Monitoring GAME Plan Progress

I believe that my GAME plan has some long term components to it. Firstly, the master’s program is a 20 month process. I am learning an unbelievable amount of information; however, it may take some time to fully implement some of the ideas I am formulating. Most of my time is spent doing my course work and fulfilling my teaching obligations. Also many courses and programs cost money and I have to pace my spending. My school division is not willing to pay for all courses I take. This being said, I am doing what I can to pass information to my fellow teachers and my administrator.


I am trying to model more technology with my students each week. As with the first goal, this second goal will take time. As of late, I have been introducing my students to their e-portfolios. I used my e-portfolio on the provided site as an exemplar. I got my students logged in and they have most recently personalized their home page. Within the week the class will receive instruction on how to upload assignments to their portfolios. Lambert, DePaepe, Lambert, L., & Anderson, (2007) say e-portfolios help with learning, but these portfolios also help students work with technology. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) encourage teachers to use web based grade books to help keep assessments in order. This past week I showed my students the web grade book I was now using, and that they would soon be getting user names to create student accounts for themselves and their parents. They will be able to track their progress as the term progresses. I have also been able to work with my school division to set up divisional e-mail accounts for my students. Communication should improve as well as giving students more options to hand in their assignments.

One thing I am learning as I go ahead with my GAME plan is that working at it slowly is alright. Nothing has to be done immediately. I do not think I need to modify my plans at this time other than be realistic about the time frame.

A question that has been creeping into my brain recently is what happens when I encounter road blocks in my plan? I may have it all worked out, but my plan does involve other people. I may not get the in-servicing I want. I may not get a chance to set up a committee. I may have to cross those bridges when I get there, but I will mostly work within the system. I do not want to be a pest to the division, but I will keep pitching my ideas to the necessary people within the division.

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.

Lambert, C., DePaepe, J., Lambert, L., & Anderson, D. (Winter 2007). E-portfolios in action. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 43(2), 76–81.