Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress

I would like to be more proficient in the following areas:

standard 1b-"engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources."

standard 4a-"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."

So, how am I doing? I have made great progress in both of these areas. The hardest part of addressing the first goal was coming up with real-world, authentic problems because I was over-thinking this. Much of the work we do in school can be tweaked to be more student directed and meaningful to the students. There are many issues in our classroom and school community that students can address in collaborative ways. As Dr. Ertmer pointed out in this week's resources, a good source for selecting a problem-based learning unit is previous lessons. She suggests taking something with which you are familiar and adding something new to it (Laureate Education Inc., 2009).

The second goal was easier to jump into because I had created some forms and lessons to use with students as part of the last course. My students are currently using two-column web journals in new social studies and science units, and they are also familiar with the "Get REAL" acronym for evaluating websites. I have also begun discussions with several staff members about teaching a broader tech curriculum that encompasses safe and ethical use of digital sources.

These goals are ongoing but I do feel more confident in both of these areas. As more classroom projects become problem-based and more tools of technology are introduced, I will continue to develop competency in both standards.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009a). 6713: Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas [DVD]. Spotlight on technology: Problem-based learning, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Peggy Ertmer.