Week 4 - GAME plan update

This week in our class, we are looking at assessments and how to better utilize them in our classrooms. Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) showed us the four types of assessment and the various technologies that we can use to support them. There are forced-choice, open-ended response, performance-based, and project based assessments. Some of the technologies that help performance and project-based assessments include concept mapping, simulations, and portfolios.

Our assignment for this blog posting was to take a look at our GAME plan and see how things are progressing. Part of my GAME plan was to keep taking these classes and find examples of the technology I have access to at school. This part may need to be modified because it is more long term than right now. I am thinking about my entire school year, instead of the next few weeks of this class. The only piece of technology I really have acces to is the computer, so I can try out the various ways I can use it. I did have a few colleagues tell me that they felt it would be better if I mastered one way to use the computer and did that with my students, instead of halfway doing several of them. I have to say that I agree with them. Right now, I feel that teaching my students how to do complete Power Point presentations would be a good place to start. We can add to our slides as we master this program. I have discussed with them using Power Point and most of them are ready. There are a few who are going to need a lot of guidance, but that is what needs to be done.

I haven't really read anything in educational journals beause I have been reading what my colleagues say and what is on the DVD clips we watch for class. If anyone has a really great journal that has good articles on Power Point, please let me know. When I think about what I have learned so far, it would have to be that I can't be the master of all technology right now. I have to learn one piece at a time. I want to do them all, but I would not be doing anyone any good at all. As far as the questions that have come up, I really don't have any right now. We are starting science fair projects in my class, but the students will not be doing Power Point presentations for this. I will be able to do a project using this technology in a week or so, after they have a good start on their projects. If anyone has any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. I am always ready to hear good ideas.

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.

Application - Week 3

For this assignment, we are continuing to work on our GAME plan. I am still working on mine to make it right. So far, I have been reading from our text to find out as much as I can about how to use technology to its fullest potential in my classroom. Also, I have been looking at my standards to find the areas where I feel I can use technology to benefit the students. There are places that I think I can use it, but now, I have to decide which type of technology to use. I did get some good advice from one of my colleagues. It was suggested that I focus on one type of technology and become a master of it, then I can better teach it to my students. It would be better than trying to do them all at a mediocre level. The only problem I have with that is that there are so many really cool things I would like to do with my students that I don't know if I can pick just one! I would like to read some more about UDL and technology and how it ties into my curriculum. Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) tell how UDL lets students meet their learning goals in a flexible manner, instead of the teacher "dumbing down" the curriculum (p. 121). I want to find out more about this and tie it into my GAME plan. I like seeing and hearing the teachers from our DVD talking about what they do in their classrooms. It is very interesting and I pick up some very good ideas from them. As I find more information and possible ideas to try, I do want to try them and see what happens. Each class is different, so I can't dismiss it, if it doesn't work. I need to keep it and try it again at another time. I want to find some various technologies that will work for this year's class, so they will be prepared for their future.

Application - Week 2

Hello, everyone. I am developing my GAME plan for our class application assignment. This is all very new to me, so I hope I am doing it correctly. The two indicators I have chosen fall under the categories of:

#1 Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
b. Teachers engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems
using digital tools and resources.
#2 Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
a. Teachers design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and
resources to promote student learning and creativity.

My Goals are the two indicators listed above. The Action I plan to take is continue with these classes in this program and find examples of technology that I have access to and I have time to teach my students. To Monitor, I will try out the various types of technology that I feel are appropriate for my students. To Evaluate and Extend, I will watch the students as they use the technology and see how well it works for them and with them. I will also discuss with them how well they liked using that piece of technology and how I can change things for the next time.

If any of my colleagues from class have any suggestions for me, I would really appreciate hearing from you. Like I said before, I can use all the help I can get. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tami Phipps