Reflecting on My GAME Plan

My original GAME plan, which I created in March, was focused upon developing and increasing the use of technology tools in all grade levels of my instruction, and further develop my knowledge, understanding and use of technology tools to improve my students’ learning through participating in professional development. 

            I have discovered that while implementing every phase and idea of my GAME plan has not and will not happen, I have made great strides in some areas, stepped out of my technology comfort zone and survived, and have gained a wealth of knowledge along with multiple websites and apps to explore over the summer.  Through the exploration of these sites, programs and apps, I will discover new ways to enhance the music learning experience for my students, moving from a teacher-directed, centered style of instruction to a classroom where my students are able to use various technology tools to work with music to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the subject area.  The apps that I have found to use on the iPads will enable my students to work more with composition at all grade levels, instrument identification for the younger grade levels, and improve pitch and sight singing ability. 

            I am still working towards my goal of implementing one learning experience each semester for each grade level that incorporates the use of digital tools.  Having the time over the summer to modify my lesson plans will help ensure this goal is achieved.  Trying to implement a new activity this close to the end of the school year for each grade level has been a little challenging.  I have been using letter videos on the iPad with the Kindergarten classes; the first grade classes have used the Promethean Board to improve their music reading; second grade has used an interactive program for the Promethean Board to learn about the orchestra; the fifth grade recently worked on creating and recording safety raps along with learning their musical.  All of these learning activities have been enhanced through the use of the technology tools.

            The steps of the GAME Plan process:  establishing goals, taking action, monitoring progress, and evaluating accomplishments, have been very helpful keeping myself on track, accomplishing goals and measuring progress.  Sharing this approach to classroom projects, such as problem-based learning activities or digital storytelling, will help students develop the skills to organize, complete and reflect upon collaborative projects, preparing them for tasks they will face in the future.  Students can apply the acronym to any subject level or activity they encounter, helping them to determine how to proceed and accomplish tasks. 

            Using technology in the classroom can improve and impact student achievement through engaging them in learning and holding their interest (Laureate Education, 2009c).  The uses of technology range from simple skill and drill activities to more complex activities such as on-line collaboration or digital storytelling.  Two immediate adjustments that I would like to make with regard to my instructional practice and the integration of technology are the development of digital storybooks to help with the delivery of new information and establishing on-line collaboration for my students, giving them the opportunity to share and exchange ideas on music with one another, music students in other schools, and musicians around the globe.  Students enjoy learning through the use of technology; it matches their lifestyle outside of school (Laureate Education, 2009a). They are very comfortable with and around technology. The more technology I integrate into my instruction, the more I will be engaging my students, meeting them where they are, and moving forward to explore music and gain deeper understandings (Smith, 2007). Using tools such as problem-based learning, digital storytelling or online collaboration help teachers meet the learning needs of all students.  Differentiated instruction can be accomplished through the use of technology, providing students with visual, aural and tactile experiences, ensuring that all learners are able to access the content in the method that fits them best (Laureate Education, 2009b).  Students that are accessing content are students growing in their knowledge and understanding, which is the ultimate goal of teaching.  Technology is there to support this goal; it now must become my goal to discover and integrate the right tools to support their growth and development as 21^st century learners.

References

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). 2009a.  Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). 2009b.  Integrating technology across the content areas: Meeting students’ needs with technology, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). 2009c.  Integrating technology across the content areas: Promoting self-directed learning with technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Smith, F. (2007, April 20). How to use social-networking technology for learning. Retrieved from the Edutopia website: http://www.edutopia.org/social-networking-how-to.

Monitoring my GAME Plan Progress

Two areas that I have selected from the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS_T) to develop a GAME plan to improve my confidence and proficiency in integrating technology into my classroom are:

Standard 2, Indicator A:  Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

Standard 5, Indicator A:  Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).

The goals that I established to meet these standards were to incorporate one learning activity using digital tools for each grade level during the last quarter of the school year, and to attend a workshop or webinar each quarter to continue to develop my understanding and ability to integrate the use of technology in my classroom. 

I have continued to research, review and practice using music apps for the iPad, but am still looking for a good quality music composition app. I have found some quality apps that will work well with multiple grade levels, helping me to meet my goal of incorporating a digital activity for each grade level.  Finding seminars, workshops or webinars to participate in has not been a problem.  Many organizations are posting their summer sessions, so now it appears to just be a matter of narrowing down the options and making a selection.  I am leaning towards a course in Excel. That is a program that I enjoy using and know some basics, but would like to expand my knowledge and ability to use the program.

In reflecting as to any modifications that need be made to my original plans and goals, I would like to focus my efforts of technology integration with grade levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. The 5^th graders are working on preparing their spring musical during our musical time for the next six weeks, then they head to camp for a week, and upon returning I will only see them for one more week.  This schedule limits my ability to truly integrate a quality technology tool.  The kindergarten classes will also be spending a large majority of their time in music class over the next five weeks preparing songs and poems for their Kindergarten Tea Programs, which they perform for their families during the school day.  I intend to supplement our Tea preparations with an app for the iPad called Letter songs A-Z, projecting the songs on the Promethean Board.  For the remaining grade levels, I have selected the following technology tools for integration: Grade One, activities with the Promethean Board in flipcharts identifying notes that step and skip; Grade Two students will practice naming notes using either BlueNote or Piano apps on the iPad; Grade Three students will create graphic organizers on instrument traits; Grade Four students will compose a four measure song using Musescore in the computer labs.

