When considering my current GAME Plan and how it is working, I am a tad bit disappointed, but yet still hopeful. I believe that it is most effective to evaluate my progress consistently and make changes as needed to better my plan. Having said that, here is what I have found:
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
This is where I am getting frustrated. I simply do not have the resources available that would make my plan more feasable. I am limited to two working computers in my classroom and one thirty-minute session in the computer lab, where each student will have use of their own computer. Finding information, however, has been much better. I have found virtual field trips on www.scholastic.com as well as United Streaming. I have taught my students how to access various websites and how to bookmark them. This part has been successful and I am very excited to continue teaching my students about the resources that are available to them.
Do you need to modify your action plan?
Simply stated, yes, I do need to modify my action plan. I need to rethink my time constraints and how I am going to allow for each student to have adaquate time on the computer. I will need to do more whole group instruction using the SMARTboard for techniques and then have parent helpers available to assist the students when it is their turn for individual work on the computer.
What have you learned so far?
I keep coming back to the fact that implementing technology and project-based learning projects takes time. This has been my biggest obstacle! I have learned that I need to be extremely prepared in carrying out my plan and have appropriate resources ready for my first graders. I must be able to give them the actual website, instead of doing a search in class. I also have to remember that my students are six and seven years old. Their skills are just beginning to develop. Am I asking too much from them? Am I differentiating instruction so that each student has an end-project that is sufficient for their ability? These are just two of the many questions I continue ponder as I rethink and adjust my GAME Plan.
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Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI feel as though you are truly analyzing your progress. As with probably most of us, having adequate time and resources plays a major role in our progress. What you are doing now is great considering that your children are six and seven. You are not asking too much of them, just setting high expectations. Keep it up!
Sonya