EDUC-6713I-5 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas- Final Blog Post

As I look back on the GAME Plan I have developed throughout this course, I realize how excited I am for the new school year to start. I hope to have the web cast with another Biology class sometime in November. I am on track to compete this task. All of the hardware is at school just waiting to be used, and I have the connections in place to have the another class Skype us. The only thing I am waiting for is my roster to see what periods I have class my Biology class.

Throughout this class, I have been able to flex my creative muscles to consider multiple perspectives on the issues I face in class (Cennamo, Ross,& Ertmer, 2009.) The only obstical has been my confidence to move into unchartered territory of certain Web 2.0 tools. I have always used fun and creative pedogoagies within my classroom but this task will probably be my biggest accomplishment. Just a Katherine Cennamo stated in the Laeurate DVD, it is necessary to think in different ways for creative thinkers, and promote self regulated learners (2009.) I feel it is most important that students in high school learn how to plan, monitor, evaluate, and be actively involved in their learning to fully reap the benefits of learning inside and out of the classroom. This a key aspect of authentic learning is a great way to prepare for higher education as well as the work force. By helping learners appreciate their own accomplishments, understand the process that enabled those accomplishments, learners gain important metacognative skills (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009.) Research has shown that reflection, a form of metacognition, is a vital component of authentic learning (Leaurate DVD, 2009.) It is my goal as a 21st Century educator to utilize the best methodologies I know to prepare my students. Authentic learning approaches have helped me in this class and others. I hope that I can aid my students by teaching them strategies and keeping them focused on their learning goals. This class has allowed me to utilize my peers to bounce ideas off of and gain great ideas for my classroom.

I really don't believe that I have to make any adjustments to my instructional practices. From the first day of class, I set the standard in my classroom. The students know how they are to act within the wall of my classroom but also in regards to the web, email, and social networking. We have a very structured policies, in regards to, the internet and classroom behaviors and the expectations that they will be held to. This helps the students realize that we do not tolerate bad behaviors or horse play and disciplinary action will be taken if unethical or inappropriate behaviors arise.

References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009.) Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc. custom ed.,. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cenage Learning.

Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer.) (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author

Blog Post: Using the GAME Plan Process with Students- Week 7

After going through the GAME Plan Process, I have found that I enjoy having time for reflection and more importantly the collaborative aspects. As an undergrad student, I didn't see "the big picture" and the value in both of these. But by allowing me to see the comments of my peers and envision their methods vs. my own, I have embraced and see there importance.
As for utilizing it within my classroom, that is a big yes! It allows for all performance indicators to be met within the METS-S across the curricula, but more importantly utilize the higher level thinking skills which are so important to utilize in the classroom. I believe with methods like this we can help students to become independent thinkers who also know how to communicate effectively within a collaborative environment. This is so important in the work spaces of today and the fields of the future.

Resource:
https://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf

Game Plan Week 6

I feel my game plan is heading in the right direction this week. I have been online a lot trying to connect with other educators by following them on twitter.com and also the blogs of some noteworthy educators I have found along the way. It is fascinating the in site and experience that some people have and are willing to share. I also have been going to some of the sites that have been suggested in the laureate DVD which have also been wonderful.
I think the new goal I have set for myself is to truly dive into the feeds I have subscribed to and try at least 2 new ideas I have found and use them for the upcoming school year. This is not really a NETS-T goal but more of a personal barrier I am trying to overcome. This is a bit out of my comfort zone but I am charging ahead.
I don't really need to improve my learning per se. It is more a challenge of trying something new. I can always adapt, but getting to that step is a tough one.

Game Plan- Week 5

In reviewing my progress so far, I have found that I am in pretty good shape. I know what I am doing, how to proceed, and have the technology accessible. I have two small problems: 1. No class to Skype with yet. 2. Need to have the nerve to actually do it. I am pretty technology oriented, so that part is not bothering me. It is more student behaviors and preparedness. I hope they are attentive, respectful, and appropriate in all senses of the word.
I think I need to focus on a Skypeing partner and designing some rules above and beyond our own classroom rules. I also don't think I need to modify things as yet. However, once I find another class to work with, more joint decisions will have to be made.