One important thing I have learned so far in pursuing my game plan that I can apply to my instructional practice is that if my GAME plan goals are to be the main focus of my learning, then they really do need to be the main focus. Let me explain. My GAME plan involves learning about everything I need to know to be ready to launch a web site AND reviewing my whole curriculum for opportunities to integrate technology to enhance student learning. Actually, one of these topics would be enough to keep me busy with self-directed learning in addition to my teaching. Add to that an exploration of social networking and collaboration sites and a genuine interest in learning more about problem-based learning, and you've got one overtaxed teacher/learner. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I use a GAME plan strategy with students in the future, I will be sure that it is not a sideline activity to an otherwise full curriculum.
That said, it will not be a surprise for my readers that I am not ready to set new learning goals. I intend to wrap up my GAME plan goals properly and launch my web site (most likely during the late fall / early winter). After that, I will set my sights on modeling collaborative knowledge construction (NETS-T Standard 1d) and developing and modeling cultural understanding and global awareness (NETS-T Standard 4d).
As for my learning approaches, well, I'm fairly satisfied with those. I have consulted experts, explored web resources, and networked with my colleagues, and I have learned a lot.
About Me
- Tsenala
- Überlingen, Germany
- I am an English teacher in beautiful southern Germany. When I'm not busy with school work (a rare event these days), I'm biking, running, enjoying a glass of wine, or trying to figure out my 14 year-old daughter.
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Implementing a technology lesson like this is very time-consuming. It is helpful that we are creating this lesson for our Walden class, or I doubt we would be putting this much time and energy into it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think once your website is set-up then maintaining it will not be very time consuming.
Good luck.
Tsenala -
ReplyDeleteI can understand how you can be feeling completely overwhelmed with trying to learn as much as you can about websites, regular curriculum, Walden classes and your sanity. I feel that I am falling short on my GAME plan just because there is not enough time. I am hoping that it will be a winter break project or a summer time project, for it is the only way I can see making it work at this point.
I think that part of being a great teacher is knowing your limits as well. If you were to set new goals you would be adding to your stress level, which would not benefit your students. You would burn yourself out and not give them all of you. Keep in mind, the best way to start new initiatives is to do do them in small manageable steps, not all at once.
Keep up the great work!