EDUC 6713 Reflection

I acquired several useful tools over the past two months that will improve my performance as an educator. I was introduced to the concept of having students participate in self directed learning activities in week one. Although I have been utilizing this learning method for decades as a way to develop professionally, I have not utilized it in the classroom. Developing young people’s self directed learning skills seemed like a good idea so I gave it a try. I utilized the Jason Project (http://www.jason.org) with my students for a sedimentary rock unit. Learners had missions to accomplish, which led to engaged research. This experience reinforced my view that authentic learning and critical thinking activities are necessary for long term academic success.


During week two we learned about a self development approach known as a GAME plan. In a GAME plan one first sets reasonable, achievable goals. We used NETS-T (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx) as a basis for developing our individual plans. My personal goal was to implement new learning, locate quality resources, and broaden my professional network. Throughout the course we took action to meet our goals, monitored progress, evaluated effectiveness and made changes as needed. I also learned this can be an effective method of involving students in their own learning.

Midway through the course we utilized universal design as a way to improve the learning experience. Taking each young person’s individual learning needs and developing a plan to meet those needs helps the entire class, and makes me a better educator.

The second half of the course was spent creating a unit consisting of three distinct lessons. The first lesson consisted of problem based learning. Students are given a problem to solve. As they seek answers to their problem they learn the required content, as well as critical thinking, research, and writing skills. The second portion of the unit consisted of a collaborative project. The third portion consisted of digital storytelling. While we developed our unit my classmates and I utilized a collaborative approach for peer reviews via a Wiki. Using this wiki reminded me of how quick technology allows us to acquire large amounts of information, how easy it is to make available to the public, and how quickly it can be destroyed through a single click of the button. I think this is important to remember when teaching young people these skills as they will suffer setbacks while learning the technology.

Using a GAME Plan with Students

The GAME plan format can be useful in helping students create a self development plan that targets technology skills. I would begin by going over the National Education Technology Standards for Students with the class (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx). Once students knew what the standards were, we could discuss which two standards would have the biggest impact on student achievement should we demonstrate marked improvement. Our initial goals would be to improve performance on the two standards selected. My personal preference would be for my learners to improve communication, collaboration, and research and information fluency. However, I would want students to have input so that the goals are theirs and not necessarily mine. Once our goals are set, students could make a poster as a reminder and post it near our computer stations in the room.

Students will need to come up with a plan of action to meet our goals. The class as could discuss activities that could be used to learn the desired skill. We could look over the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that are to be covered in the near term and identify topics that match up well with the skills (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148). We will take action to meet the stated goal through activities planned into my daily lessons. Learners will discuss progress at the end of each week and determine if we are meeting our goals, or if we need to make changes to our plan. As our first goals are achieved, we can set new goals and continue the process.

I really like the GAME plan approach for self development. I believe students will find the approach useful in creating their own goals, developing action plans, monitoring progress, and evaluating effectiveness. A GAME plan is a useful method for self-directed learning across the content area, as well as topics of interest outside of the classroom (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009 ).

Reference

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

Another Edition of Game Plan Progress

Welcome to another edition of GAME plan progress. My first goal is to demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). I did not experience much progress this week. I have not yet implemented new learning from my technology forum. However, I do intend to after the holiday break. I am attending professional development training this week relating to our district’s online curriculum. In addition, I am learning more skills through Walden coursework.

My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). I am modifying my use of the Jason Project to enhance learners focus on required content. In addition, my grade level is going to encourage use of technology for a writing project, both as a research tool and a production tool. We have not tried something like this since I started working at my school. In the past, writing has been assigned through prompts and completed in an afternoon of brainstorming, creating rough drafts, and hopefully a final copy with correct edits.

I have no intention of changing my learning goals at this time. I consider my goals to be long term, rather than short term. I will extend my knowledge by continuing my education, learning from my network of classmates and peers, and improving my performance in the classroom.