Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Carrying Out My GAME Plan

I will need a variety of resources to carry out my GAME plan. The first steps I need to take has been to find reading materials/places that offer ideas and suggestions on the use of technology in the classroom. It is imperative that I find resources that match the courses and grade levels I teach. I foresee that I may need to subscribe to an educational technology magazine and also hope to find learning communities online. I will also need to develop a method for cataloging my findings and reflections each month.  

I have to admit that I have started to look for learning communities and other resources and am having a little difficulty finding what I need. Unfortunately, a lot of the information is tailored to a lower grade level elementary classroom. I have found many good resources for the primary classroom, but am struggling to find information that applies to a middle school setting. Also, because I know that I will need additional motivation to keep up to date on my goals, I am finding an additional personal incentive I can earn when I have completed my goal at the end of each month.

10 comments:

  1. Amy,

    The thing that really stuck out to me with your post this week, was the part of a personal incentive to yourself. That is really good idea, as I have done this with my students before but never really thought about doing it for myself. I think it would really help with motivation.

    Another thing I think that might be useful to you, is doing additional reading in the books from our master's classes. I found many useful ideas from these course and more importantly, ways that I can apply these technologies. Before starting my master's class, I really thought I was tech savvy but have quickly learned there is a lot more out there then I originally thought. My suggestion to you is to read over more of the course text from Walden. Goodluck

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  2. Amy,

    Who said incentives should only be for the students? Teachers needs them just as much. That is an excellent way to motivate you to follow through with your goals.

    It sounds like you are starting in the right place by looking for materials to get some ideas. I have found that simple communication with fellow colleagues have been most beneficial. Especially since people who teach the same content as I do, and have used certain tools, have already been through the trial and error period.

    Do you have an IT support in your building? Our technition acts as a great resource for me and he also has materials that would be useful in your situation.

    Good Luck to you,

    Charlene

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  3. Well, it definitely will behoove you to locate reading materials that will help you to implement technology use in your classroom. As I mentioned to Brett, there is a world of information out there in the cyber world but it can become overwhelming at times. It’s not just a matter of locating what you need, but you must find the much needed time to search for what it is you need. You are correct about needing to find appropriate grade level resources, and this may sometimes be easier said than done! I too have encountered difficulties when it came to finding material for my ninth graders in the way of technology. I just recently discovered some awesome websites that you may find interesting. I am actually going to take some time this weekend to visit one of the following in depth:

    http://teachers.net
    http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
    http://www.zdnet.com
    www.simplek12.com

    This last one may be perfect for you since you teach middle school; it applies to k-12. I hope you find some good ideas that will allow you to implement technology into your lessons. I actually just learned a shortcut that allows you to invite followers directly from the site. Since I am a subscriber, I can invite you to be a follower if the sites have the option-some may not have the option.

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  4. Amy,

    I can relate to the information and resources you need to carry out your GAME plan. Because I work in a small, rural school, I must also find online learning communities, subscribe to various appropriate publications, and catalog my findings each month. In fact, that is how I became involved in Walden. I wanted to learn more about teaching but had few resources. It is disconcerting that you have found so few of the resources that you need. Unfortunately, I don’t have any suggestions on where to find them. Hopefully, these courses have given you some leads. Finally, I am curious what the “additional personal incentive” is that you are using to reward yourself.

    Have a great week,
    Russell Dysart

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  5. Thank you for all of your positive comments about my incentive idea! I think I am working towards a pedicure! I agree that the course texts provide a ton of great ideas. They have tons of resources that will be very helpful. I am thinking they may even be the perfect starting point to ease myself into achieving my goals. I really appreciate the website suggestions and will be sure to check those out very soon! The IT person who works at my school does not have a background in education, however he is a great resource when learning about the workings of different applications. I will be sure to share any additional sources of information I find along the way!

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  6. Miss Hampton,

    It is important to hook into people that can help you connect your subjects to technology in some way. I have found at least to in my building that have given me very useful suggestions in order to help me find tech tools that I can use. The technology director has even allowed me to use his apple computers to use its web design program to create class web pages. I don't feel as daunted as I did before knowing I have help to get this going. Rewarding ourselves is a great way for us to be accountable for our goals and is a great way to motivate yourself. I might try the same thing.

    Jeremy Hren

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