To prepare for the development of my GAME plan, there are different resources needed. I will also need to obtain additional information, and there are some steps I have begun to implement already.
One of the steps I would like to take, which would be a valuable resource for my students and parents is a classroom webpage. I would like to do this so I have open communication with my students and parents, allowing them to become familiar with Web 2.0 tools. This would be very beneficial for me because currently I have a twitter account that I use to connect with my students about homework, projects, etc… However, I feel that the classroom webpage would be more effective for students and parents and would be a good demonstration of my skill level and ability to use digital tools..
About a year ago I really began designing lessons that allowed my students to use technology as learning tools and to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of certain skills and indicators they were taught. I began with edu.glogster.com for my students to create digital media posters, and then also use edmodo.com as a social networking site for education, and set the assignments up similar to the way our courses are setup for Walden. My students are very engaged with any of these assignments and projects, but I know there is so much out there to offer them. I would really like to start designing lessons with digital storyboards and give them experience with voicethreads and wikipages. What I really need to do as a teacher, is practice and play around with these tools more to get comfortable with them so that my students can be successful with these tools as well.
The biggest resource I need for my GAME plan to come into full action is time. I find that my time or lack of time, holds me back from doing so much. There are so many wonderful tools out there, but finding the time to become knowledgeable to the point of using it successfully in the classroom is a big drawback for me. One of the things I plan to do to help with this, is dig deep into the technology tools I want to use over the summer so that I can plan ahead for next school year..
I love using any Web 2.0 tools in the classroom with my students. To see my students so engaged in their learning process, is one of the most exciting feelings in my experience. I am taking baby steps, but continue to work towards full implementation of my GAME plan. It is a process, and I am confident in the steps I continue to make towards being an innovative educator and preparing my students for their futures.
It sounds like you have already taken some great steps. I also created a webpage and I noticed right away that the students loved to check it periodically for updates. I also created an Edmodo page but I struggled using it because of the design of our curriculum. We have a self-paced curriculum so I did not how to most effectively implement this. Time is really the most important thing when you are trying something new. Our administrator has given us four afternoons this year to date to plan without students. This time has been critical in lesson plan development and collaboration with colleagues.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan!! Nice post!
Kelley