Integrating Technology across Content Reflection
What I am grateful for as far as my GAME plan is concerned is it forced me to take action on a project that I have been meaning to do but had been putting off until I had “more time”. Building my digital warehouse has been an enjoyable and very helpful as I have reviewed many possible sources of learning for students and myself. It has been helpful too as I my peers and instructor have given me websites I was tuned in and already set up to add them to my growing “warehouse” of resources. What I have found interesting is that several websites that were suggested to me by fellow co workers, I also found in our text materials. My initial thoughts actually trying to decide on a worthwhile goal for the GAME plan was the most difficult part of the process. Once I decided on what would be of benefit, the rest came easily. GAME plans are a great way to zero in on one specific topic to build on. .While much less involved than our previous project of inquiry based plans, I can see this being an easy way to organize and evaluate goals in education situations. My Game plan also forced me out of my comfort zone to ask for help from my co workers in other schools, even districts, as I requested not only learning websites but input on their district’s’ technology use policies.
In the week three video, Customizing Instruction, John Ross stresses that using technology strategies reaches the needs of all students from the gifted to ELL students who struggle with language, to readers who are well below grade level. Just this week after watching a para educator struggle with some educational concepts while using sign language with a hearing impaired student, I was able to share some resources Ross presented that could be of some help. Some of the suggestions I plan to implement immediately for my own struggling readers are having recorded readings of the text the class is reading. I plan to find different level of books to read online. Another activity I plan to use soon is making a storyboard for the Edgar Allan Poe unit which includes, “Annabel Lee”, “The Raven”, and “The Tell Tale Heart”, to add to the already in- place assignment of writing a persuasive piece on whether or not Poe is appropriate for 8th graders to study. We can then share those persuasive writings with another classroom through E -Pals.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). Meeting students needs with technology [Webcast]. Helping diverse learners access content. Baltimore, MD: Author
