Introduction
In
the video, “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part
1” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011), Peggy Ertmer, PhD mentioned the four
“variables” for integrating technology effectively in the classroom. These four
requirements are knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and support culture. Even
though technology is always transforming and advancing, I can understand how
one could stay confident and knowledgeable in utilizing these tools in the
classroom. If one keeps themselves up-to-date with new technologies or
improvements with already existing technology, they will be less overwhelmed
and more confident. This process needs to begin somewhere.
As
I returned to The National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T),
I was able to reflect on certain standards to strengthen my confidence and
skill on. Developing a GAME plan can assist in strengthening my confidence and
skills in those standards.
The two standards I have chosen to work towards achieving
are:
4b Address the diverse needs of all
learners by using learner-centered strategies
providing
equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources (NETS-T,
2008).
2b Develop technology-enriched learning
environments that enable all students to
pursue their
individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their
own educational
goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own
progress (NETS-T,
2008).
Goals
Implementing
a GAME plan entails setting a goal, taking action, monitoring ones progress,
and evaluating the outcome (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). With this, I
have set into place, two goals to accomplish as I improve my confidence and
proficiency in addressing the various needs of students through the use of
“digital tools and resources” and developing “technology-enriched learning
environments” (NETS-T, 2008). The main goal I will work towards is to improve a
lesson taught last year and enhance it by integrating at least technology into
one aspect of that lesson. The second goal is to pass the knowledge I gain onto
the students to build their confidence, in order to ensure for a richer and
more confortable learning environment.
Action
The
first action I must take is to attend teacher seminars or workshops on topics
related to differentiating instruction by integrating the use of technology. To
be more proactive, instead of waiting for a flyer to circulate, I will do some
research on my own through our district website, http://www.oldbridgeadmin.org
to view the different workshops offered through our professional development
committee. In order to develop technology-enhanced environments inside and
outside of the classroom, I must first discover the variety of technology tool
available to me in my school. The school’s technology “guys”, Harry Brennan and
Thomas Towne, will be the perfect resources to expose me to the different
technologies present, in my school and district. Most importantly, I will
collaborate ideas and experiences with colleagues, parents, and students.
Monitor
To monitor my progress throughout the GAME plan, I will
begin to keep an online journal or blog to record new knowledge, experiences,
or progress made as I work towards my goals. My lesson plans will be a clear
record of my progress, as well. The professional learning communities online
(PD360.com) will allow me to gain feedback from others to gain an outsider’s
view on progress being made. Monitoring my progress will keep me on target to
my goal without diverging. Also, if I find something is not working, I will be
able to notice right away if my monitoring is more consistent. Furthermore,
student feedback, completed assignments, and tests scores will assist me in
monitoring the effectiveness of the goals set and actions implemented.
Evaluate
A fair evaluation of my overall accomplishments will be
through my lesson plans. I will be able to assess my confidence and proficiency
in the two objectives listed above from the NETS-T standards depending on how
often technology is utilized throughout the lessons. Unbiased feedback from
professionals outside my classroom will also make for an effective evaluation
on the outcome. Lastly, the student feedback will provide proof whether my goal
was accomplished or if it needs to be reevaluated. This new confidence will
lead to extended learning.
Jackie Caliente
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology
integration for meaningful
classroom
use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA:
Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive
Producer). (2011a) Enriching content area learning
experiences
with technology, part 1. [Video webcast]. Retrieved
from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset
NETS•T (2012). Retrieved from: http//www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t
Hi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated how your plan includes so many different approaches to help you research. I also intend to follow through by utilizing a wide variety of resources in order to gather the information needed.
I admire how your school has a professional development committee and that you can see what topics are offered. I put the word out to colleagues in regards to PD opportunities for integrating technology. We do not have tech guys at our school- that is such a great resource for you! The tech staff was laid off so we have only one person for the district. But we do have a techy librarian who is full of ideas and is often an overlooked resource. When I was doing some online research I found so much useful and pertinent information that I think it may be my strongest resource. Do you have many teachers integrating technology in a very proactive way in your school?
I also appreciated your decision to take a previous lesson and focus on that as a reasonable starting point. This also helps to assess what is working and what is not. Not every lesson needs technology to enhance it. Process becomes as important as the product and passing on to your students what you learn gives them an opportunity to benefit.
