Final Reflection Blog: August 20, 2010

As we come to a close on this technology course I have to say that it has been one of the most enlightening classes I have ever taken. The Game plan we were introduced to and developed for ourselves is a strategy that I personally will continue to use throughout my teaching career. My first GAME plan Goal was to become proficient at using the new software that our district has implemented for grading and communicating with parents. I quickly learned that my Action plan of having a colleague tutor me was not going to work out since he was unavailable much of the summer. I am currently stuck on my Action plan until the beginning of the school year to attend a training session.

My second Goal had a much better outcome. It is to model digital-age work and learning by becoming a proficient user of the new Smart Board in my classroom. I was able to not only locate numerous websites with tutorials but many colleagues willing to share their knowledge and expertise. I have discovered that the teaching community is definitely one of selflessness. The GAME plan kept me accountable throughout the summer to be better prepared to model this technology to my students and I cannot wait to introduce this new engaging and fun learning tool to my students.

The most important impact the GAME plan will make in my instructional practice will be that it will keep me accountable in becoming a life learner who strives his best to accomplish the goals he sets before him. It’s hard to leave the goal behind once the GAME plan is established. Even the goal I was not able to accomplish in the timeline I would have liked to. I will continue my Action plan when school begins and finish my GAME plan before the first semester ends. I also believe that by teaching The GAME plan to my students for them to follow during assignments will make them better learners and teach them a life long strategy.

In my instruction I will be creating lessons with technology in mind to incorporate all that I have learned in this course. It would be unrealistic for me to say that I will use all of it in my class but my plan is to introduce it in small doses. Starting with something as simple as a blog and hopefully moving towards digital storytelling by the end of the year. I too have to find ways to change my lessons to incorporate these new technology tools so I know it will take time. Hey, sounds like another GAME plan.