The GAME plan process is a strategy for learning that can be applied to anyone because we are all lifetime learners. As Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009) proffer, “As you set goals, take action, monitor your learning, and evaluate your progress, you take control of your own learning process” (p. 7). This is the ultimate goal for us as life-long learners, and all of our students. By making students familiar with the GAME plan process, they will have the scaffolding they need to set a goal and take the steps to successfully attain that goal; something all humans do throughout their lives.
The relationship between the NETS-T and the NETS-S is one of facilitator and active learner. The teacher is facilitating the learning and setting up the environment that allows the student to develop as a digital learner. NETS-T 2a, for example, tells the teacher that they need to engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. NETS-S 2a, then has the student interacting, collaborating, and publishing with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media. In my classroom, for example, we have been working on persuasive writing using the topic of school dropout rates. The students have used a variety of digital environments and media to present their point of view. They have done so, not only a one-to-one basis with me, but have sought to publish their work to be shared on a global level.
Many of the NETS-S standards are skills that my students already possess. They just may not have thought of them in those exact words. For example, NETS-S 1a says that students will apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. This is what constructivism is all about and at the basis of the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) program that we are adopting at my elementary school. The area of communication and collaboration is an area that I can help facilitate the students’ goal setting and developing an action plan. Monitoring, for my students, would involve developing a timeline and a checklist. Again, as part of IB, evaluation or reflection on a learning activity is a standard part of the procedure. As I continue through the rest of the school year, I plan on posting the NETS-S for my students to add a new standard to each of their current projects as the year progresses. This will ensure their readiness for the future that awaits them.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
ISTE | National Educational Technology Standards. International Society for Technology in Education | Home. Retrieved December 13, 2009, fromhttp://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS
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Lauren
ReplyDeleteI really like your description of the relationship between teacher and student as "facilitator and active learner". This is a wonderful summation of the intention of our GAME plans.
Also, I love your idea of posting the NETS-S for students to see and be able to add their thoughts. This is such a simple idea, yet extremely helpful in allowing students to realize not only intended goals but new possibilities.
Hello, Lauren
ReplyDeleteI agree that students do already know the majority of NET-S standards. They are definitely digital natives. They teach me a great deal. From my experience with your class on the VoiceThread, they seem to be very comfortable with the collaborating aspect of learning through technology. I like the idea of the timeline when monitoring. This is a major organizational issue with my students. Posting the standards is an excellent approach for students to have a type of checklist of their skills and to know what is expected. You are so right about having them add a new standard to their projects one at a time. It is truly a step-by-step process. Good Luck as always
Kristin
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteNice post here. I especially like the openeing quote you mentioned, “As you set goals, take action, monitor your learning, and evaluate your progress, you take control of your own learning process” I seemed to overlook this quote in my week's learning resources, however, it is so true. By taking control of your learning, you can better tailor your learning to meets your specific needs. This transfers nicely to our students learning as well. Not only can we tailor our lessons for our students, but they can also take control of their own learning as well which contributes to creating an engaging learning environment for our students.
Nice work, this is a great blog post with great ideas.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteSharing the actual standards with your students is a great way to not only help them to understand the purpose of the task at hand, but also to include them in the goal setting process. I find too that putting a name to the skills they are practicing and mastering helps to get them involved in their learning. My seventh graders love to hear me explain to them that they just evaluated a piece of literature, analyzed a poem, or made an inference. It makes them feel intelligent and fuels them to do it more often! Good luck to you!
Monica