The GAME Plan

Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) “use the GAME plan to guide self-directed learning activities” (p. 3). I will be using the GAME plan to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T).


G – Set Goals

Of the five overarching goals outlined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ITSE), two tasks stood out to me: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity and Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. These two goals are detailed through indicators that are specific teacher actions that will influence student learning.

1. “Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources”
2. “Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes”
3. “Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity”
4. “Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress” (NETS-T).



A – Take Action to Meet those Goals

I can admit these goals are lofty; however, my actions will be practical in order to tackle the expanse. In reality, these goals are interwoven and can be accomplished within the same lesson(s). I am going to deliberately plan for a WEEKLY session in the computer lab and/or access the mobile lab for my classroom. I will engage my students with digital tools by adapting Webquests that will enrich our learning environment as they reflect on their thinking and creativity (NETS-T) (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 55). I also want my students to follow their interests as they “incorporate digital tools and resources”. Even if we only use our weekly time for research or to learn a new digital tool, it will enhance our learning environment with technology.


M – Monitor Progress toward achieving goals

One way I will monitor my progress is by signing up for the computer lab and writing it in my plans in advance. It must be intentional for me to gain confidence and become proficient in the NETS-T. Since this is posted on my blog, I hope my followers will keep me accountable. You also should start to see my students posting on this blog as we learn how to use the “computer as a conferencing tool”, supporting collaboration and help them develop critical communication skills (p. 74).


E – Evaluate whether the goals were achieved and Extend your learning to new situations

I look forward to this step because I am optimistic that I will have gained the confidence and proficiency in many of the ISTE technology standards. I will reflect on what worked and didn’t work throughout the year, but as the year comes to a close I will hope to see an increase in my students’ technological proficiencies. I want them to also be “self-directed learners” that plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning (p. 3). I will extend my learning by not just adapting learning experiences, but start to design and create my own plans.

My GAME plan will keep me very busy, but I look forward to the confidence I will gain and technology-rich environment my classroom will become! Happy GAM(E)ing!

Jenelle

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

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. (2008). International Society for Technology in Education | Home. Retrieved November 12, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf