0 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas : Reflection

I have completed yet another thought provoking class through Walden University. In the Course, Integrating Technology across the Content Areas, I have discovered so many new ways to use technology in ways that are the most beneficial for my students. I am excited to begin incorporating the numerous ideas and activities next fall.

One technique discussed in class was the GAME plan, a lesson plan based upon goals, actions, monitoring, and evaluating. The GAME plan I developed in this eight-week course was a perfect addition to my classroom. It offered a simple way to implement an idea with my students, monitor that activity, and then make adjustments as necessary. My GAME plan to create blogs based on current event articles was extremely successful. My students not only became more familiar with the use of blogs but also were exposed to news that affects the world. The students became active and seemed to enjoy the forming opinions and analyzing the articles. I previously taught history and missed that aspect of the classroom. I was glad to be able to begin incorporating it in my technology class.

The technology that I am most interested in adding to my lessons is digital storytelling. I have never used this in my class, and I was so excited to collaborate with colleagues and read many of their ideas for digital storytelling. As a technology teacher, it will be a great way to incorporate a new form of technology as well as include other curriculum. I already have several activities planned with other teachers in other content areas. It will allow students to use digital storytelling in my classroom to complete an assignment for another class.

Overall, this class has again introduced me to new teaching strategies and techniques that will help develop the skills of my students. Every lesson has been relevant to me and has included something that I can use almost immediately in my classroom.

8 Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

The NETS for Students are parallel to those of the teachers. Students are to focus in on creativity, communication/collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, research, and technology operations. I hope that once they leave my classroom they have had an opportunity to grow in all of these areas.

As I look over the past few weeks and the GAME plan I established, I realize that the students were following a plan although they were most likely not aware. I gave them a goal, they choose what actions to take, they monitored, and the evaluated. Some realized that their first actions were not great, they monitored their grade, evaluated that they didn't like it, and changed their actions. Some saw that they were on the right track and found their plan successful.

Just as this class did for me, I believe that bringing this process to their attention will help them see how easy it can be to work towards their goal. Once the students realize that they are doing it already, they will find it is not hard to continue to implement throughout their education.

11 Revising the GAME Plan

My 2 goals for the GAME plan were:

1. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
2. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.

I feel like I have done well in achieving those two goals. In just a few weeks, students have discussed topics such as the bombing of Libya, the Tsunami in Japan, the radiation in Japan, and even the possibility of life on Mars. Students are exploring real-world issues and creatively analyze the information for solutions and opinions.

Although not every student is excited about the idea of writing and blogging, some students are really enjoying it. Regardless, they have been exposed to global issues and how those issues can effect their immediate world.

Next year I would like to incorporate another blog site. I am currently using the blog that is inside the students' blackboard accounts. It does not allow students to have their own site where they can set up their own site template, etc. I think giving students some creative leeway may make them feel more ownership and feel as if it really is their work.

I would like to add more real-world scenarios to class and push my students further in their creative thinking skills. I am excited about what next year will bring!!