Carrying Out My GAME Plan Week 3

“There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work then it fails” ~Nancy Kassebaum, U.S. Senator.

This quote sums up the responsibility educators have addressing 21st century learners. Reflecting on my game plan, I am reminded that as educators we are vessels providing resources that will get students actively engaged in real world situations. We are responsible for addressing content areas while upholding the challenging task of meeting the needs of diverse learners (Cennamo, Ross &Ertmer, 2009).

The goals of my GAME plan are to strengthen implementation of digital tools that facilitate experiences students learning, collaboration and creativity in a variety of learning environments and, develop assessments that will evaluate authentic learning experiences.

There are a variety of resources that are needed to carry out my Game Plan. Beginning at the school level, consultation of IT personnel will help me carry out goals with available resources. I need to understand the digital tools that are available at the district level to support students. Colleagues in the district,who may already implement technology into the curriculum using authentic learning, can be used as a mentor (Wahl & Duffield, 2005). At the county level, there are various resources available through lending digital equipment, professional development and groups that support digital tools in the classroom. Creating a networking system with individuals involved in these areas will benefit developing my game plan. At the professional level, resources available include networking with experts in the field of educating 21st century learners with digital tools. These sources include belonging to professional groups, subscribing to literature and blogs that supports digital tools in the classroom.

Steps that have taken so far to address my Game Plan include belonging to professional groups and subscribing to literature and blogs that support digital tools in the classroom. I also developed a social bookmarking site to facilitate my growth through marking sites and tools that will enhance digital tools in the classroom. Finally, I began a reflective journal to record my experience with digital tools and how they may be implemented into the curriculum.

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, Cengage Learning.

Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners: What teachers can do. WestEd, pp. 1–11. Retrieved from http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/763.