Developing Your Personal GAME Plan

Integrating technology into content area lessons requires a GAME plan.  GAME plan stands for goals, actions, monitor, and evaluate.  It helps you determine how you learn best and initiates self-directed active learning.  Integrating technology into content isn't just about using a specific technology resource, it's learning how and when to use a specific resource to engage and motivate students, where the content and technology tools are working together to make the learning more successful. Dr. P. Ertmer stated that to integrate technology effectively requires "knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and supportive culture" (Enhancing Content, Part 1-dvd).

Two indicators that I do not feel as confident or proficient as I would like to be include designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments and engaging in professional growth and leadership.  What actions I would take to achieve these goals:  I will try to research and design more lessons that offer my students self-directed learning opportunities, where they can have choices and monitor their own progress and learning.  I will try to research more active learning opportunities in my content area (Visual Art) online and try to connect with other art teachers globally to get ideas for enriching my lessons with technology resources.  V. Davis shared that teachers need to "network globally, connect, and share ideas and technology integration allows students to learn in a variety of ways - auditory, visually, and kinesthetic" (Enhancing Content, Part 2).  I will also try to look to my fellow colleagues more to see what technology resources they are successfully integrating into their curriculum.

I will monitor my progress by monthly reflection on my successes or failures with technology resources in the classroom.  I will recognize what is working well with students and allowing them to become self-directed learners and also recognize what improvements or changes need to occur.  I will evaluate my learning by students' opinions and reactions to the lessons.  I will also evaluate my learning by seeing that my goals were accomplished.  I will extend my learning by professional development opportunities and networking globally with other teachers online.