Final Reflection

Throughout this course, we have been given the challenge to formulate a GAME plan, implement a project-based learning lesson, develop upon our technological skills, and seek ways to improve our classroom instruction. In the past seven weeks, I have learned a good bit about my teaching and my own learning abilities. Vicki Davis (2010) emphasized the point that it is “important for teachers to remember you do not get there overnight” (Laureate Education, Inc.). As a teacher, new advances in technology has been a constant struggle for me because it seems once I have grasped how to do one concept, something else comes to the forefront and replaces it and the new and improved way. Many times I have had to take a step back and reflect on what I need to do to improve my classroom instruction and do what will be the most beneficial for my students. As Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) state, the “Key to effective reflection is the ability to go beyond a simple description of what happened to consider why it happened, how it is connected to other events, and what adjustments should be made to subsequent actions based on understanding” (p.11). The courses here at Walden have required me to reflect on my classroom practice and to define new learning goals for myself as well as my students. I have found that if I am truly honest with myself and my peers in my reflections, I gain a better understanding as to how I can improve and the steps I need to take to become a better teacher.

According to Cennamo, et al., (2009), “due to the rapid pace at which technologies are changing, the work place is also changing quickly” (p. 23). As an educator in the twenty-first century, I am expected to know and how to use the latest technology tools, and I am encouraged to apply them to my classroom instruction. As I developed my GAME plan for this course, I found two significant areas I needed to work on. I know I did not and still do not do the best job with “modeling and facilitating effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning” (NETS-T 3). I also struggled with and continue to work on NETS-T-5 which to “evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning”. As I have examined my teaching and learning styles over the past weeks, I have reflected on my ability to make changes and to engage in concepts which take me outside of my comfort zone. “As a self-directed lifelong learner, you'll be able to respond to the rapid and continuous technological changes that inevitably will occur during your professional career, keep your skills up-to-date, and better meet the needs of your students today and in the future” (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) p.7).

As I have identified my weaknesses and developed my GAME plan, I have found the use of the wiki, blog, and discussion board to be particularly helpful during this course to be motivational tools and areas for inspiration and useful feedback. This was the first time I have ever utilized a blog or wiki, so the engagement with these technology tools have helped me to move closer to my plan of integrating more technology into my classroom content. I have gained an appreciation for taking time out of my busy schedule to learn about other technology tools and the benefit these tools will have on my students. Research shows that “Once students are engaged, technology can be used to promote and support students' understanding of the content” (Cennamo, et al., (2009) p.37). As part of my future goals, I would like to implement the use of a discussion blog with my students to promote reflection, technology, and writing instruction. According to Cennamo, et al., (2009), “Blogs can help students practice and demonstrate different styles of communication, especially through writing” (p. 74). As an English teacher, it is an essential goal to do what I can to increase the motivation of my students to conduct in more writing activities to improve their skills and to provide real-world techniques to do so. I plan to incorporate more with digital storytelling in my classroom as I have gained new ideas on how I can use this tool in my classroom; I have used presentation software multiple times in my classroom, but I find that the digital stories provide additional aspects and promote more engagement for the students. As suggested by Cennamo, et al., (2009), “The opportunity to develop a personal story is extremely motivating for students, and the tangible outcome of the process contributes to confidence-building necessary for creative thinking” (p. 70). I want my students to get the most out of everything they are required to do in my classroom and I find that by allowing them to use as much technology as possible, they will hopefully be more engaged and become self-directed learners as they collaborate with their peers.

In the near future, I plan to revise the GAME plan model to adapt to function as a graphic organizer. I find that my students would benefit from using the GAME plan as they begin new projects and as we focus on new units of instruction. In my experience, many students are not organized and this is the area where they need help as they develop projects and keep up with assignments. If I can use this plan to help students become more organized, I feel they will do better in the classroom. I have also learned the importance of modeling practically everything for the students. Although I am an auditory learner, I have found that the majority of students are visual and need to literally see the expectations laid out for them. Through the use of the GAME plan model, I will be able to do that and this is an organizer the students can keep in their notebooks. As I introduce the GAME plan method to the students, I would be willing to share my own experience with stepping outside of my comfort zone to apply new methods and technology. I also find the situations encountered in this course will help me to articulate my new learning with my colleagues and help me to be more confident when promoting new ideas for assessments and projects.


References

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.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Spotlight on Technology: Social Networking and Online Collaboration part 2. [Webcast]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.