To further tailor this goal to also meet the needs of my students, I will continue to search for interactive, visually-oriented learning tools.  Following special education technology blogs ("Teaching All Students" by Patrick Black is one of my favorites) has provided me with a wealth of resources that I have been able to try out with my students.  It is critical that I am familiar with the resources I utilize in order to incorporate them successfully and smoothly into my lessons.  The goal of technology is to enhance my instruction, not hinder it.

For Standard 5, I am hoping to have the opportunity to participate in more technology-focused learning communities.  Have my Walden cohort has been an invaluable resource from day one.  I am able to share my technology knowledge and resources, and receive immediate feedback and suggestions.  While this collaboration has been a great tool for improving my practice, it has not necessarily allowed me to exhibit leadership skills in the school setting.  In order to become more of a technology facilitator, leader, and “go-to” person within my special education program and school, I need to seek out resources that will address some of the concerns/issues that fellows teachers and I face on a daily basis.  Reaching out to those who have technology blogs (and in particular, special education and technology blogs), may provide me with the tools needed to introduce new ideas to those around me.  Asking for time to address fellow staff members at meetings in order to get their tech concerns/questions/etc. will provide me with a jumping-off point for research on the more specific resources needed to make our school an effective and technology-driven learning environment.  Social media, such as Twitter or Facebook, could also provide an outlet for asking/answering questions and providing support to educators on a global level.  The tools available for collaboration with other educators are virtually endless!  It is now my goal to find out the most effective way I can collaborate with other educators both in and out of the classroom.  Since my last blog post, I have been able to talk with my program director about incorporating technology components into our quarterly meetings.  We discussed the possibility of me assisting with the tech concerns of my colleagues (seven total), as well as going over any new technologies that will be beneficial for us all.  I would also like to spend time going over iPad apps (we all were provided with iPads at the end of last school year) that would be motivating and accommodating for our students with special needs.  This opportunity has both empowered and excited me!  I can’t wait to start looking for resources that I will be able to share with my colleagues.

Throughout each week of this course, I hope to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in regards to technology by following my GAME plan and seeking out the advice and support of my colleagues.  Any input on resources that will help me to do so is much appreciated!

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers