Game Plan

According to our text, learners who “think about thinking… are metacognitive learners,” and all teachers should be metacognitive learners (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 3).  When I think about my hopes and thoughts for my teaching, I always think of technology. It is impossible for me to think about teaching without envisioning some technological program or device to enrich and inspire my students’ learning.  I have many goals for my classroom including my own professional development, students’ learning modes, content material, and obtaining additional technology.  For success in achieving my goals, I must employ three processes:  planning, monitoring, and evaluating my learning activities (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 3).  The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) realizes the importance of technology in the classroom and has, therefore, developed important goals for teachers regarding technology.  I must keep these goals in mind and incorporate them into my growth as a teacher.  The ISTE goals are:  1) Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity; 2) design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments; 3) model digital-age work and learning; 4) promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility; and 5) engage in professional growth and leadership (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).  Increasing my knowledge and abilities in technology will lead to greater confidence and further exploration (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). 

GOALS, G in GAME (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009):  Goal 1 is to facilitate and inspire; I would like to work on that particular goal.  Inspiring and motivating students takes constant effort and improvement; I cannot become stale or stagnant.  Goal 2 is to design and develop digital-age learning experiences.  I have begun implementing digital-age activities and authentic experiences, but I need to improve in this area.  I hope that eventually all my lessons will be enriched by technology and engaging to my students (Prensky, 2008).  Goals 3 and 4 involve promoting and modeling digital-age work, learning, and citizenship; these are presently part and parcel of my classroom.  Finally, Goal 5 is to engage in professional growth; since I am currently involved in this masters’ program as well as other leadership activities, this has been addressed. 

ACTION, A in GAME (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009):  In order to facilitate and inspire my students, I will ensure that I provide as much enriching technology in my lessons as possible.  Although this may be limited by availability and budget, many projects can be completed simply using a cell phone (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).  In addition, I will use technology and my own creativity to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful.  I can use on-line tutoring to supplement grammar skills as well as technology skills (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  I can implement web graphics to encourage students to use visual mapping of literature; students can produce a creative story using digital story telling (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  New tools, programs and devices are available every day, so it will be up to me to keep up with the new technology so that I can empower my students to be successful. 

MONITOR, M in GAME (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009):  If I am successful and increase my knowledge, this will naturally lead to greater confidence in the classroom (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a).  I must monitor my own learning goals and actions (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  Therefore, I will use my calendar to mark my goals and action plans and create deadlines for lesson plans enriched by technology.  I will post my goals in plain sight where I can see them every day.  I plan to attend the ISTE convention in June for inspiration and up to date knowledge.  In order to facilitate learning, I will talk with my students regularly and ask for comments and ideas at the end of each unit (Prensky, 2008).  I hope to inspire my students by my own enthusiasm and model success in using technology. 

                                   

EVALUATE & EXTEND, E in GAME (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009):  Evaluating the effectiveness of my own instruction is a “critical component of the GAME plan” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 86).  I will need to consider student assessment; if my students are successful, then I have done my job well (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  In addition, self-awareness and self-reflection are important (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  Therefore, I plan to begin an electronic journal to document my progress and the success of my students.  I can also share my progress on my blog and perhaps receive good advice from my colleagues. 

Through the implementation of my GAME plan, I hope to inspire and motivate my students and to enrich my curriculum with appropriate technology.  I believe that this plan is achievable, and the documentation of the journey will provide reflection and self-awareness. 

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:

            Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education.  (2008).  National Education Standards

            For Teachers (NETS-T).  Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS

            For Teachers 2008 EN.sflb.ashx. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences

With Technology, Part 1.  [Video webcast]. Baltimore, MD:  Author. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences

With Technology, Part 2 [Video webcast]. Baltimore, MD:  Author.

Prensky, M.  (2008).  Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45.  Retrieved

from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail?sid=b3454d33-3d8c-40d1-a691-8eb8408d071f%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9Z Whvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=31926035.