Reflection

As this course comes to an end I am reminded of the new strategies and ideas that I will bring back to my classroom AND my grade level. I feel that I have accomplished a large part of my GAME plan. We have begun technology training for professional development, I have created a class website with links for education games and other parent resources for my parents to view. Last week we had our curriculum night. As I delivered my presentation via the SmartBoard I was very impressed with myself on how far I have come. I continue to include technology into my lesson plans and have already introduced my 2 week old kindergarteners to the computer lab.

I will continue to grow in the area of technology integration but I leave here with leaps and bounds of progress!

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

As I continue to improve my GAME plan, I am working towards a way to introduce this idea to my students. In kindergarten, it is important to teach students the importance of creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Often times I do this through group activities such as role playing, class meetings, and creative writing. I can use the GAME plan process with my students in regards to the NETS-S by having the students first set their goals. Then we will discuss ways that students can accomplish their goals. Since my students are so young, I would have to work closely with my students in helping set their goals.

I have found that establishing my GAME plan and determining how I will achieve the goal is difficult. Although I have learned so much from this process, I feel that I have struggled. I am open to any advice on this process in regards to 5 and 6 year olds.

Revising your GAME Plan/Week 6

I am making a lot of progress as I work towards my goals. I continue to learn about technology and how I can become a better teacher with technology integration. I have kept my original goals in mind but have additional goals as I work towards successfully creating lessons that are appropriate for my students. My principal has added several professional development sessions based on technology. I was glad to see that as we returned for pre-planning. I have recently worked with some of my colleagues to share online collaboration tools.

Although I have learned a lot that can be applied to my instruc
tional practice, I feel that I continue to work towards the goal of creating lessons because of the grade level that I teach. If my students were more independent I would not have as much trouble.

Based on the NETS-T I have set new goals for myself. I am looking to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. I think it is important to introduce students to real-world experience at a young age. As I create technology appropriate lessons, I want to also work on the assessments that I use. Preparing my students at a young age for using technology will set a strong foundation for their future.

Evaluating your GAME Plan Progress

Although I feel that I still have tons to learn, I have gained a better understanding of PBL learning and how it can be applied to my classroom. I have always struggled with the idea of incorporating technology into my class because my students are so young; this continues to be my struggle. I continue to work towards my goals each week through new understandings of PBL. As the new school year is quickly approaching, I have submitted my requests for professional development relating to technology. This is something that all teachers would benefit from.

I have revised my PBL activity to reflect the strategies that I have learned each week. This is really helping me as I begin to plan for the upcoming school year. I have ideas for incorporating blogs, websites, and the internet into my centers.

I am still looking for advice from teachers in the lower grades on how to incorporate technology into my centers. I do not have a para so it needs to be an activity that the students can work on independently. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Monitoring my GAME plan

The course readings and class discussions have really helped and inspired me while working on my GAME plan. My goals are to design and evaluaate lessons using technology and engage in more professional development. I have learned several ways to incorporate technology into my lessons that I will bring to the classroom. I have also looked into professional development opportunities within my school district. Because of budget cuts, our professional development has been cut back and most of our training occurs in the schoolhouse. I plan to talk to my principal about allowing us to have more professional development about technology integration. Each week I continue to add to my action plan. I feel that I am learning so much and knowing that this will benefit me as a teacher is very motivating. The questions that have come up mostly pertain to my lesson plans. I have concerns that my students will struggle with too much technology because they are so young. I also do not have any help in the classroom and I am expecting 23 students in my class next year. I usually do activities with the students in the computer lab but I am very concerned about this coming up year.

Carrying out your GAME plan

My GAME plan involves designing and evaluating lessons using technology tools and engaging in professional growth. Children should be introduced to technology at a young age. I believe that incorporating technology into each lesson will help me address different learning styles in my classroom.

The resources that I will need to carry out my plan are computers, internet, and SMARTboard. Talking to my colleagues at school is an excellent resource because I can get ideas and opinions of other teachers.

After reading the learning resources in this class, I have gone back through some of my lesson plans and revised them to include technology integration. I have found that it is easier for the students to learn something if I begin teaching it right away. I will begin using technology on the first day of school. I will also create a classroom website which will provide my students and parents with important information as well as provide interactive websites and useful information. One of my goals is to take my students on a virtual field trip. This would provide my students with an excellent example of how technology can be used in the classroom as well as address our standards.

GAME plan

The two standards that I would like to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in are standards 2 and 5. Standard 2 involves designing and evaluating lessons using technology tools and resources. Obtaining my Masters Degree in technology integration is my first step towards building the confidence I desire as a classroom teacher. Creating lesson plans that address all learning styles as well as integrate technology into my classroom is another step that I plan to take. Although I teach kindergarten, I believe that introducing children to technology at a young age is important because classrooms are becoming more digitalized each year. Keeping a copy of my lesson plans is a great way to monitor my progress because I will be able to look back on previous lessons and critique myself as well as look to see what worked best and what I can do to improve for next time.

Standard 5 involves engaging in professional growth. As I progress through my masters study, I continue to share with my colleagues and help them to improve their teaching as well. In order to achieve the goal of professional growth, I plan to attend professional development opportunities that allow me to expand my knowledge of technology integration in my classroom. In order to evaluate my learning, I will review what I have integrated into my classroom and how my students responded.

In order to feel that I have achieved my goals, I must see that my students are enjoying what I am bringing to the classroom and that they are learning the best that they can.