Carrying Out My GAME Plan

Brainstorming and creating an outline for Goals, Action, Monitoring, and Evaluation (GAME) as Presented by Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) is a big first step in integrating technology effectively in a classroom content lesson. Without an understanding of the resources and information needed to implement and carry out this plan, the plan itself cannot be put into action, and students will not benefit from its use.

In examining my GAME Plan (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009), I can see that there is certainly some crucial information that I need to know about my students. In order to meet both of my goals, I will need to know how much experience and skill my students have using specific technologies. How often do they use a computer? Can they type accurately and efficiently? How familiar are they with the use of a digital camera? Have they ever used a video camera? What type of experience do they have using presentation or podcasting software? Have they ever participated in a blog or a wiki? Do they even know what a blog or a wiki is? Have students been taught how to develop and form questions to real world problems? I will also need to know my districts policy and process for creating a classroom blog and wiki that my students can actively participate in. Additionally, I will need to know what technology is available for my students to use, and how I can acquire that technology in my classroom. Will I need to check it out? If so, how long can it stay in my classroom?

One I have gathered the information that I need in order to carry out my GAME Plan (Cennamo, et. al, 2009), I will then need to locate and acquire the technology resources that will help me to implement this plan. I will need consistent and reliable computer access for my students. I will also need a digital camera and/or video camera to help students complete the project task. Technology resource support, to support me through the steps of creating a student and parent friendly blog and wiki, that protects students while allowing them and their parents to access the site and utilize it to its greatest capacity, will be a crucial need in my quest to carry out my GAME Plan (Cennamo, et. al, 2009). I need community experts and organizations to come into my classroom, or collaborate with students through the internet, to discuss the city that we live in, its importance, history, and landmarks. I will also need collegial support in my effort to implement technology in this unit. I will need the support, cooperation, and collaboration of a partner teacher, living in Colorado. I will need parents to allow students to participate actively in this project, by helping students access the internet from home or from the local library. Most importantly, I will need to have videos and segments available for my students to view, for information and unit introduction.

Since writing my GAME Plan (Cennamo, et. al, 2009), I have been able to begin assessing my students' abilities to use technology. I have been able to ascertain that many of my students have previously participated in a classroom blog, and many are familiar with typing into a word processing document on the computer. Many students have not utilized digital video cameras or podcasting software, and many students are not familiar with presentation software, such as Power Point. I have been able to know, however, that students are accustomed to having an expert in a particular field join them in the classroom; to provide feedback and help them understand about their community and landmarks.

With the resources I can acquire, and the information I need, I feel confident that I will be able to begin carrying out my GAME Plan (Cennamo, et. al, 2009). This plan will positively affect the teaching that takes place in my classroom, and, ultimately, the learning of my students.

Resources:

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

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20674378@N00/528723863