Week 3 Application
GAME plan review

G – Set Goals
Goal #1 – Students will help to determine which technology “path” to follow. Students will begin to manage their own learning and progress. They will be able to customize their assessments using technology.
Goal #2 – Students will be able to choose the technology resources that best fit their learning style. (Students will be given the outline, but they can choose how to complete the test)

UPDATE 11/17:
This week I began a new technology project for my 7th grade Life Science Class. The instructions were to pick an animal, and then describe how it fits into the animal classification hierarchy. They could choose from three different technology outlets to design their project. The first choice was a 15-20 PowerPoint slide presentation with “all the bells and whistles.” The second choice was a multi-media poster designed with Microsoft Publisher. The third choice was left up to the student’s creativity. One student has opted for this option and is in the process of designing a blog for her animal. All other students are creating PowerPoint presentations. (No takers on the Publisher poster)

A - What actions you will take to achieve those goals?
I plan to explore and begin to create technology based assessments that will replace the current book of standardized test forms. I have already implemented a “project-based technology” assessment that allowed students to opt out of the standard test in order to construct an on-line presentation of the same material.

M – Progress Monitoring?
I have access to all student information saved in the computer lab, so I can log into a student folder and look at the technology piece. I can give them comments or offer suggestions at any time. I will also seek student input to keep assessment ideas fresh. Sometimes the best test is a test designed and constructed by the students themselves.

UPDATE 11/17:
Our school librarian is “hooked” on this project and has taken the added interest of helping me with the technology issues that arise with students. It is nice to have another set of eyes and ears in the lab (especially with 36 students). She has been a great help so far, and evens lets students come back in the afternoon for extra help.

E - Evaluation.
Multiple forms of technology based products can be hard to judge on the same level, but in the end, all of the projects should include the same amount of content. I will need to make modifications in some of the technology pieces for my ILP, RTI, ELL students in order for them to be successful. I will also need to develop short, specific rubrics that encompass various technology presentation formats. Ultimately, I need to be confident and resourceful in the technology available to students, and in my ability to instruct with this technology.

UPDATE 11/17:
In this DISCOVERY METHOD approach to learning, I have simply given students the topic and final requirement. I have left most of the information searching and research to them to conduct. Of course, I am constantly monitoring and observing student progress, and always available to offer ideas and suggestions. But the students themselves are in charge of deciding what is – or isn’t – important to the final project. I have made modifications to the project so that my two RTI students will be successful with a shorter presentation.