My GAME Plan (Application Two)

Teaching mostly faculty this year and only two sections of computer classes, it was a challenge for me to come up with ways to improve NETS∙T within the classroom. I only see students for thirty minute increments and I only see them once a week. Such a short time span makes it difficult to teach, model, and have students apply what they have learned in once class period. However, I suppose this adds to the challenge and what I need to improve upon.

The two NETS-T standards I have chosen for immediate attention are: “Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility (Number 4)” and “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership (Number 5).”

In order to improve upon these two areas I have developed the following GAME plan (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009):

(G): I have already begun the year by teaching my students how to be safe online utilizing interactive ActivBoard flipcharts and this website: www.netsmartzkids.org. To further instill responsible behavior and proper netiquette I will further engage my students in actively using and practicing these skills online instead of simply teaching them. Likewise, I aim to enhance my professional growth and leadership by increasing my confidence in the area of teaching and implementing technology. In order to utilize technology in the classroom environment with success, confidence and knowledge are two of the key ingredients one must possess (Laureate Education, 2009).

(A): Achieving these goals will require persistence and patients on my behalf. Taking web safety further in the classroom will require students to experience first-hand how to be courteous and safe. This could be accomplished through composing emails to other students in a different district. Moreover, students can use their creativity and technological skills to create unique presentations on how to be safe online as well as how to exhibit proper netiquette. Older students would have a good time teaching the younger students from their own created products. Additionally, I would like to attend some professional development course on teaching internet safety and how to aide my students in becoming confident technological leaders. Reaching out to an online community could prove beneficial to me as well.

(M): Generating ideas on how to monitor these goals and applications is a challenging for me. Monitoring student progress will entail assessing final products for presentations, previewing netiquette in outgoing emails as well as listening to what the students have to say regarding the topics. Monitoring my profession growth can be done using a journal, keeping thoughts and ideas recorded and recording responses to ideas put into play.

(E):Evaluation in both areas will be best assessed at the end of the school year when I can reflect on what technological skills my students are taking to the next grade and how my confidence in teaching these skills has grown. Likewise, reviewing my ideas tried and their success or failure rates will help in assessing whether or not there was growth in my confidence and leadership skills.

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.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Enhancing content using technology: part one.[Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.