Final Blog Post

The development of a GAME plan, addressing the NETS-T standards chosen, and integrating technology into my classroom has been a real challenge. However, I have learned a lot from this experience and plan on incorporating what I have learned into my classroom from now on. First and foremost, I have learned that I do not necessarily NEED to use every single piece of technology I have access to, ALL the time. A little bit here, a little bit there. That is all that needs to happen most of the time in order to have a successful classroom environment. Second, my students need to start doing more on their own...becoming self-directed learners. I spend too much time talking at them. I am going to schedule time for the computer lab for the second semester. I would like to incorporate many of the ideas that I have learned about this term, including digital storytelling.

The one thing that I will do in order to be more effective in my classroom is planning. Next week will be spent figuring out what material needs to be taught before the state testing period. Along with that, I will be determining what media and other technology elements will be needed in my classroom for each lesson. I will also spend time deciding what upcoming unit will be focused on to have my students complete a long term project in the computer lab. Because my history students will be taking a state test covering three years of material, I may have the students research and present lessons reviewing each topic and standard that is being addressed on the test.

Overall, I am excited about what I have learned this term. My hope is that I will not fall back into the same teaching style that I currently use just because I am comfortable with it. I need to move forward, and my students need me to move forward in order to be better students and learners.