Week 8 Refelction

During this course I have developed a GAME plan outlining two areas of the NET-T standards I want to improve upon. One area was Standard 1 – Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity and the other was Standard 5 – Engage in professional growth and leadership.
In the area of Standard 1, I wanted to utilize webquests in order to give my students authentic and relevent learning experiences. While developing my problem based unit plan, I changed my focus. Not only do I want to utilize webquests, I want to go beyond the webquest and utilize problem based learning in my teaching. Problem based learning is one way to cover a lot of content and standards at one time. This type of teaching allows my students to have relevant learning experiences. I was able to develop a lesson that allowed students to collaborate with students in another state. I would love to be able to do this. My goal for this year is to find a classroom in another state or country to collaborate with in a learning environment.

The second NET-T standard I want to improve upon is to engage in professional growth and leadership. School started last week for us, and another teacher and I have developed the Carver Tech. Squad. We are responsible for helping teachers learn how to use the technology they have, present ways to develop lessons using technology, and to assist in updating/creating teacher webpages. We are going to basically help other teachers learn what they need to learn in order to be proficient in using educational technology. I feel that as a teacher, I am commited to life-long learning. Being part of this tech squad, I will have to continually learn, and bring it back to the teachers at my school.
This class has been a large part of what I want to bring back to the teachers at my school. I cannot wait to present problem based learning, using Skype, and digital storytelling in the classroom. I am also learning how to use Scratch, a program that another student in this class has introduced to me recently.
While I am teaching and learning, I will continue to use the GAME plan in order to moniter and improve all of our learning.

NET-S

While reading through the ISTE NET-T and the NET-S standards, I notice how the NET-T standards require the teacher to design technology rich learning experiences and the students are participating in technology rich learning expereiences. In order for students to be successful in the 21st century, they have to be proficient in the NET-S standards. The workplace has moved from the closed cubicle to a global marketplace. During a meeting at the beginning of school last year, we were told that we are preparing our students for jobs that have not been created yet. That statement really made me think about how I am preparing my students.
I think using the GAME plan is a great way for students to take control of their learning. With every project, there must be a plan. I have my students make goals every week, but I will change the goals to a GAME plan. Unlike a goal, the GAME plan actually requires the student to lay out their plan, and if necessary change the plan as needed.

Revising the GAME Plan

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

I have learned that Problem Based Learning is a great way to incorporate a lot of standards across the curriculum, while providing authentic learning experiences for the students. PBL does not have to take a long time, it can last a few days or as long as the school year.

What goals are you still working toward?
I am still working on incorporating the use of webquests in the classroom, however, I am shifting that more towards using PBL more in the classroom. Webquests are now just a part of the technology I want to incorporate into my lessons.

Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?

My new goal is to Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student
learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
By utilzing PBL learning, and the use of social networking tools, I will be able to reach this goal.


What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
I am still learning how to use social networking in the classroom, and I am intrigued to learn more. However, the reality of the situation, my district will not allow this is the near future.