It is very
important that teachers are continually learning new concepts and programs.
With technology being such an important aspect of society it is essential that
teachers are paying attention to the NETS-T when planning lessons and
committing to incorporating them into their teaching. A good way to set a goal
for yourself in regard to the NETS-T or any other learning goal is to make a
GAME plan. A GAME plan “requires you to
think about and take steps to direct your learning process, specifically while
learning about technology and how to integrate it into the curriculum” (Cennamo,
Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p.3).
For my GAME plan
I decided to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in the following two
indicators in the NETS-T:
“Demonstrate
fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new
technologies and situations” and “Promote, support, and model creative and
innovative thinking and inventiveness” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).
In order to take
action with this goal I will have to talk to colleagues and IT specialists
about their use of technology in the classroom, experiment with different
technological programs and devices and search the internet for blogs and ideas
for integrating technology in the classroom.
To monitor the
progress toward achieving this goal I will have to ensure that the information
I am retrieving is useful and technology focused. I will also have to ensure
that I am getting enough information to complete the suggestions and tasks independently.
I will evaluate
and extend my game plan when I can demonstrate the following goals: I can successfully
model a lesson to the students where a new form of technology is used in an out
of the ordinary situation. During this lesson I can support the students by
answering questions and troubleshoot problems that may arise.
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.
International Society
for Technology in Education (2008). National educational standards for teachers
(NETS-T). Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs?NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Jasmin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about the need for teachers to pay attention to the goals and objectives set forth in the NETS-T (ISTE, 2012) when planning for instruction. Often I get so focused on the exact content standards that will be addressed on the state assessment tests in my subject area, which I forget to consider the other skills and objectives that students need to know.
It appears that I am not alone in this practice either. While there are technology and health standards that are assigned to each grade level, it becomes quite evident when the students arrive in my class that those objectives have not been addressed. They are glossed over, if mentioned at all, in lieu of the content that will be measured on the assessment tests. Since these two subjects are not directly “tested” they are often neglected. While I understand some of the rationale behind those decisions, I do not agree with the choice to not teach them. Both of those topics are pertinent to the students’ futures and can, rather should, be incorporated into the classroom on a daily basis.
Thank you for the reminder that I need to be more cognizant of including the technology standards prescribed for both me as a teacher and those designed for my students.
Reference
ISTE. (2012). NETS for Teachers. Retrieved March 13, 2013, from
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers
I agree that those "extra" understandings that are not tested on provincial tests can often get overlooked or pushed to the side. You are exactly right that although they may not be the entire focus of a lesson they can easily be integrated into those other subject areas. Thanks for your post!
DeleteIt is great to recognize that teaching is not about inventing something new, but looking to our colleagues who have gone before us. It frankly saves us a lot of time and there are so many great projects that other people have come up with that hit the core subjects. Student today do need to learn those 21st century skills and your Game Plan helps them achieve those skills.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is not always necessary to reinvent the wheel! Collaboration and internet searches can be key!
Delete