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 21st 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.
