- Are you finding the information and resources you need?
I am finding many resources for my GAME plan. I am worried I am overthinking the goals I have set for myself and getting overwhelmed very qucikly.
- Do you need to modify your action plan?
I feel like I need to make my action plan more specific because it is somewhat broad for my 4th graders and for myself as the teacher
- What have you learned so far?
I have learned that technology has a lot to offer to us. I need to have specific, general goals in mind to keep on track and to meet the goals I have
- What new questions have arisen?
The questions I do have...
Do you feel overwhelmed when a goal is too large?
How to I make my goal achievable?
What are ways I can make technology a realistic positive learning experience for my students?
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ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteI can see why you'd get a bit overwhelmed with your action plan. You made a lot of goals to meet within a system of time constraints and 4th grade abilities. I would suggest in the first years of integrating technology, pick a few types of resources to integrate into the content curriculum. For example, start with webquests and videos, possibly with a presentation progam. After you feel comfortable with those, perhaps the following year, attempt to do some of the wikispace ideas or the class website. I always want to use every resource I learn about in these classes, but I soon realize the there isn't enough time in the day for me to develop lessons for them, integrate them into the daily routine, and still have time to do all the other necessary components of preparing my students. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, as I did the past couple years, maybe limit your goals to a few specific technology resources with a long term plan of utilizing more year by year.
Joe
Megan,
ReplyDeleteWhenever I am introduced to something new I can feel the same way. Remember back to the very beginning of a GAME plan: first identify what you already know about a topic and this will lead to identifying what you need to learn (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Do not spread yourself too thin. Start basic and build on those goals a little bit at a time as you master them. These were also words of advice from an old teacher of mine and has become some of the best advice I have ever received. Do a few things well, rather than several poorly.
If you feel that your action plan needs to be more specific, then narrow it up and it will help you focus more on simplifying it for your 4th graders. Achieiving your goals are a little more challenging. If I were in your shoes I would ask myself if I have pursued all of the resources that I can to help me reach my goal (s)? To me, once you have mastered this then everything else will fall in place and assist you with your last question - .....making this a realistic, positive experience for your students. If you become comfortable with what you are using or teaching, then it will show when you pass it on to your students. If certain types of technology do not make you comfortable, get more help and practice first or try something else for a while instead. I can relate to this for sure! I am not very knowledgeable about computers or digital technology, but I do know that there is a wide variety of choices to use if some do not work out in our favor. That is the beauty of technology in itself! Good luck with your GAME plan and keep up the good work.
Luke
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were honest with your post. It is a model I can follow. Perhaps you should ask your 4th graders or former students what type of technology they would or would've liked to have mastered in your class to help you narrow your goals.
Charis Jones
Thanks Everyone!!
ReplyDeleteMy students are pretty well off with technology which can be suprising but catch on very fast with things. I like to set standards high so they can achieve them and have some sort of accomplishment. I don't want to limit my goals because I feel that I would not be allowing my students as much technology as I am able to while in school.