Delay of GAME?

In working to increase my use of UDL in lesson planning, I did upload the lesson template to Google Docs. While there I decided to search the existing templates and found a student survey that I thought would be useful (George, 2009). Also I found a great many resources available that would be helpful to teachers who are planning lessons using the principals of UDL. Most come from the CAST website, so I am unsure about the legality of me uploading them to Google Docs. I know I would be more apt to use these guides if I can easily access them there. Would this be acceptable as long as I cite the sources of information, or is this considered copyright infringement? Media specialists and technology teachers, I need your expertise here!

I do not feel like I need to modify my action plan at this time. I do feel as if I need to take more action though. It seems like the holidays are one of the most challenging times of the school year to accomplish much of anything with the students' excitement building and the many activities that come along with the season. Unfortunately I have not had many opportunities to use the new technology tools that I learn about in class with you all in my own classroom. I am always referencing the activities that we do and know that I must take time to make the time for incorporating these new ideas.

So far I have learned that the students are impressed when I make mention of the new technology tools that I am using. It is easy to see they are excited and perk up when I mention these ideas. I realize just how significantly technology can increase student engagement, now I just need to harness it!

Questions that I find myself asking are along the lines of my tech-resistant peers. Though I possess a better mind-set, I am now finding myself facing some of the realities. Why won't our Board stop being so old fashioned and unblock the great sites I want to use. How can I pry the CRS system from the hands of the math teacher who always seems to be using it the day I want to? When will I fit it all in? Again, I think it is partially the timing that is holding up my GAME plan and I know there are ways to work around the challenges I am facing and recognize that many other teachers face many more. I will continue to work towards my goals and appreciate all of your help and suggestions!

George, Marj. Google Docs. accessed November 25, 2009. http://spreadsheets.google.com/gform?key=tf7makOc8IlxEZxbDKyyYMQ#

Reviewing the GAME Plan

In order to plan lessons that employ digital tools to create valuable learning experiences, I am going to need more than just my everyday school supplies. I already have access to a SMARTBoard, wireless laptops and the LCD projector and regularly employ them. But I need to use other, less accessible technologies like the CPS systems, digital cameras, scanners, airliners, and websites that are not allowed by our Board of Education like YouTube.com in addition to the aforementioned tools. Furthermore I plan to use the strategies in the texts we have read throughout our Walden coursework and will continue to look for advice through authorities in technology integration, professional organizations, and networking communities for new ideas for use in my classroom. I especially would love to hear from my classmates about what works in their middle schools or social studies courses!

I have not yet used the GAME plan lesson format for preparing lessons, but many of the components are similar to the format our county uses now. It will be advantageous for me to upload this document to Google Docs where my colleague and I can access it easily during our planning time. Additionally, I am going to share this with my team so that we can all work to integrate technology and reach more of our learners through this UDL compatible format. One area I did make an advancement in was in sharing my use of technology to communicate with parents with my principal. I showed my principal the benefits and possibilities that having a class wiki provide versus her support and encouragement of using schoolnotes.com with other teachers. And I let her in on the handy way to post notes via our online grade book reporting system. She was impressed and I was encouraged to keep working toward my goals and I look forward to further monitoring my progress.

Getting in the GAME

Set Goals: Although all the NETS standards are important for teaching in the 21st century, I consider the indicators of standard 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity and standard 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations (ISTE, 2008) to be of particular importance and as attainable goals at this time. Dr. Peggy Ertmer asserts that confidence is essential in integrating technology and that "it's OK not to know more than the kids if you're willing to learn from them" (Laureate, 2009) and thanks to our coursework, I feel quite able to succeed in these areas.

Take Action: One valuable piece of advice from real classroom teachers will certainly shape my actions and that is to "look to technology to support the lessons, not form it" (Laureate, 2009b). The key is to promote learning and creativity, which I can preform well if I remember to begin with the end of content-based learning in mind. This way my lessons not be forced or frivolous. When I do deem it appropriate to integrate, I will use a lesson template such as the one provided for the 'Daily Lesson GAME Plan' (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertner, 2009). Additionally, as I gain practice with new technologies in my remaining courses or upcoming staff development opportunities, I will brainstorm at least two current lessons that could be improved by the integration of this new knowledge.

Monitor Learning: In each unit of study, I will look back on the lessons where I applied the GAME plan and completed the sections entitled 'Monitor' and 'Evaluate' in order to determine my successes and areas that I need to improve upon. I will also compare notes with my colleague to get an unbiased opinion of the effectiveness of my lessons. Also I will share with him and other interested teachers strategies that worked well in my classes and teach my students ways they too can use these new technologies.

Evaluate and Extension: Every fall, teachers are asked to identify two professional objectives that complement our school improvement plan. What better way for me to keep track of my progress than to align my technology integration goals with my school-based goals? I know that I will be proud to invite my principal into my class to see the lessons I plan and how efficiently I am able to use technology tools for my own personal use. Aside from this official evaluation, I know that my own extension of my graduate work in the coming years through continuing learning and keeping abreast of new tools will be most important.

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. . (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards Based Approach. Cengage Learning: Mason Ohio

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 2008. accessed November 12, 2009. www.iste.org.

Laureate Education Inc. (2009). “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 1.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

Laureate Education Inc. (2009b). “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 2.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.