My GAME plan is off and running. I feel that I have made a great start at finding and using the necessary resources to meet my goals. I realize how lucky I am to work at a high technology school that has the necessary technology to achieve my goals. I have five working computers in my classroom that students are able to use throughout the day to perform research, challenge themselves with software, and provide opportunities to meet the needs of my diverse learners. I also have access to the technology lab for one hour each week and if needed, I can request additional time. Headphones that are working correctly are probably the biggest issue I face with the hardware. It seems that audio sound is often lacking and students tend to eat and chew through the headphone cords. They are in constant need of repair or replacement. I have shown the students how to trouble shoot and try different things to get the sound to work correctly. Students are also learning how to perform Internet searches and utilize the proper Internet resources to gather information.
I have created a classroom website and have been working to keep the website updated. Students are becoming more familiar with the website along with the parents. I took the time to email many of the parents and inform them of updates and changes made to the website. I have noticed that the number of hits to the website has increased and students are bringing in evidence of activities they are doing related to the website.
I do not need to make any modifications to my GAME plan at this time. Things are running very smoothly and I am excited to see the growth and interaction between home and school as a result of technology. I have learned that websites are not too difficult to manage and time can be allotted during technology lab for the students and me to work on the website. The students easily learn the technology programs, and they are anxious to begin their independent activities and projects. Questions have risen about how I will perform assessments for the activities that are done. I need to use the assessment data that I already have to set new goals for student learning. Assessments are important in the learning process and if used efficiently, can promote and support learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).
The GAME plan format makes my goals and progress very manageable and user friendly. I see how my plan is unfolding and what areas may become concerns in the future. As I make modifications and adjustments, new issues and successes arise meaning that I am on the right track and my efforts will result in success.
Reference:
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.