Integrating Technology into the GAME plan

After looking into my GAME plan more deeply, I realize that I have very ambitious goals.  These goals are in no way “unattainable” however, they are quite ambitious to say the least.  Having adolescent students create modern logos and business stationary by using programs such as Microsoft Publisher is not always the simplest task.  In an ideal world, teachers would be able to provide one source for all students so that they will miraculously understand with the snap of a finger.  However, this dream is rarely a reality in the world of education.  Teachers must view this task as a quest to provide as many resources and strategies throughout instruction so that students from different learning styles can catch hold to it.  This, after all, is the true definition of differentiation.

            With each year comes a more diverse classroom.  As teachers research ways to be more culturally competent and effective, students should reap the benefits.  For this to take place, teachers should have access to various learning resources to help learners become successful (Laureate, 2011).  One aspect of my GAME plan was to allow students to utilize technology that increases their creativity.  Though some manipulation of the assignment choice is needed from my part, students should have access to software that provides another way to learn or see an idea.  This epiphany may be attained by allowing students to create an end-product by using equipment.  For example, students recently used graphic organizer software to create an organization chart of a new teenage business.  Not only did students have to develop the business, but they had to show a way to organize the line of authority in their new business.  This freedom and creativity was very intimidating and scary for some students.  I noticed that some ELLs struggled with organizing the chart.  Therefore, it was be nice to receive some type of software in which students can create an outline of what is needed, submit the outline, and click a function to allow the chart to appear automatically.  A program that allows for incorporating pictures and text boxes would also be ideal.

Another goal is to attain software that I can communicate with the students from my computer.  There is an old saying that “We can’t be everywhere at once”.  However, with this software, teachers have access to the classroom’s computer screens.  Teachers could individually speak to each student one by one in the headset, without drawing too much attention.  Students with learning differences could benefit from extra feedback from my part.  As the class size grows, this would also be a great method to keep a closer eye on trends that are occurring in the classroom.  Though I would need training on how to utilize the software effectively, this step would reinforce my goal of becoming an educator that models the creative learning processes required to navigate new technology (ISTE, 2008).  By doing this, students who are comfortable with new forms of technology will hopefully benefit.  Finally, I wish to incorporate professional software for editing and designing.  Students are often less than thrilled to use some of the software they currently use to design.  However, providing up-to-date software may challenge students enough to keep them engaged.  Students maintain their sense of motivation and anticipation when they are interested and challenged (Nieto, 2003).  Therefore, allowing students to utilize professional editing software will provide more opportunities and capabilities for all of them to stay involved. 

So, what does all of this mean?  I have specific goals, but what is next?  I find myself asking these questions quite frequently.  Teachers are often able to recite specific goals and ambitions; however they sometimes omit a plan of action.  Though many of the resources I mentioned are not currently implemented in the classroom, I must discover if they are ever going to be available.  Just recently, I spoke with some of the technology technicians to determine if the software needed to view students’ computer screens from my computer screen is available. After I hear back from the technician, I will have begun the process of promoting growth in the classroom.  However, communication is still needed about the other resources.  If anyone knows of any professional photo or image editing software, or more user-friendly graphic organizer software, I would love to receive feedback.  Thank you.

References

ISTE (2008). NETs-T. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Laureate Education. (2011). Meeting students’ needs with technology, part 1 [Web]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_1374111_1&url=

Nieto, S. (2003). What Keeps Teachers Going?. New York: NY. Teachers College Press.