Final Reflection- Ed. 6713

Throughout this course I have learned much about teaching and about what is best for my students to prepare them for the 21st century.
I am so excited about how far I have come on my own GAME plan and even more excited about how I can incorporate what I have learned into my classroom this coming fall.
My original GAME plan goals were: 1. Engage students in exploring and solving real- world problems, 2. customize personal learning experiences for diverse learners.
Throughout this entire course I have worked very hard to reach these goals and complete my GAME plan, throughout my journey I have blogged and reflected upon my week-to-week progress, and looking back I have tracked myself quite well.
I believe that I have achieved both of my goals and will definetly put them into pracitce next year. After completing week 7 of the course I have learned how to complete a integrated thematic plan while incorporating technology tools that apply directly to my two goals.
During my unit I incorporated student research and opportunity for students to work with one another to collaborate their own town and culture, which relates directly to my first goal of helping students solve real world problems. In addition during my thematic unit I also gave students opportunities to learn and explore in various ways which reached all of gardener multiples intelligence. For instance, students who do best at kinsectic learning they were able to create digital stories and learn more about the Mayan culture.
I am especially excited about having my students create their own GAME plan next year to reach their own personal and academic goals, I have learned that using a GAME plan can effectively encourage students to become better students and more self confident in themselves, helping to prepare them for the 21st century skills.
I believe it was a very powerful experience, taking this course and learning about GAME plans and all the possibilities that technology gives students today. Zac Chase describes how his students were able to complete a online collaboration and take learning into their hands, solving problems and being leaders in their own learning experience, that is what type of teacher I asprire to be .... one who facilitates these types of oppotunities for my students.


Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Using the Game Plan with Students

Using the GAME plan with students is an excellent idea.
It is crucial for students to meet the NET-S, using the GAME plan idea is just the way to meet many of those standards. Using the GAME plan also ensures that students are meeting the 21st century skills, which as teachers it is our job to facilitate those skills within our classrooms.
For sixth graders, often times they are very unorganized and some times what I like to call as scatterbrained, using a Goal is a good way to get them on the right track. First I would have students set goals, which I do in my classroom often, we set goals for reading level, and other testing scores, as well as completion of work. Next, I would assit them in reaching their goal and implementing a plan. I would teach them how to monitor their progress, having them keep their own record and use the computer to do so, next evaluate and revise if necessary.
This is very important for students, because they will be setting goals and working on plans for the rest of their lives, I hope anyways. :)
As the learning resource stated this week, we need to allow our students to grow as self directed learners (cennamo, Ross, & Etmer, 2009)
To support this type of learning, I will need to incorporate many technology tools into the classroom, such as voice threads, wikis, blogging, digital stories, and many more.
This will be a great opportunity for students to have pride in their work and see success and how they can reach success in their own lives.

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Revising my Game Plan

As I continue to learn more about PBLs and incorporating technology in the classroom, I am working on my GAME plan along with the learning that is taking place. I feel as though I am gradually making progress toward reaching my GAME plan goals. Problem based learning is a good fit for reaching my GAME plan goal. Problem based learning allows for students to solve real world, work collaboratively, meet many NET-s standards and allowing me to tailor my lessons to meet my MI GLCEs for Social Studies as well.
I am continuing to find technology tools that make problem based learning more interactive and engaging for my students. I am becoming more convinced that Ning is a good tool to reach that goal, as Vicki Davis states in this week's learning resource "Ning allows globlal collaboration in a controlled environment, and allows connections between students, teachers, and other professionals" Vicki Davis also says that these networks allow for diversity, diversity that we would never be able to achieve in a classroom, only a social networking site like Ning can achieve this goal.
I want to continue to work on coming up with good thoughful questions to engage students during problem based learning. I will continue to seek out new technology tools and projects that other teachers have found successful to reach my goal.
Once I have students in the Fall I will be able to fully incorporate and work on my GAME plan with students, can't wait!

Davis, V. (2009). Spotlight on technology: Social networking and online collaboration, Part 1. (Laureate Educational, Inc., DVD, 2009 release).