Resources and Information for Meeting my GAME plan

               In last week’s post, I mentioned that I wanted to set my goal at improving the use of technology into NETS-T standard 1. My goal for improving my lessons for NETS-T standard 2 is to meet the diverse learning styles of my students by using a myriad of technology tools. After reading this week’s resources, I realize that I need to learn more about the technology I want to integrate into my lessons. Resources: I will need easy access to computers and internet service, which can be problem since I can no longer sign up for the computer lab months in advance. Without being able to reserve the computer lab far in advance creates a situation where the onus is on me to get reservation in time but not too soon or the office will not allow me to reserve the lab.

 We also do not have a technology department that trains the teachers on any new software. The technology department repairs the computers and adds software it does not run workshops for teachers to learn the new software that was loaded onto our computers. Now, many of the teachers are running behind in learning the new software that has been installed on our classroom computers. However, to meet the goals set forth in my GAME plan, I am going to have to learn new software quickly.

            I currently use the following technologies in my lessons:

·         Power point

·         Short throw projector (turns your white board into a SMART board)

·         Include images, videos, and text on power points

·         Have students in cooperative groups for homework, study guides, projects, and review.

·         The use of PBLs (Problem Based Learning) for all major projects

·         Google Earth, maps, apps, and blogs

·         E-Board (teacher website through the school district)

·         WebQuests

·         Concept (mind) maps

·         Digital storytelling

·         Voice Threads

·         Word Processing

The technologies I want to learn to infuse in my class are:

·         Setting up my own websites

·         Creating multimedia websites

·         Wikis

·         Clear Sea (A video conferencing tool, we’re not allowed to use Skype at school)

·         Other online tools that can help in my classroom (i.e. historypin.com)

I am willing to try ideas from other teachers who have already mastered many of the technologies I want to add to my repertoire. I need to learn how to use the technology listed, add the technology to unit plans that need infusion, and not lose content in the process. Students still need to be ready for state assessments, department benchmarks, and to meet the core standards that govern the course. Advice from my colleagues is much appreciated in the process of integrating technology into my content area.