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My GAME Plan for Strengthening NETS-T Indicators


        Goals:
  1. I would like to strengthen digital communications between my classroom and students’ homes. I presently have a website, but it is a read-only. My goal is to make it more interactive by posting homework, calendar with due dates, and examples of student work. I could also contact parents using email and e-newsletters.
NETS-T Standard 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

  1. I would like to expand my use of technology from simply teaching and using MS Word, Excel and Power Point to include some other types of software such as digital storytelling software, wikis, and concept mapping.
NETS-T Standard 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
        Action:
  1. To strengthen digital communications between my classroom and the students’ homes, I will need to research the types of digital communications that are open to me, such as email, internet, ConnectEd phone messages, and even texting. I will also have to ask parents how they best want to be contacted. I will also need to learn how to update my webpage, and do it on a regular basis.
  2. To expand my use of technology, I will need to research different types of technology that are being used in education today. I will subscribe to several blogs such as http://www.dangerouslyirrelevant.org/ by Dr. Scott McLeod and The Teacher’s Podcast with Dr. Kathy King and Mark Gura. Then I will need to put some of the ideas into practice in my classroom.  
       Monitoring:

1. I will research and update my website on a regular basis. I could also contact the Technology Integration Specialist at my school for pointers.
2. I will subscribe, listen and read the technology blogs and podcasts. Then I can integrate ideas into my content. I will look at previous year’s lesson plans to see what could be updated and new technologies added. 

Evaluation:
1. To evaluate my progress in digital communication, I will look at my website to determine the level of current information. I will also look at my email and parent communications folders to determine improvement.
2. To evaluate my progress in using technology, I will need to look at my previous years’ lesson plans in comparison with what I would like to do in the future. I will need to show progress in integrating new technologies in my content area by putting those technologies into my lessons.


References:
Laureate Education Inc. (2009). “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology”. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

National Education Standards at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf



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