This week Dr. Katherine Cennamo discusses with us the importance of having a GAME plan when promoting self-directed learning and creative thinking (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). The first step in creating a GAME plan is to set a goal. After viewing the different technology standards (http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm)
I have decided on applying two of the standards to my goal:
1. Engage in professional growth and leadership
2. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Actions to take:
The first step I will take is to set goals for these two standards. To engage in professional growth and leadership my goals is to continue taking classes that are focused on the use of technology. I will also take time each week to visit with fellow teachers about technology tools they are using in their classrooms. For the leadership piece, my goal is to share different ideas about technology I have found and used during staff meetings and PLC (Professional Learning Communities) meetings.
The second step will be setting a goal for facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. In order to begin working on this goal, it is necessary to model strategies for being an independent learner and creative thinker with my students. Creating technology projects as artifacts to share with students will be the first step of this goal.
Monitoring Progress:
For my first goal, I plan on using a calendar to monitor how many times I have had professional conversations with colleagues about technology. On this calendar I will write down notes on the dates I have these conversations. By using a calendar, I will be able to track how often these conversations are taking place.
For the second goal I will create a folder on the teachers' share drive to place copies of the work I have created to use as models for students. By viewing the folder frequently, I will be able to monitor if I need to add more samples.
Evaluation:
Evaluation of the first goal will come from feedback I receive from staff about the technology information I have shared with them. These conversations may bring up better ideas to implement.
Evaluation of the second goal come from student artifacts. If the quality of student projects and artifacts become better, I will know that the models are helpful.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
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Travis,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are continuing to take courses that are focused on the use technology. I also like the idea of having a group of peers that you can meet with to discuss the types of technology they are using in their classrooms. Do you find that many of your peers use the information you share with them at staff meetings and PLC meetings? There seem to be very few teachers at my school who are interested in using technology in their classrooms.
I absolutely love the idea of using a calendar to keep track of your meetings and as a place to take notes. Are you able to post your calendar so that others can view it and add their comments from the meetings? This way all involved can keep track of what was discussed and add to it (maybe a wiki)?
Feedback is definitely key in making sure that something is working. The information gained is so valuable when planning future lessons using technology. You have shared some great ideas that I would like to use at my school as well. Nice job!
I am fortunate to work with a group of teachers who are willing to try new things when dealing with technology. So yes, my peers are good about listening and applying things we discuss in our PLC meetings. I teach in a building that is 3 years old and has up-to-date technology such as SmartBoards, 5 laptops in addition to our mobil computer lab, and a wireless network in each room. Many of the teachers in my building were worried about the technology when we first opened out building but have a hard time living without it now when something goes down.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
Travis
Hi Travis,
ReplyDeleteIf you do not have time to meet and discuss technology, you can always set up a wiki and share ideas there.
I think it is awesome that you are going share all that you are learning with other teachers in your building. We all need to do that.
Are the "technology projects as artifacts" to share exemplars that you are going to make? I was not sure what you meant about that.
Keep being an agent of change. Our field needs teachers like you to spread the word...
Travis,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of keeping a calendar of the meetings and technology that you are using. I think that you will find that will really help you as you move towards your goals with your GAME plan. At my school this year, we have kept reflective journals and now as we are ending the year and needing to reflect back on our goal plans for the year, it has been very helpful to be able to use the reflective journal and the data that I recorded there throughout the year.
You have a great game plan. I love the idea of talking to your colleagues but what is the benefit to writing down your conversations and the date? That seems like a lot of extra work, I am curious what you will do with that information.
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