Reflection

The GAME plan that I put into action at the beginning of this course was a progress-monitor system in which I could learn a new technology, creating a WebQuest, and assess my own project. The GAME plan is a simple way to outline a plan for implementing new technology into the classroom. Not only did the GAME plan drive me forward to complete the learning of a WebQuest, it reminded me how important it is to continue learning about new technology.

I feel confident that I can now create and implement the use of WebQuests in my room. Although there were difficulties with Internet access at the schools, and my initial plan included too many different ideas that I had to separate and focus on one at a time. My students felt more engaged in their learning when they were able to work through a WebQuest on their own. They enjoyed the freedom, and experience of using technology to complete a project that might otherwise appear boring.

I will be having the students in my classroom implement their own GAME plans to learn about new technologies to share with the class. I am also going to make it a personal goal to try to implement a new GAME plan each month so I can keep current with technology and integrating them into my classroom.

The GAME plan allows one to set-up a clear plan of action for learning a new piece of technology. The GAME model could very directly be used by students to become familiar and proficient with the NETS-S. Students could work individually or in small groups to implement their own GAME plan for learning a new technology. They could use the new technology as a way to redeliver the information to their classmates At the start of the next school year I will have students complete a GAME plan to learn a new technology. They will then use that technology to teach the class how to use what they learned about. Students will then be expected to implement new technology into their class projects/assignments.

Revisiting my GAME Plan

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

So far I have begun the process of creating a WebQuest for my students to access. This practice has allowed me to become more familiar with using my school website and putting together a site that my students can use in the class. Since this was my first WebQuest, I made it more about working on a final project I had in place with my Sophomore students In the future, I would make a WebQuest that does more teaching than working on a end of unit project.

What goals are you still working towards?

My students who will be accessing the WebQuest are currently preparing for state exams, so I have yet to complete the WebQuest since we put our To Kill A Mockingbird unit on hold for the time being. That is my main goal; to complete my WebQuest.

Based on the NETS-T, what learning goals will you set for yourself?

Based on the NETS-S standards, I want to “design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments” and “facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.”

If you are not ready to set new learning goals, how will you extend that you have learned so far?

I want to set the above learning goals because students will become more motivated and engaged in learning if they can integrate technology into their education.

What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?

I think that I will use WebQuests in the future, but I will want a more developed plan before implementing my WebQuest. I think that I might want to try using a WebQuest with my other classes as a tool more focused before and during the novel, instead of towards the end and after the novel unit. I also think this would be great to implement in my elective courses (Careers & Drama). There are lots of resources on the internet so I have been spending more time looking at WebQuests already on the web to see how I might make modifications in the future.