For my GAME plan, the two areas that I chose to work on are to Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments and to Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.
I have learned so much over the past year or so about how to integrate technology into my classroom. With that said, I learned a great amount, but I haven't actually been able to implement a lot of what I'd like. I have learned about so many different types of tools that deal with technology and ways to incorporate them into my classroom, but it seemed that as soon as I learned about them, I was already starting a new class where I was learning about something else. I know I can't implement everything at once, but I would like to set a goal so that I can work with a new tool every month. I want to really familiarize myself with the tool, create my own lessons and activities, and then carry it out in my classroom. Many times in the past, I have found precreated lessons for my SmartBoard and used those. I have not created a large amount on my own, but that is something that I would like to change.
Even though I will be finished with my degree here at Walden in the spring, in order to carry out my GAME plan, I would definitely like to pursue other professional development classes pertaining to technology. I also plan to observe other teachers that are currently implementing technology into their classroom. I learn well by watching others, not just reading about how to do something. I also think that I can learn a lot by reading blogs created by teachers and searching the web for ideas that teachers have posted. My goal is to become one of those teachers that other teachers come to watch and to have self created SmartBoard lessons that I can share with others.
Creating this GAME plan has helped me put into perspective the things that I need to work on for myself as a teacher. I am excited to carry out this plan and to grow as a professional.
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Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI also believe that actually writing down the game plan and having to go back and look it over is going to be a help in the next few weeks. I also agree with you that it seems like we learned a lot of new websites and programs, but as soon as we learned one we moved on to the next. In my blog, I posted the proverb about doing and learning instead of reading and learning. You expressed that you like to watch others and learn from them. I learn best this way also! It is hard to seek out others in my area that are using a wide variety of technology to watch. Do you have the same problem, or do you have a lot of options. What other types of professional development classes are you looking for? Do you think you will be able to carry out all we learned in these classes with Walden in the upcoming year? Sounds like you have a great game plan--keep pushing forward.
Tammy
Abby- I have also felt that I have been unable to do everything I want. I have started a list of resources and websites that I plan to use later on. I do not think we will be able to access these sources after we graduate. I have a fear that I will forget everything and all the information will be lost. One thing I feel I have been able to do that I spoke about in my first blog was tweaking my lessons. I know we all have lessons that always seem to work well and run smoothly. I have taken a few of these and added a technology element to them. I think it is great that you plan to continue your education. I think all teachers should be thinking about what we are going to learn next, it keeps our lesson plans relevant and prevents us from getting stagnate.
ReplyDeleteGreat Ideas with regard to the Smart Board.
Mary
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteReading your post is like viewing a reflection of my own experience. I find myself moving from new skill to new skill without really having the time to implement a good portion of our learning in the classroom. I suspect that after we graduate you will have more time available to plan learning experiences that incorporate a variety of the technology-based tools we have acquired through our learning. I think your goal of implementing one new tool per month is reasonable and achievable. Your classroom will function much differently at the end of next year! This should prove very engaging for your students, and provide them with a healthy dose of 21st century skills. I suspect you are most likely one of those teachers that others come to for ideas on how to use technology in the classroom. If not, then I am certain you will be in the near future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head. Like you, I have learned about so many technology resources that I would love to use in my classroom, but haven't had the chance to really put them into use. Partly because of the speed in which we have been completing our courses, but also because of the limitations placed on me by my district. Because of all of the "must haves" that have been implemented, it doesn't leave much time for anything else.
Your goal to complete more professional development in addition to your Walden courses is a great idea. This should help you to figure out how to use technology to implement the curriculum as mandated by your particular district. It will also help you to fine tune your technology skills so that you can become a "master" teacher when it comes to integrating technology in the classroom.