Reflection: Final Blog Post

• ·      After following my GAME plan, I discovered information that will have an impact on the instructional practice used for my students. During week four, I learned more than one type of assessment can determine student comprehension. Today’s academic world seems to be centered on test scores and whether or not teachers, students, and schools can meet certain testing criteria. Of the types of assessments learned, the forced-option format seems to be the main focus. However, assessment formats such as open-ended response, performance-based, and project-based, I’ve learned, can be focal points for measuring student comprehension. Open-ended response format can come in the form of an essential question used to introduce a new unit, and the question can be answered throughout the duration of the unit. Project-based and performance-based assessments open up many opportunities for students and teachers to become creative, especially when technology is implemented. With the use of technology, the assessments allow teachers to give students the opportunity to convey information learned and present it in an innovative way. Therefore, any modifications and revisions made will be to have a variety of assessments for students. The pencil-paper, multiple choice assessment style can become monotonous, so keeping the choices fresh will lead towards sustainable engagement for students and teachers. 

• ·      I am fortunate to teach at a school where technology integration for Science content is doable. Our school has equipped each classroom with an interactive white board (SMART® Board) which teachers use on a daily basis. Other available technological tools our school provides include, the iTouch, the Kindle®, laptop computers, and school-wide wireless Internet. However, the school seems to still be in the beginning stages of using the innovative tools because I do not believe they are used to their full potential. In other words, the only activity widely used involving the SMART® Board is the problem-based learning activity, despite us having the equipment to conduct networking/online collaboration and/or digital storytelling into our instruction. So, I plan to take the necessary steps to make sure I am comfortable with implementing an online collaboration and digital storytelling activity with my students. Afterwards, I will be willing to assist my colleagues in implementing the same activities in their classroom. 

Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress

Update on My GAME Plan Progress

Finding Information and Resources

• Marietta City School has blessed their students and teachers by making the most innovative technologies available in the classroom. Every classroom has  SMART Board available and the entire school has wireless Internet for teachers and students. So, finding the information and resources I need is a feasible task

Modifications

• The need to modify my action plan only will come with my students who have learning disabilities. The students may need extended time to complete the assigned task.  

Learnings So Far

• I have learned that even though students are savvy as far as the social network does not necessarily mean they are capable of navigating through other technological and Internet resources. So, students have needed some reinforcement on some of the technological tools used.

Questions Risen

• The majority of the questions have been relative to the content being taught. Despite using vivid images and detailed information during the PowerPoint presentation presented via SMART Board, there are question about the content. Hopefully, participating in the upcoming group lab sessions will satisfy any lack of knowledge students may have.

Carrying out the GAME plan

•               What resources will you need to carry out your plan (media segments, reading, experts or colleagues, etc)?

§  The main resource needed will be the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T) websites 

§  Internet access, SMART® Board, and SMART® Technologies website, designated school SMART® specialist

•               What additional information do you need?      

·      Discover and research data-based tools currently used in classrooms

·      Any feedback, questions, comments, or concerns fellow colleagues may need

•               What steps have you been able to take so far?

·      So far, students have been exposed to lessons that come from the SMART® Technologies website. As a result, students are more engaged during lecture and questions that are directed towards the lesson are clear and relative. Also, less difficulties are present during the classroom assignments given after the lecture which reveals the impact of the SMART® lesson. 

Developing Personal GAME Plan

•       Indicators in the NETS-T that need strengthening

1.     Model Digital-Aged Work and Learning

§  Goal-The goal is to stay up-to-date on the latest technological tools that can facilitate student learning and achievement

§  Action-The first action will be to periodically surf the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T) websites to discover and research data-based tools currently used in classrooms

§  Monitor-In order to gain effective feedback, I want to discover efficient data recording techniques that produce authentic and supportive information. Therefore, adjustments that need to be made can be implemented effortlessly

§  Extend/Evaluate-Once the previous criteria has been satisfied, being able to extend the new techniques and strategies implemented can be done with some ease. The evaluation process will strictly be based on student engagement and achievement. I believe once the new hi-tech tools are exposed to students within the classroom, engagement and focus will increase. Therefore, increasing the opportunities for students to comprehend the content being taught.

2.     Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

§  Goal-The goal is to involve as many colleagues as possible to who want to incorporate more technology in the classroom

§  Action-I want to begin with my fellow Physical Science teachers. Even though I work with students with learning disabilities, for the most part, I feel focusing on a subject will be the most beneficial for students and myself. We have SMART® Boards in every classroom, but my some of my co-teachers are hesitant to use them to their fullest potential. So, I will introduce them to some effective lessons that provide detailed information, along with vivid images that promote student learning easier.

§  Monitor-In order to monitor the process, I will invite any feedback, questions, comments, or concerns my fellow teachers may need. Also, I can involve our designated school SMART® specialist, who can assist in our advancement of the SMART® hardware and software.

§  Extend/Evaluate-To extend the process, I can involve other Special Education teachers who teach in other subject areas using the same process used for the Physical Science teachers. Every teacher, not matter the subject area, can benefit from more technology in the classroom.