Thanks so much for your post. I look forward to reading more about your GAME plan journey. Have a great night, Petra
The Professional Development opportunities in my district have surprisingly been decreased since about a year ago. This is a shame, because I know those opportunities were well taken advantage of. Though they were significantly decreased, there are still plenty that exist. There is no room to complain, especially since these P.D. courses are free of charge. If I decided to instruct one on my own, I would be paid at an hourly rate, in addition to my teaching salary. Pretty sweet deal, huh?
DeleteI understand that budget cuts or redistribution of money in a district needs to be done regardless of anyone's voiced concerns or personal opinion. However, in your case, I am not too sure cutting a technology position was the best choice to cut in this technology advancing world. I know our "tech guys" are always busy, running around helping with tech set up, questions, installations, maintainance, monitoring equipment, Internet upgrades, etc. I see how often their hands are full in just our school, alone. Are you part of an elementary, middle, or high school?
The teachers in our school are constantly integrating various types of technology into the delivery of their lessons, student activities, and study tools. We even use technology software for our lesson plans, daily attendance, parent communication, and grading.
It is a work in progress still, but slow changes are better than none at all. Would you agree? This year, every teacher in the building has received an iPad, and each student is expected to gain one in the upcoming 2013-2014 school year. Also, starting this year, every math teacher had a Polyvision board (like a Smartboadr) in their room with a build-in projector for easy collaboration. More are expected for the Science teachers in school. Next year, the ELA and Social Studies teachers will have one in their classroom, as well. How about your school? Are there technology tools in your school? If so, what types, how are they used? Is is manditory for teachers to integrate technology in their everyday lessons?
I am sorry. I pressed submit without finishing...
DeleteThank you, Colleen, for taking the time to read and for thoughtfully responding to my blog posting. Perhaps after completing this program, you will become another resource in your school to help others with technology tools.
Good luck and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Jackie Caliente
Hello Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more that confidence in oneself and their abilities, knowledge of the tools being used, belief that it will be effective,and a supportive culture are absolutely key in effectively integrating new technologies and ideas into your lessons or GAME plan for your lessons. The only way to effectively teach something to others is by possessing these four criteria yourself. Your GAME plan is well written and thought out. You seem to have effectively covered all the steps in reaching your goals. Your colleagues at school and professional development committee will be a great support in achieving your goals. Also, the use of prior lessons as a basis for improvement through technology implementation will be an excellent guide for you. Lastly, your assessments of the students is an excellent way to gauge the effectiveness of the lesson.
I enjoyed reading about your GAME plan and appreciate the useful suggestions. I look forward to hearing more about it in the future.
Great post! Have a good weekend!
Daniela Petruzzella
Daniela,
DeleteThank you so much for your supportive response to my blog. Sometimes, I feel that I talk in circles or set my expectations too high for myself to achieve. With this being said, I also thank you for solidifying my confidence in the GAME plan I have set for myself to strengthen my confidence and skills in the two standards chosen. Our communication is proof that Professional Learning Communities and communication with other professionals results in useful feedback for our success as educators.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Daniela.
Jackie Caliente
Hi Jackie
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you noted the four variables recommended by Dr. Peggy Ertmer for enriching content with technology (Laureate Ed. Inc., 2011). As I examined your GAME plan, I could see how you gained knowledge and as a result confidence for achieving your goal of addressing the needs of diverse learners and providing a technology rich environment for them. Your beliefs would have been the driving force in your choosing the standards you decided to work on. However, your support could come from working with a mentor teacher or teacher colleague. That individual could assist you in evaluating your work and highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. Your reflections within your lesson plans could also serve as a good guide to assess your development over time. It could also be an avenue for growth as you evaluate your work (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009) p. 10). How would your professional learning communities online (PD360.com) work to provide needed assistance?
E Jonah Greene
Reference
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Jonah,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point when you suggested I work with another teacher mentor. This is why I had chosen to utilize my PLC in PD360. Are you familiar with PD360? You can create or find different groups of teachers by similar interests. With this, you could communicate with people inside or outside of your district in order to reflect, gain different perspectives or advice. It is a useful and engaging tool instead of the traditional PLC face-to-face meetings.