EDUC-6713I-4 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas- FINAL REFLECTION

I have learned so many new things from taking this course for 8 weeks.  One, I was able to create a GAME plan and steadily work to achieve my plan by setting goals and taking small steps. I was able to research and find many new technology tools and then use those different types of tools to strengthen my plan and implement them during my lessons. Also, my GAME plan has impacted my learning by strengthening my instructional practice. Dr. Peggy Ertmer explained that “integrating technology effectively requires: knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and supportive culture” (Laureate Education, 2010).

From taking this course, I plan to implement many more types of technology tools into my daily lessons. One, I plan to open my school year with a classroom blog for parents and students to access. On that blog, I plan to tell my future students about my subject, classroom, what to expect throughout the school year, and etc. I feel this will help strengthen teacher, student, and parent communication early on in the school year. I also plan to include many multi-media projects and have my students participate in making digital stories. I am looking forward to a new start next school year with fresh technology ideas.

Week 7: Using the GAME Plan Process with my Students

After reviewing the NETS-S and the NETS-T standards, they are both very similar. Each resource models the complete process of integrating technology into the classroom. The GAME plan is provided for us to see if we are including a well thought and expanded lesson. This relates to both teacher and student standards by sharing an equal correlation between the two. I would use this plan with my students to make sure they understand and are using the standards during instruction. I will want to make sure that I am practicing (modeling) these standards in the classroom and when the time comes, my students are able to do the same thing. I do understand that technology continues to grow, so my students, and myself, will be faced with hurdles on the way. As their educator, I want to make sure we are achieving these standards together and they are able to implement the selected standards within a variety of assignments and assessments throughout the school year.

Week 6: Revising My GAME Plan

I have learned a variety of things that I can apply to my instructional practice. One thing I have learned is that students are fairly knowledgeable when it comes to technology and how to use it. I have also learned that the goals I have developed are long term goals and are goals that I would introduce in the beginning of the school year all the way until the end of the school year. With my GAME plan I have established, I am still working towards using a variety of technology tools. I seem to “overuse” the tools that I feel confident in. I am trying to explore my options and expand my knowledge on all of the technology tools available.

At this point, I don’t necessarily want to set any new brand new learning goals, but I would like to expand on my first goal. Like I mentioned above, I feel I overuse certain technology tools that I feel confident with using. I want to learn how to use additional tools and media. Many of my students know how to use the “traditional” learning tools, but aren’t as familiar with the newer tools. So as I explore the new tools, I want to make sure I am modeling these tools with my students.

Last but not least, I just try to use a variety of technology approaches within my lessons. My students love any kind of technology that is involved, so I just try to provide that variety to them.