Reflection

Creating my GAME plan forced me to take a closer look at the NET-S. Many of the learning indicators are already being covered in my classes, so writing my GAME plan helped me to focus on those that are not currently being covered.

The GAME plan has also encouraged me to make some changes in my current instructional practice. I have invited visitors in to speak to my classes about careers that involve using technology. My students are 8^th graders, so it is time for them to begin thinking about their future and what career path they might want to consider as they begin high school next year.

I have also invited someone in to talk to mu students about internet safety. Our students each have their own laptops, which they are allowed to take home if they have insurance coverage. Even though we try to do our best to monitor their behavior when they are on the computer at school, we do not know how much supervision they have when they take their computer home. Therefore, it is important for them to know of the dangers that are out there.

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

I teach at a technology magnet school where each student has their own laptop. Technology is something we use on a daily basis. Creating the GAME Plan forced me to revisit the NETS-S and think about what I need to do to help my students develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators.

As I continue to implement my GAME Plan at the beginning of the new year, I will continue to monitor and evaluate the progress made by me and my students. I look forward to increasing their knowledge in the area of technology related careers. I think students will be surprised at all the different ways technology can be used in a wide variety of careers. Students will also benefit from lessons on internet safety as well as application updates.

Revising My GAME Plan

Even though I do not plan to carry out my GAME plan until after the winter break, I have started to make contacts to arrange for visitors to come in and talk to my students. They will have a local police officer come in to talk about internet safety. They will also have local professionals come in to talk about various careers and what type of technology they use in their occupation. I am arranging for these visitors to visit our classroom in January.

I have learned that, technology will help to “level the playing field” for students with different abilities, needs, or preferences, (K. Cennamo, J. Ross, and P. Ertmer, 2009). Not only do students enjoy using technology, but it also helps those struggling students to have more of an advantage they would not otherwise have without technology. It can also provide extensions for those higher-level students who need and want something more challenging to do when they have completed the required assignment. The way I see it, technology has something for everyone!

One goal that I have not yet begun to work on is "Students will troubleshoot systems and applications." I have not yet approached our administration about the idea of forming a troubleshooting team consisting of students. Even though I think this is a great idea, I have a feeling they will not be very receptive to the idea.

One new goal I would like to set for myself and my students is number two on the NETS - Communication and Collaboration. Even though I have students communicate with classmates to discuss the novel, I would also like to have them "Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures." This is something I will try to incorporate into my next unit of study third quarter.

As I mentioned last week I am not doing much with my GAME plan at this time. I hope to get moving on it after the holidays. One thing that I am doing is having students hold their novel discussion online by using Gaggle. This is a site approved by our district for students to use. I have set up the chat rooms and they are only allowed to chat with the members in their discussion groups, so I know it is a safe environment. I am also printing out their discussions so I can make sure they are staying on track and discussing appropriately.