Reflecting on the GAME

This course and the integration of the “GAME plan” (Cennamo, Ertmer and Ross, 2009), has had a great impact on my professional thinking regarding setting and attaining goals. Some of this may be attributed directly to actions I have taken, such as seeking approval and permission to load necessary software onto student computers for use in facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity (NETS-T, 2009) through the use of collaborative tools for reflection. This has led to some of the changes in instructional practice I will be implementing immediately. Specifically, we will be using the screencasting software, Jing!, to share and comment on ideas in our class. In my other goal, networking with colleagues, I have found success in the use of this blog. Since we are all posting on a weekly basis in this course, I have been more focused on its use as a tool rather than thinking of it simply as another application assignment.

The students in my classes also need to further develop their technology skills in as many ways as possible. Through the use of collaboration software and sharing through the screencasting and blogging activities, students can achieve more of the standards indicated by the NETS-S model (2009). Specifically, students will focus on the use of creativity, collaboration, and digital citizenship (NETS-S, 2009) through these activities. The unit plan I have been creating for this course also underscores these concepts and reinforces their usefulness in the classroom. All of these are ideas I can implement quickly and effectively by following the plan I have outlined and refined during this course.

Based on the NETS-T model, I will start using technology in my classes on a more regular basis. Instead of waiting for a major project, I will focus on the immediate uses for my classes and create more meaningful assignments, such as digital storytelling or sharing with other students through video or blog applications. This will also encourage my students to create and explore technology solutions in their learning.

Adjusting, monitoring and re-assessing are qualities which make good teachers great. As part of my own adjustment, I plan to start using this (or another) blog to communicate with students and staff in my district and the surrounding areas. In this way, I can also assist my students’ creativity by soliciting ideas from other teachers and students. This, hopefully, will heighten the students’ awareness of our subject matter and inspire them to place this information higher in their “quality world” (Glasser, 1998).

-Stephen St. Georges

References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Glasser, W. (1998). Choice theory: A new psychology of personal freedom. New York: Harper and Row.

National Education Standards for Students (NETS-S) retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/NETS_for_Students.htm on December 21, 2009

National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf on December 21, 2009.