Working through the GAME plan during this term has been a real challenge. In a nutshell, it has made me realize that in order for our students to the best that they can be, the teachers who are teaching them have to be the best that they can be. Throughout my Master's program, I have slowly warmed to the notion that planning is not all bad...in fact, it is a pretty good idea. In the past, I had spent very little time planning for my lessons. Any person older than five years old could tell that this was the case. My instruction was not very fluid at all. It is evident now that planning what I need and want to teach helps to keep not just the students focused, but me focused as well. Looking ahead to the next section, and even to the next chapter, has really helped to keep my classes on task.
Utilizing the GAME Plan process with my students is a great way to hone my planning skills even further. It will also allow my students a greater opportunity to access and use technology. Each point of the GAME plan is important. However, the first point (GOAL) is the key to having a successful GAME plan. In order to take advantage of one of the computer labs on campus, teachers must schedule time slots with the lab technician...sometimes weeks in advance. A teacher must not only be aware of how long the current chapter or unit will take, but must also be cognizant of what the next chapter or unit is about. The teacher must also keep in mind what kind of project they will be asking their students to complete, in order to schedule enough computer lab time to allow the entire project to be finished.
The best way for students to become proficient in the ISTE NETS-S is to be able to use the technology that is at their disposal, and to use it often. In order for this to happen, the teacher my plan their own GAME plan. This way, both parties win. Teachers are more prepared, and students learn the material in better ways.
Resources
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). The iste national educational technology standards (nets-s) and performance indicators for students. Retrieved December 16, 2009,from www.iste.org
Ray,
ReplyDeleteExcellent point - while the best laid plans usually go to waste, it is still a great idea to plan accordingly for any lesson or unit so that you can adjust quickly and have back up ideas ready to go. Also, planning helps to focus our attention on the strengths and weaknesses of our students before we start a lesson. Your reflection is honest and straightforward to the point that it makes me think about my own use of planning when integrating technology in my classes as well. Thanks!
-Stephen St. Georges
I totally agree with you on the planning aspect of your post. And even more so, planning for all the "unknowns" that creep up in computer lab assignments. All teachers know that computers will fail and that tech problems will surface. It's how teachers deal with these problems that truly separates the cream from the crop. And just like any content based learning, practice makes permanent. You are right on when saying that students need the chance to practice their technology skills.
ReplyDeleteStephen and Todd,
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your comments.
I agree... this particular class has made me very aware of how much more plannng I should be doing. Even on those really good lessons that are passed down frm year to year... They need revamped every year and adapted to thecurrent students. Only the skeleton outline should remain the same.
ReplyDeleteI think you are so lucky to only have to request omputer time weeks in advance. Our computer lab already has time booked by teachers through March! Some teachers even booked one day of the week for skill drills for the entire year!