This is the final week in my graduate course called
Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. What I have learned from this course is that
it is important to teach students how to be self-directed learners by
developing their own “GAME” plans by setting goals, planning action to meet
those goals, and monitoring and evaluating their progress (Laureate, Inc.,
2011). Another important point I am
taking away from this course is promoting creative and critical thinking in
students with technology. Dr. Katherine
Cennamo explained that thinking critically is the key to economic
competitiveness (Laureate, Inc., 2011).
Following my own “GAME” plan through this course has made me
realize the importance of giving students a timeline and checklist of when and
how to get technological assignments done.
I have not been doing this before this class and anything I assign that
needs technology ends up taking twice as long as I expect it too. I have
also been reflecting each week on if what I changed in my lessons promoted
critical thinking and covers each of the main components for a good
lesson.
I might use the “GAME” plan process with my students like I
have used it in this course. I will give
them a topic and they will have to come up with their own goals, actions,
monitoring, and evaluation of their learning.
One way I plan to integrate technology and problem-based learning,
online collaboration and digital storytelling into my teaching is by creating a
project like the one I created for this class at the end of each unit I teach
in biology. There are six main units to
cover in biology and having a project to culminate the unit will be an
excellent way to tie everything together and assess student learning.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating
technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
