Developing Your Personal GAME Plan:

“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