Final Blog Post

Following my GAME plan throughout this course has been beneficial in many ways. The process helped me think about the way(s) I learn. "As a future teacher you will be directing much of your own learning, so it is important that you think about the learning process and how you work best within this process" (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertner, 2009, p. 3). It was also helpful to reflect on the effectiveness of different learning methods. This has helped me to continually use methods that work for me and to not use ones that are not as effective. "As a reflective learner, you will think about what has been effective in the past, but also continually monitor and evaluate what is effective for you now" (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p. 11).

My two GAME plan goals were to add variety to my instruction and assessment as well as teach my students about digital citizenship. Through the course of this class, I have learned about and created a large variety of assessment and instruction options. Technology really creates flexibility in the classroom and allows teachers to differentiate their instruction and assessment options. "While technology is not essential to creating authentic, learn-centered instruction, it offers a powerful resource for engaging students in authentic experiences, typically increasing both their motivation and their learning" (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p.51). My GAME plan has also helped me discover some fantastic resources that will help me teach digital citizenship to my students. My favorite is the video at Brainpop.com. I plan on showing my students this video before engaging in any online activity.

The two most noticeable changes that I am going to make to my instruction are an increase in the variety of my assessment options and additional instruction about digital citizenship. Many of the activities and lessons that I learned about during this class will be put to good use in my classroom. I am excited to integrate these new ideas and the technologies that I have been learning about. I am also contemplating adding a whole lesson about digital citizenship/etiquette. This would give my students all the information they will need while using the internet for the rest of the year and beyond. Overall, my instruction and assessment options will be more than doubled with the new ideas I have picked up. Integrating these new technologies will engage and motivate my students more and allow them to better demonstrate their content knowledge to me.

-Matt DeAmaral

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

http://www.brainpop.com/spotlight/digitalcitizenship/