The GAME Plan so far...

• Are you finding the information and resources you need?
• Yes, I am reading a lot of technology blogs and I've met with my colleagues to discuss how my goals can help us as a team. I've also had the chance to observe my students to see how using virtual environments would benefit them. I've also gotten clarification on the policies for communication via the internet to allow me to move forward.
• Do you need to modify your action plan?
• I think I need to add developing specific assessments that target the areas that I am trying to enrich through my goal to see if the plan is working.
• What have you learned so far?
• Technology is very exciting to teachers and students. VoiceThread seems to be a great way to communicate as a whole class, and the kids liked looking at other people's VoiceThreads. However, it is hard to prepare appropriately, because the teacher should screen everything that the kids will see and participate in.
• What new questions have arisen?
• What is the best way to assess whether or not these new tools have helped my students?
• Is there a better network out there for specifically young children and teachers?

Next Steps for Action

What resources will you need to carry out your plan (video, reading, experts or colleagues, etc)?

I need colleagues to tell me what sites worked for them in the early grades and how they used these sites to create meaningful learning. I am planning on looking through some education blogs to find more information and experience to guide how I will use the virtual networks.

What additional information do you need?

I need to find out what the policies are for involving children in online communication through virtual environments and what networks are approved by the county school board.

What steps have you been able to take so far?

I have spoken to the school based technology specialist and checked to see if any of my students have “opt out” forms signed by their parents that would bar them from participating if their picture would be taken.

GAME Plan

NETS Indicators

1. d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual

environments

2. c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using

digital tools and resources

GAME Plan

Goals:

- find and use virtual environments to model how to collaborate for my students

- use virtual environments in a safe and secure way

- assess students for their different learning styles

- locate and utilize technology tools to suit all learners need and create a plan for implementation

Actions:

In order to find safe virtual environments for students to use, I would first meet with the school based technology specialist and ask for his suggestions for safe ways for students to network. I would also reach out to other colleagues on my grade level team to see if they have had any experience with virtual environments. I would also check with the school board to see what the policies are for this type of activity to maintain safety for the students. I would observe and collect data on students to determine how their needs could be better met,, and do some independent research to find programs through technology that they could use. Also, I would ask our reading and math specialists to pool resources to help all students as well. After I had the tools, I would create a plan for implementation based on my findings and resources.

Monitor:

I would reassess the students regularly to see if the new methods had improved student understanding and confer with my team and other specialists to see if they had anything to add. I would also make sure that the children were understanding the purpose of the virtual sharing and communication.

Evaluate and extend:

After each activity I would reflect on my blog regarding how they were going and whether or not the data showed that they were meeting the needs of my students. If the new methods are effective, I would share them with interested teachers at my school through an after school training.