GAME Plan- Week 4

This week I spoke to my Librarian/Media Specialist, about teachers in other states, who teach a science class, that would be willing to Skype with me and debate a topic. I also asked a few of my department members, but no definite leads so far. Everyone is still trying to get in touch with their sources.
I don't believe that I have to change my plans as of yet but that may be the case in the near future. I am still holding out hope that a source will arise and I can begin practicing to get all of the "bugs" out before I get in front of the students.
If anyone has any other ideas let me know.
Thanks,
~Mrs. C

Game Plan- Week 3 Post

As mentioned from the previous post, I want my students to become socially responsible for themselves on various types of media they encounter. I want them to realize that their actions have consequences and they need to be responsible for them. In order for me to convey the severity and importance of web safety, I will utilize my colleagues to make connections across the curricula. This way the students see that it is a collaborative effort to protect them and aid them ultimately in their studies. I also feel it is important to allow the students to explore Web 2.0 tools only after being in serviced on them myself. I was lucky enough to be part of the Powerful Learning Practice Cohort lead by Will Richardson. I have learned many ways to use technology within my classroom but I feel the students can also teach me as well. They linked to technology constantly and working together benefits us both. I also will continue my professional development to keep me abreast of new technologies that arise.

Since beginning my Master Program I feel I have taken my knowledge of technology to new heights. I have gained many strategies to engage my students and modify teaching to aid them the best way I can. I hope to continue my educational
pursuits and aid my students by utilizing these pedagogues within my classroom.

Game Plan- App2

As an educator in the Twenty-first Century, I feel it is imperative to teach my students that they have a responsibility to be respectful of beliefs and opinions of all others. I believe it is important to teach them it is alright not to agree with everyone all the time but respect the choices and stances that they take. Students need to learn that actions have consequences and that these consequences may be life altering. I think that I discuss this in my class but not as effectively and as globally as I should. When reviewing the NETS-T's I find this relates to number 4: Promoting and Modeling Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. I feel I need to work on Part D: Developing and modeling cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using
digital-age communication and collaboration tools. I don't feel I have used technology to do this. My school does not have much diversity and I feel I need to use web-cam's and other Web 2.0 tools to aid me in this venture.

Another problem I found when looking over the NETS-T was with number 5. Engaging in Professional Growth and Leadership- Part a: participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. I feel that the learning communities that I belong to should be expanded. I believe my connections here at Walden have helped me dramatically but I need to reach further than that. The unknown makes me a bit uneasy but I must step out of my comfort zone for my student's.

Goals- Since this school year is drawing to a close, I hope to set up a web cast with biology class in another school by November of next year. This will allow me to make more connections professionally and also allow my students to learn about the students in a different school who may be different from them.

Actions- I will start the exploration process beginning with the connections I have right now. My librarian and other colleges, have children and former teachers around the world who may help me on this adventure.

Monitor- I am going to set my self my time table and also work this into the minutes of our department meetings. This way the department can keep tabs on my progress and call me to task if need be.

Evaluate & Extend- Utilizing my students feed back will be the best way to evaluate my progress. I hope that the technical aspects work first and foremost. However, I want my students to learn that all just because a student is in a different state or type of school they have similar responsibilities that they have. I also want them to see that the opinions that they have may or may not be similar to the ones of others. After the initial web cast, I hope to have them quarterly. This way the students can have debates on what we are learning, the best way to learn specific topics, and maybe utilize cross curricular connections with an English class to have the students write business letters to them.

Resource
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf