My Personal GAME Plan

In order to educate students for the 21st century, teachers have to move their teaching practices into the 21st century. I have selected two indicators from the National Education Standards for Teachers to focus on. The first one I want to focus on is part of standard two, "Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments" (NETS-T). The specific indicator I want to focus on is "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity" (NETS-T). My goal is to slowly revamp all my lessons to include the use of my ACTIVboard. In the past I have not used it extensively because it is on a stand and I would have to move it around whenever I wanted to use it. However, next year my board will be mounted so I will not have to worry about that issue. Other than having my board mounted, another action I will take is to spend time this summer revamping a few lessons in each subject. To monitor my goal I will keep track of how often I use my ACTIVboard and whether or not students are participating in the lessons or sitting like knots on logs staring off into space. Finally, to evaluate and extend my learning, I will continue to find new ways to incorporate the ACTIVboard and other interactive technologies into my lessons.

The second indicator I want to focus on falls under standard three, "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning" (NETS-T). Specifically I want to work on "communicat[ing] relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats" (NETS-T). In the past I have shared information with parents via a Scholastic web page. However, this year I started and then let it fall by the wayside. I have several goals for this indicator. First, I want to return to maintaining my Scholastic web site. Second, I want to start a homework blog that both students and parents will be encouraged to use. I spend a great deal of time on the computer in the evenings and would like to use the blog to answer students' and parents' questions about homework assignments. Finally, I would like to take more photos of the great learning happening in my classroom and have an account where I upload them for parents to view. There are several actions I need to take to accomplish these goals. First, I have to remember to update my Scholastic site each afternoon. Second, I have to find a photo sharing site that is secure and free to use. Finally, I have to get the word out to parents about the Scholastic site, the blog, and the photo account. Monitoring my progress is a simple as keeping track of how often I use these technologies. If I am not using them daily, in the case of the Scholastic site and blog, or at least weekly for the photo sharing, I need to evaluate why and consider what I can do to make them more relevant and useful.

International Society for Technology in Education ( 2008). National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. Retrieved May 13, 2010 from www.iste.org