“Over
the last few decades, as technology has become more prevalent in our everyday
lives, both educators . . . and industry leaders have increasingly stressed the
importance of developing students’ creative and critical thinking skills”
(Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 23). As I continue on my journey of
obtaining a master degree in Integrating Technology, I have begun to generate new
goals as well as a GAME plan to enhance students’ creativity through the
integration of technology. With a
growing understanding of technology, its forms, and possible practices, I am
confident that I can move forward and begin to enhance students’ learning, in
turn preparing them for the digital world.
As
described by Dr. Katherine Cennamo, in the media segment Promoting Self-Directed Learning with Technology, self-directed
learners must develop a GAME plan (Laureate Education Inc., 2010). GAME requires learners to “set goals, take
action, monitor your learning, and evaluate your progress” (Cennamo, et al.,
2009, p. 7). In order to develop my
goals and establish a GAME plan, I first visited the Web site for the
International Society for Technology in Education or ISTE. Through this website, I analyzed the Nation
Education Standards for Teachers or NETS-T, examining both its standards and
indicators. By doing so, I have
determined which indicators I feel most comfortable with as well as those that
I need to improve upon.
The
two indicators in the NETS-T that I have decided to focus on and strengthen
include indictor 2a and indictor 3b.
NETS-T indicator 2a states that teachers “Design or adapt relevant
learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote
student learning and creativity” (NETS-T, 2008). With this standard in mind, my first goal is
to develop various project options for students that incorporate different
outlets of technology. This could
include, but its not limited to, the use of VoiceThreads, podcasts, iMovies,
and Prezi presentations. By providing
students with various learning experiences and product options, I can better
promote creative thinking. Creative
thinking “is not a single process or skill . . . it involves many different
cognitive skills” (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p. 25).
To
take action, and achieve this first goal, I must begin by familiarizing myself
and becoming confident with the various corresponding technological tools. Thus far, through various graduate courses, I
have already become somewhat confident with several technological modalities
including the creation of VoiceThreads, and podcasts. Still, there is always more to learn and
master when it comes to technology. Once
confident and proficient, I must then review the technology tools with my
students. I can do so by allowing them
to explore and create projects, using technology such as VoiceThreads,
podcasts, iMovies, and Prezis.
In
addition to my first goal, my second goal focuses on NETS-T indicator 3b which
states that teachers “Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community
members using digital tools and resources to support student success and
innovation” (NETS-T, 2008). To complete
this goal, I will create a class blog.
Through this blog, I can collaborate with both students and
parents. Moreover, students will be able
to correspond with one another and work together outside of the classroom. Technology, such as blogs, gives students
“access to people, resources, or locations that would be impossible to get to
without it” (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p. 32).
A class blog can serve as an outlet for students to contact each other
as well as others around the world.
While
completing each goal, I will monitor students’ progress as well as my own
progress. I will do so by collecting
pertinent information through both anecdotal and reflective notes. Based on this information I will then adjust
my teaching accordingly, and if needed modify the learning strategies. Lastly, I will evaluate and possibly extend
my goals. While evaluating the successes
of technology in promoting creativity as well as collaboration, I will ask for
input from my students. Thus determining
a better all-around outcome.
I
am excited and ready to tackle my goals, while creating an environment rich
with technology and authentic learning experiences!
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P.
(2009). Technology integration for
meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach.Belmont,CA:Wadsworth,
Cengage Learning.
International Society for Technology in
Education. (2008). National education
technology standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive
Producer). (2010). Promoting self-directed learners [Video webcast]. Retrieved
from:
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1958377_1%26url%3D
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteYou have set very good and attainable goals for yourself! I have a similar goal regarding NETS-T 2a. standard dealing with familiarizing yourself with technology tools so you can use them with your students. I think your idea of a class blog is excellent! It is a great way for students and parents to stay in touch with you and also post questions and concerns they have. Have you ever done a blog with your class before? What are some concerns you have, if any? Great GAME plan!
Jana
Jana,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your feedback and encouragement. I have not used a blog with my class before. As you mentioned, I have a few concerns including whether or not my fourth grade students are mature enough to conduct conversation through a blog. To avoid this, I think that I will create "blog rules" with my students.
How is your GAME plan going?
- A. Legvari
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI think we all agree with your goals in some way. I would love to give my students a project in which they have the option of choosing one of those great websites or programs. In doing so, however, don't you think that there will be a lot of prep time needed to familiarize the students with each program? I feel that in order to give them these options, you would need them to complete a multiple day assignment for VoiceThread, for iMovie, for Prezi, and so on.
Possibly toward the end of the year, if all students had used and mastered each program, you could implement a project where these options are available to them. You definitely have your goals set high, which is great. I hope you reach them all. I cannot wait to hear more ideas from you.
- Daniel