Although not a new thought to any teacher, quality preparation is very time consuming, and every lesson must be properly prepared to be successful and beneficial to the students, which is what education is all about.  To present these projects well to my students I must be thoroughly prepared and well versed with the digital tools.  I am learning I need more hours in my days!

I attended the Innovate, Create Conference hosted by The Ohio State University yesterday and today.  I was lucky to be on Spring Break so that I could attend the conference this week.  I attended six sessions and came away with some great information.  It was assuring to hear similar thoughts and ideas expressed by many of the presenters that I have encountered in my Walden classes, that is, the need to transform education through the use of technology into active learning scenarios that develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in students.  I came away with some new information and ideas along with a better understanding of some tools, such as digital storytelling. A highlight of the conference was the keynote speaker, Dr. Cable Green of Creative Commons.  After learning about Creative Commons in my last class at Walden, I welcomed the opportunity to further my understanding of OER.

It has been a quality week as I have made progress on my GAME plan. I have selected the digital tools that I will use with grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 over the next eight weeks.  My next step will be to further refine the learning objectives and design the lessons to meet the goals. 

           

References

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blue-note.music-flash-cards

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/piano

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/to-z-music

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

musescore.org

Carrying Out My GAME Plan

Last week I selected and established two goals from the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS_T) in conjunction with my GAME plan for becoming more confident and proficient in using and incorporating technology into my classroom.

 

With regards to my first goal of designing and implementing a learning activity for each grade level incorporating a digital tool, I need to explore music apps for iPads.  I am specifically looking for composition and music notation apps, but would also like more knowledge on other music apps.  I have reached out to technology and music colleagues, asking them for their suggestions.  I have also spent time reviewing professional journals which have columns rating and suggesting apps in each issue.  I would also like to explore app recommendations on professional association websites.  I have searched the App Store on the iPad and downloaded some new music apps, so now I need to work with each of them to see how they could best be used to improve my students' learning experiences.  I also need to discuss with my principal the availability of any funds to purchase apps for the iPads.

My second goal is to participate in learning communities, or professional development, on a regular basis, gaining in my knowledge of ways in which technology can improve student learning.  Next week I will be attending a two-day conference, Innovate Create, through the Ohio State University.  This conference was recommended to me by my sister, who attended last year and thought many of the sessions would be beneficial in my desire to improve and strengthen my knowledge and use of technology in my classroom instruction. 

 

The goals have been set, and now progress is being made towards taking action on the goals. 

 

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

My GAME Plan

Although I have been out of college for 32 years, actively working in the field of education for 23 years, I have only been in my current position as an elementary general music teacher for three years.  I am still designing and refining my curriculum, and as I review the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS_T), now is the perfect and appropriate time to implement changes to ensure that my teaching content is working to meet the standards set forth for both my students and myself.

As I begin working on my eighth class toward a Master’s Degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom, I can see and feel the growth in my knowledge and understanding of technology from where I was a year ago.  However, as fast as technology changes, I am aware there is always more growth to accomplish. 

Two areas that I would like to become more confident and proficient are:

Standard 2, Indicator A:  Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

Standard 5, Indicator A:  Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).

To help improve my confidence and proficiency in these areas I will be working with a GAME plan, by setting Goals, taking Action, Monitoring progress, and Evaluate the growth made.  (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).

Setting Goals

2A – As I work to design and improve my curriculum in grade K-5, looking for more sequential building in each grade level, I would like to set a goal of incorporating a learning experience each semester for each grade level that incorporates the use of digital tools.  

5A – I would like to attend one workshop or participate in one webinar each quarter of the year to strengthen and improve my knowledge of technology tools and the classroom implications to improve student learning.

Taking Action

2A – As important as infusing technology tools into instruction are, it is best done in small steps, building confidence (Laureate Education, 2009).  With one quarter left in this current school year, or approximately nine lessons for each grade level, my plan of action will be to design one lesson that incorporates a digital tool for each grade level during the next nine weeks.

5A – Knowing that I learn best by listening and observing, and not just jumping right in and playing with a new piece of technology, I will need to research courses offered through two local technology service centers in my area for courses available on technology tools.  I attended at workshop on iPads in December, and am attending a two-day workshop March 25-26 entitled Innovate Create, so I am currently meeting my goals and need to continue with this schedule in the future. 

Monitoring Progress

2A – Through reflection and journaling, I will record how each lesson went, making record of modifications and improvements for the next school year.

5A – I will keep quality notes from all workshops, highlighting those applications that I think would most benefit my students.

Evaluation

2A – As I work to improve the overall design of my curriculum, I will need to hold myself responsible and accountable for ensuring that the outline for each grade level includes an authentic learning experience each semester that incorporates the use of technology tools, and ask that my colleague or principal hold me accountable to my plans.

5A – Attendance at four conferences or workshops

In addition to taking courses to earn a degree, I am working towards improving my knowledge and confidence of technology in my classroom, believing that its use is vital to quality teaching, all attributes of teachers who successfully incorporate technology into their instruction (Laureate Education, 2009).

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). 2009.  Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Author.