My GAME plan during this Walden course consisted of two
parts. The first part of the plan
was to improve upon engaging students in real-world issues and solving
authentic problems using digital tools and resources. Through my research, I learned that language arts
skills can be used in correlation with any cross-curricular subject to help
create authentic learning that encourages higher-level thinking.
The second goal in my GAME plan was to advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and
ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for
copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources. I worked very hard on this goal in my
Media Literacy course with my tenth graders. I was happy to find a number of good Internet sources along
with our Walden resources. I found
my students were very engaged while discussing their own digital lives. Much of the information they learned about
digital citizenship seemed new to them, including respect for copyright and
intellectual property. They had
worked with proper documentation, but most seemed under the impression that
anything on the Internet is theirs for the taking. It was enlightening to them.
Both of these goals
have impacted my learning greatly.
I will continually be thinking of ways to make my lesson plans more
authentic. I will also strive to
integrate digital literacy mini lessons throughout the year. It is always a good time to be
reminding students of the importance of safe, legal, and ethical use of digital
information.
With both goals, I
did not have to revise any part of the GAME plan. I was happy with my choices and felt they were both
applicable to me and my teaching situation. In addition, the timing worked out such that I was able to
immediately implement lesson plans that helped with my own learning as well as
my students’.
I can see using the
GAME plan model with my own students.
I would have them start out by taking on of the NETS for Students goals
and creating a GAME plan for themselves.
They could blog their progress on their goals, much like we have done
with our own GAME plans.
I have come to realize that technology integration can help
teach content and add motivation to my classes. I am planning on utilizing such activities as problem-based
learning with technology infused naturally into the process of learning. Social networking and collaboration can
enhance problem-based learning as well.
Although I have not used digital storytelling, I believe my students
will be receptive to it, especially in light of the successful projects we have
tried so far in my classroom.
This has truly been a productive and insightful course. I am excited to continue implementing what I have learned.
