EDUC-6713I-2 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas

The GAME Plan Reflection

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” John Dewey

Students today are digital learners They are texting, using cell phones, networking on the internet and playing online games; many times simultaneously. Unfortunately a large number of educational institutions require students to “power down” as they step into the classroom. Our 21st Century technocentric students are rarely allowed to use the technologies and Web 2.0 tools that are central to their lives. Educators need to integrate technologies to not only engage students but to help in preparation of the students’ future.

The Meeting in Maui unit addresses Technology Workplace, Reading, Writing, Math Standards and includes vital 21st Century Skills. But this is not why I have created this unit. The unit is actually based on activities my students are doing in the classroom meeting and mastering technology standards. After learning of the GAME plan, I scrutinized the lessons for Meeting in Maui. After evaluating and analyzing I determined the unit needed to be revised. I made the decision to incorporate additional lessons and skills making the unit robust and comprehensive.

Entering the field of education is a strong indication of a lifelong learner. Professional development hours are spent learning new skills and strategies for classroom implementation. An effective educator needs to be a lifelong learner, staying abreast of current teaching trends and strategies along with new and emerging technologies to enhance classroom instruction. Educators need to determine, plot, scrutinize, appraise and modify skills to assist in their teaching practices. Through self reflection educators need to continue to fine tune their craft.

A self directed learner is often referred to a metacognitive learner. This type of learner
thinks about thinking, while engaging in three processes: planning, monitoring, and evaluating their learning goals. (Ertmer & Newby, 1996; Zimmerman, 1990; Zimmerman, Bonner, & Kovach, 1996). Since educators enjoy learning, they dream of transforming students into lifelong learners. Unfortunately teachers rarely have time to integrate this skill when making lessons plans much less instructing students on setting goals. The content areas are deeply saturated with standards that teachers are overwhelmed and do not want another thing to teach. Teaching goal setting is a valuable 21st Century Skill.

The GAME Plan is a wonderful tool to aid in setting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating of goals. Setting goals is a common throughout an educator’s lesson plans and instruction. Educators are constantly informally using the GAME plan as we adjust and modify to accommodate our students needs. The GAME plan helps with guiding learning activities for teachers and students alike.

The GAME plan is easy to incorporate in goal setting plus providing continuity to the process. This versatile plan can be used in all subject areas assisting in directing the educational activities.
Since I teach basic computer skills guided by technology standards, I have incorporated content areas into the lessons. The primary objectives of the unit are for my students to acquire technology skills preparing them for the future.

I wholeheartedly agree that technology should be integrated throughout the curriculum along with a Basic Computer Literacy Class. There is deep need for students to be taught skills for creating successful computer generated products. Educators need to prepare students for the future but since the content areas are heavily laden with standards students are required to master, little if no time is found for teaching computer skills. Students need to know how to effectively use: word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs, not only for their educational years but also for their future in the workplace.

The Meeting in Maui Unit guides students to master the following skills: E-mail; etiquette, ethical behavior, components of an e-mail, attachments, address book, Internet Skills; effective searches, keyword searches, search strategies, evaluating websites, skimming and scanning skills, citation of resources, Digital Storytelling; effective design for PowerPoint, storyboard design, Photo Story plus many 21st century skills. I am in the process of locating or creating a lesson on goal setting to incorporate the GAME Plan for the students to use in the unit.
I will continue to provide learning experiences for my students in preparation for the technology rich world to which they will be contributing. I also understand technology is growing exponentially and the careers that will be available to our students do not exist today, regardless I need to provide students with skills and technologies to encourage them to be self-directed lifelong learners.

The GAME plan is easy to incorporate in goal setting plus providing continuity to the process. This versatile plan can be used in all subject areas assisting in directing the educational activities.
The GAME plan I had originally posted for this course was modified as the weeks flew by. I have and will continue including the plan to help with setting goals, lesson plans and instruction. My goal of instructing my students on goal setting will be implemented when we resume school. I am hoping the students will realize the value of setting goals and will use the GAME plan in other classes.

In closing, I set goals in my professional and private life, now with the GAME plan I have a template to aid me in being proficient in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating my goals. What a valuable tool!

References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom
Use: A Standards-Based Approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing

Ertmer, P.A., & Newby, T.J. (1996). The expert learner: Strategic, sel-regulated, and reflective.
Instructional Science, 24, 1-24.

Zimmerman, B.J. (1990). Self-regulated learning and academic achievement: An overview.
Educational Psychologist, 25(1), 3-17

Zimmerman, B.J., Bonner, S., & Kovach, R. (1996). Developing self-regulated learners: Beyond
achievement to self-efficacy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.