Reflection Blog Post Week 8

The game plan according to Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer ( 2009), was a way to set goals, take action, monitor, and evaluate how I would modify my method to learning tasks, to develop skills that are important to me and is in preparation for my lifelong learning. I utilized two of the NETS-T indicators to strengthen my confidence and knowledge to integrate technology tools more effectively into the content areas. With the ever changing new technologies for teaching and learning I will need to closely monitor my ability to integrate technology in order to identify the new knowledge and skills that I need (Cennamo et.al, 2009). According to Dr. Ertmer, being knowledgeable in technology allows the teacher to present the content to students using the technology tool.


Throughout this course I developed new technology skills and learned how to use them effectively across the content area. I learned how Problem Based Learning or a PBL can address many content areas while at the same time integrating technology tools that attends to diverse learners’ needs, promotes creativity and critical thinking skills. As Dr. Ertmer noted the content is explored in an authentic and meaningful way. The impact this has had on my instructional practice is the realization that the students are engaged with the content and PBL’s can fit interdisciplinary curricular and content standards. Students have the opportunity to be assessed in diverse ways where it is ongoing and does not focus primarily on a final project.


The two NETS-T indicators that I choose to strengthen my confidence in were: 2c Customize and personalize learning activities to address student’s diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. 3b Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. Developing a game plan for these indicators promoted some immediate adjustments in my instruction as I mastered my own skill level and integrated some new technologies as a result in content areas. As an end result of learning in this course I will instruct my students how to utilize the GAME plan to address NETS-S indicators over the course of the year. This will increase their knowledge of technology tools, build self- confidence and empower them to become self-directed learners. With this instructional strategy I hope to build a foundation that will encourage and promote lifelong learners.


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

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 1” [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part 2 [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.