My GAME Plan

              In the ever-changing technological world in which we are teaching, it is becoming increasingly imperative to find ways to build on the knowledge that students already have, and to connect that knowledge to deeper learning in the classroom (Prensky, 2008).  It is now inexcusable to continue teaching in a particular way out of comfort or a lack of confidence in technology integration, ignoring the real needs of students.  The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provides standards to guide educators as we “teach, work, and learn in an increasingly connected global and digital society” (International Society, 2008).  As we are never finished learning the skills and knowledge that will take us through the 21^st century, setting goals and creating a plan to improve in particular areas is an effective way to begin the lifelong journey.

            My first goal relates to the first NETS-T standard, facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity (2008).  I would like to learn more about how to “engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources” (2008).  Authentic learning is a way to increase student activity, leadership, and creativity in the content area classroom and provides the skills needed to be a successful 21^st century thinker, problem solver, and therefore member of society (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  My second goal is to more fully “develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age communication and collaboration tools” (International Society, 2008).  I would like to find a means of connecting my students with other students around the world and also collaborate with teachers who have varying perspectives and ideas (Laureate Education Inc., 2010). 

To take action towards achieving my first goal, I plan to search the internet for examples of authentic and problem-based learning lessons within math and language arts, the two subjects that I teach.  I feel that the internet can act as an invaluable resource for hands-on, interactive, and collaborative projects that will engage my students more fully in the learning process.  I also plan to collaborate with other teachers at my school and within my district about successful projects that they have incorporated.  To begin action towards my second goal, I will more fully explore websites such as epals and classroom without borders to find collaborative projects for which other teachers are seeking partner classrooms.  I will also collaborate with my Media Center Specialist for ideas, as I know that she has engaged students in such activities in the past.

            To monitor my progress, I will examine the resources that I have collected for authentic and collaborative lessons.  With the authentic lessons, I want to try to find patterns or common factors within the various examples so that I can try to more naturally integrate them into the lessons that I already implement.  I will determine what alterations need to be made to scaffold the assignment sufficiently for my learners, or to connect it more directly to my curriculum.  I will also think about whether I have the technology tools needed to implement the lessons/projects, or if they need to be adapted due to my resources.  Additionally, it will be necessary to take into account what time considerations may be involved in the various projects, which relate to my content, and what prior knowledge the students will require to be successful collaborators. 

In the evaluate and extend stage, I will share the project and lesson ideas with my co-teachers so that we can work together to create a timeline and plan to begin integration.  I can then contact the collaborating teacher if necessary.  Finally, I will implement one or more of the problem based and collaborative lessons to determine their effectiveness.  I will reflect on what changes should be made for the future and note what aspects of the lesson went most smoothly.

             In putting goals into writing and creating a plan to meet those goals, I know that I will have more motivation and drive to follow through with them.  As the ultimate expectation for students in this digital age is to be “autonomous learners who are motivated to become, and responsible for being, in control of their own learning processes” (Theroux, 2011), learning how to more fully engage them in their learning through technology is an essential step.   I would love to hear of any suggestions of authentic learning activities or collaborative efforts that other teachers have made to help guide my “action.”

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

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45.
Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=cd5b79a4-e138-4026-9267-9c24b4a81b49%40sessionmgr10&vid=4&hid=6

Theroux, P. (2011, November 16). Engaged learning. Enhance learning with technology. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/engaged.html