GAME Plan Progress

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Over the past couple of weeks I have taken steps to increase my confidence and proficiency in technology integration in afterschool programs. Reviewing my GAME Plan that I created two weeks ago I see that I have made progress towards addressing the NETS-T indicators that I selected.

2a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

3c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital media and formats.

5b. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). 

My first goal was to create instructional screencasts for the tutors and students to access when utilizing the online programs and our website. Although I have not received much feedback as to how many tutors have actually used the videos the few responses that I have received has been positive. In fact I had another tutor, who missed training due to weather, come into the office last week so we could go over a few things in person. As we were talking I found out that by watching the How to Enroll a Student video she had already begun enrolling her class. It was very validating for me and empowering for her. NETS-T: 2a, 3c

Another goal that I established has been to use social media to better connect with families. Last week I wrote about the fantastic webinar that I attended. This week I have been watching the tutorials developed by the same presenter. In these videos, especially The Language of Videos I have gained a greater insight into the basics of Twitter (Mazza, 2015). I have created a brief survey to send out to families and I plan on including how to utilize twitter during professional development site visits in the areas where families are interested in receiving program updates via Twitter. NETS-T: 3c, 5b

My last goal was to include podcasts that the students and tutors in the afterschool programs can use to share program activities with families and communities. I originally had chosen gcasts but after a bit of research I am going to explore GarageBand on the iPads. I have an iPad in the office that I can explore with and the students have a mobile iPad cart. Since GarageBand should already be installed this would be a more accessible and usable tool. I have located a couple of YouTube videos that will help me to explore and locate the different GarageBand features. NETS-T: 2a, 3c, 5b

So far I am finding many resources and sources of information that are helping me to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in integrating various forms of technology that support my goals. My goals have not needed to be modified significantly as of yet, besides changing the podcast tool. Once I receive the feedback from families and tutors I may have to adjust how I will reach my goals. Creating and implementing my GAME Plan has helped to encourage me to find answers to questions that I have been pondering for a while. Although I have a personal Twitter account and I read my Twitter feed daily I have never posted a tweet. I am excited to set up two Twitter accounts, one for each program, and post my first tweet! So far, no new questions, but who knows what next week will have in store. 

Resources

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Mazza, J. (2015) Lead learner. Part 2/5 The Language of twitter. Retrieved from http://www.leadlearner.com/learntwitter/twitterlanguage/