After developing my GAME plan a few weeks back, I have decided to reflect and consider the steps I have taken towards meeting my technology goals.
The first goal I have set for myself is to facilitate and inspire students earning and creativity through the use of technology. I have been working to find different interactive technology for my students to participate in during our whole group instruction. We are currently in a workshop called "Your Brain". The students really seem to enjoy participating in the "brain games" after journals. The interactive games let them test their memory and challenge them to think and the students are engaged and interested. I have learned that there are so many interactive games available and using a SmartBoard lets the students interact as a group and practice team building skills. I would still like to include a webquest that will allow the students to independently work and explore different websites, practice using search engines, evaluate websites for validity, and learn about the brain.
The second goal I have set for myself is to engage in professional growth and leadership using technology. I have shared the interactive websites I have found with the teacher that teaches the other Read 180 sections. I honestly have been very busy with school and work, but I plan to enroll in another technology class over the summer to help increase my comfort level with the technology and learn different ways to implement technology in the classroom.
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a good start on your GAME Plan!
I have a couple of questions for you:
Is "Your Brain" a web site or a program that your school has purchased? I would love to know more about it. Also, where do you find the interacting games for the SmartBoard? I would love to use more with my students especially during our 8th period reteaching/enrichment period.
I do not blame you for waiting until the summer for taking a technology course. I think I am going to do the same thing, too. With less to think about for classes, we can focus more energy on learning the new technology.
To Meredith:
ReplyDeleteI also need to become more proficient with technology. Everything is moving so fast, and there is so much information online on just about everything you can think of! I am also finding it a challenge to complete my GAME Plan, I have had to adjust it to suit my current circumstances with other teaching duties. But I am glad I have a plan to keep me focused on what needs to be done.
Pauline
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteI would love to know more about "Your Brain". I don't have a Smartboard, but we have Interwrite pads, so I am assuming this would work for these as well.
I agree with you - wait until summer. Between our classes with Walden and preparing my 8th graders for the writing test and now our state assessment test in April (not to mention my own kids and all their sports), I barely have time to breathe. I don't think attempting to take any other courses would be beneficial at this point because I wouldn't get everything out of them that I could if I were to wait until I can really focus.
It sounds like you and your students are really benefiting though from your GAME plan. Good job!