My GAME Plan

For the past three years, I have taught technology as my content in my technology applications class.  I had previously integrated technology into my math classroom when I was a math teacher.  This year, I took a different approach in my curriculum by trying to teach more core content and embedding the technology.  I wanted to step away from actually teaching technology, focus on important content, and allow students to explore and discover the technology tools on their own.  I would say that this has become my strength when looking at the ISTE Standards for Teachers (www.iste.org): 

• 2A:  Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
• 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.   

I have found that it is much easier and beneficial to allow students to be in charge of their own learning, especially when it comes to technology.  I used to teach my class in the traditional way that most computer technology labs are taught.  The teacher models how to navigate through programs such as word processors or spreadsheets and students have to copy exactly what they see.  Everyone produces the same product and things such as margin width and line spacing are measured on each student's paper.  I have had more success allowing students to figure out how to do these things on their own as long as they have the guidelines and a rubric of some sort that shows them what I am looking for.  

One thing that I know I struggle with is the collaboration aspect of 21st century learning.  I know how important this skill is, in addition to communication.  However, I find that I struggle with effective communication with others outside of my classroom.  

• 3B:  Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
• 3C:  Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

I know that there are many tools and resources available that should make this part of my job much easier, but I find that this often takes a backseat to other things in my profession.  In order to get better in these important indicators.  

My goals are to:

• Utilize digital tools available to me in order to collaborate with peers for new strategies for use in the classroom in order to support classroom learning and student success
• Utilize digital tools available to me in order to communicate effectively with students and parents to provide a sense of transparency about the happenings in my classroom

The actions that I will take in order to achieve these goals are:

• Suggest starting a campus PLC where interested parties can share ideas for integrating technology into the classroom on a weekly basis utilizing digital tools such as blogs, wikis, or a simple email group
• Find one new digital tool to use, e.g. Remind 101, for communicating the weekly class agenda with parents as well as utilizing the Edmodo calendar feature for students.  
• Begin a monthly classroom blog to share with parents, peers, and community members which will showcase the happenings of the 6th grade technology applications classroom

I will monitor my progress by creating and updating my calendar where I keep track of all important dates, meetings, and appointments and setting reminders for the tasks that need to get done on a monthly and weekly basis.  

In order to evaluate and extend my learning, I will try to add one more action to my list for next school year, either replacing something that did not work, or in addition to my successful actions.