Summary of new learning that
resulted from following my GAME plan and the impact of that learning on my
instructional practice
When
I first saw the term “GAME Plan” I very naively thought that we were going into
virtual gaming and I was going to learn some “neat” tricks. I think I did learn some “neat” tricks and my
thinking did go “virtual”.
My
GAME plan intended to achieve ISTE NET-T standards that would inspire learning
and creativity as well as promote professional growth and leadership (ISTE-NET,
2008). As an administrator and part time
teacher, those two appealed to me as I could tap into both my worlds. My GAME plan challenged me to create
conditions within my teaching practice and at the school level that would
develop and encourage the use of digital tools in the classroom. For me, every time I think of a lesson to be
developed I never end it without thinking how I could integrate technology
(however small) into the lesson. That I
believe is progress and change in action.
As an administrator, I am more inclined to encourage a teacher to rethink
their lessons to include technology, however small. I am always thinking of how I could provide
needed support to others on how they could use technology in their
classrooms. This has yielded positive
returns in that the majority of teachers at my school are now using technology
in their classrooms (even those who were previously opposed to its
integration). I have teachers using blogs
and wikis. Including videos to clarify or supplement learning has become part
of the planning process for most teachers.
I
am of the view that this course has not just reiterated the use of technology
in the classroom, but has provided support and hands on experience on how to do
so. I am not sure I would change my plan
as it aptly demonstrates what my intended goals are. What I would do, however, is to rearrange my
strategies for achieving my plan. I
would be more open to ideas and try new things. I would be more proactive in providing
support to facilitate the integration of technology at my school.
Immediate adjustments to my instructional
practice regarding technology integration in my content area(s) as a result of
your learning from this course
One immediate
adjustment would be to definitely try different things. When I did my collaborative lesson using
Skype, I had so many “negative what if” scenarios going on in my head that I
almost changed my plan. Despite minor
interruptions, it worked. I think I need
to be a bit more open to trying unstable technology. I must have a back-up plan as is recommended
during this course.
We do not do enough
problem-based learning at my school. I
was of the view that problem-based learning had to be long term and could not
be achieved in one or two lessons. My
thinking was readjusted in this course.
I see the importance of having students develop those critical 21st
century skills. Problem based learning
not only achieves content standards, but it also helps students think
logically, critically and systematically when tackling difficult real world
scenarios. I am a proponent of digital
storytelling in teaching and this course helped to concrete my conviction of
its relevance in achieving content standards.
As I reflect on the
foregoing weeks and the wonderful tips and ideas discussed during this course,
I cannot but feel that this was a very powerful learning experience for
me. I encountered many personal
disruptions during this course, despite that though, I am happy to recount that
I learnt tremendously from all my colleagues.
I also learnt some very valuable teaching strategies from Dr. L. Thank
you ma’am, for not just promoting but modeling very positive instructional
strategies in your and my classroom.
References
International Society for Technology
in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T).
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers
