Goal: To model and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology.
This GAME plan is going well. I have found excellent resources online and have already implemented an internet safety packet with my students. They enjoyed learning about being safe online and this sparked some great discussions. We have begun to discuss our district’s internet use policy and why we have filters. I do not see any need to modify this GAME plan. However, I have realized how difficult it can be to use images that are not copyrighted. I used to just go on Google, search for a certain clip art or photograph, and place it into my presentation. I am now taking the time to make sure the image is not copyrighted and to also cite my sources. I have continued to modify my previously designed instructional materials to include citations. I know that students may find citing sources tedious work but they now realize its importance. I definitely would appreciate any links to sites that have images for students to use legally.
Goal: To participate in a local learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
I had to make modifications to my second GAME plan. Unfortunately, at this time students are not being invited to sit on the district technology committee. This has motivated me to start small in my own classroom. I am taking time to interview my students through small, focus groups. I will discuss with my students how they believe they learn best and what changes to technology implementation they would like to see. The primary results I have learned so far is that my third graders want more time to create items that they can share with others.
I plan to also create focus groups of students in other classes and grade levels to get their input as well. Since I am only starting in my own classroom, I have to rely on myself to make changes to how I use technology in the classroom. My Master’s courses have prepared me well, but I am also conducting additional research in educational magazines. I will need to observe how these changes I implement affect student learning. I also plan to discuss with colleagues at my school how they use technology in their classrooms for additional ideas and support (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
By monitoring both my GAME plans, I realized what areas were going strong and the areas I had to modify. I understand now that a GAME plan is truly never complete. There is always going to be changes to make and new goals or action items that arise. I think that is why it is important to look for ways to apply your GAME plan action and knowledge to other areas of the profession.
References
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 1: Promoting self-directed learning with technology [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
That is unfortunate that the district is not allowing students to be part of the technology committee. I think that students would be a tremendous asset and provide a lot of information and ideas to the committee. It can be difficult to involve students in adult centered committees, but the effort is well worth the information and insights provided from the students. Creating a committee in your own class is an excellent idea. I think that you will enjoy your time with the students and continue this through many years. It may very well become an important and essential part of your classroom and technology instruction. Maybe the student leadership team at the school could get involved and form some sort of technology committee. Good luck with your pursuits and focus groups. I agree that this masters program has provided a lot of ideas and resources and prepared us to integrate technology fully into the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteChrista,
ReplyDeleteI really like that you are teaching your students how to cite resources that they get from the internet. I teach sixth grade ELA and we have to do a research paper every year. The students are required to complete a reference page and they have no idea how to cite sources. The majority of the information that students get today come from the internet so they should know how to cite it appropriately. I also did not realize that there was a certain way to cite pictures that you used from the internet, interesting! It sounds like you are coming right along in your plan, good luck!
Heather
Hi Christa,
ReplyDeleteIt’s great to know that your GAME plan is going well. This week I gave students a project which will require them to use information from the internet including images which they would most likely find on Google. This is the first time that I am actually emphasizing to students that they are required to cite where they got their images from. It is so important to teach students to give credit to sources and be aware of copyright laws. Modelling this for students will show them that it is highly important to respect authorship and it will also encourage them to emulate this pattern.
Alicia
Christa,
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you are talking or meeting with small groups in your class to see what the student want to see when it comes to technology.
Having to change your game plan I think is a natural progression of a game plan and most that I have read have already changed or modified their plan. I also believe that your game plan will have to be modified to keep up with a professionals progression through his or her career.
Great Post!!!
Dave