EDUC 6713 Week 8-Final Blog Post Reflection

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own."

-Ben Sweetland

The above quote by Ben Sweetland describes what has transpired throughout this course. I have learned new ways on how technology can “increase student engagement, maximize the impact of a learning activity, and provide opportunities for students to apply the content they are learning in authentic ways,” (Walden University, 2009). Reflecting on the implementation of the GAME Plan, I have learned that as a teacher it is very important for us as well as teach our students how to set goals, take action to meet those goals, monitor progress toward achieving goals, and evaluating whether the goals were achieved and extend our learning to new situations, (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2010).

My GAME Plan goal throughout this course was to implement new digital tools into the classroom to further engage my students in their learning. In addition, increase my knowledge of technological advances in order to better serve my students. Reflecting on my plan, I have learned that, “one of the biggest factors in providing access to learning resources in a way that is sensitive to the individual and cultural needs of our students. We have to ensure that all students, whatever their backgrounds or abilities, have equitable opportunities to use all of the technology resources available in an interactive classroom with an atmosphere that respects students and provides ample opportunities for students to build on and extend their knowledge and skills,” (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 2010).

In following my GAME plan, collaborating with my school’s technology specialist, I have learned so much. Technology is ever changing and the fast pace world we live in today, we have to continuously find new ways to engage our students. Attending conferences, workshops, and collaborating with colleagues are indeed great ways to learn new ideas. One key aspect in all that I have learned is that implementing new tools do take time. Being a related arts teacher, having the constant class interruption, schedule changes, assemblies, etc., it takes students longer to grasp new concepts because they are not used daily.

This plan has had a great impact on how my instructional practices are now being taught. Immediate adjustments I would make would be to implement the use of the GAME lesson plan template daily when creating my lessons. I found that the plans we created throughout this course using the template, set the pace for a smooth transition from one point to the next. I know I will continue to collaborate with colleagues as well as business teachers in my district. Hargis and Wilcox stated in this course that when one collaborates, you “learn more, retain it more and are more satisfied with the experience,” (2008). In addition, you enhance your learning. Enhancing my learning as well as my students is indeed the overall goal for me as a teacher.

Technology integration is vitally important in teaching our students the skills needed to be life long learners. It also supports the development of creative and critical thinking skills, (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b). In being a life long learner, students become creative thinkers and are self-directed to learn their content plus more. Creative thinkers are those who are “confident, motivated, persistent, open-minded, as well as flexible,” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b). Overall, this course has been indeed a true learning experience that I will take throughout my entire teaching career. I believe that I have truly become a self-directed life-long learner who is committed to ensuring my students’ success.

Thank You!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Hargis, J., & Wilcox, S.M. (2008, October). Ubiquitous, free, and efficient online collaboration tools for teaching and learning. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 9(4), 9-17.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across
the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.

Walden University. Course Home Page. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Retrieved November 16m 2009 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com.