Next steps in my GAME Plan

 

Last week I posed about my GAME plan. Click Here to read my plan. This week I need to put my affairs in order to make my GAME plan work in my classroom.

One of the most important parts of my plan requires iPads or laptops.  The biggest obstacle is to get my iPads. I still do not have my class iPads, although the district has had them since school has started. I have talked with my principals and she is working with IT and the superintendent to have them to me soon. I was told I would not receive classroom computers this year, because I am getting iPads. I was fine with this; however, it is the fourth month of school and still no iPads or classroom computers.

I have been making due by checking out the mobile laptop carts. They work, however, they are slow and it takes much longer when everyone is logged on to the server.

I feel that this obstacle is about to be resolved.  I cannot dwell on the negative, I need to be proactive and still work with my students to make their education the best it can be.

For my first goal I have done the following to help prepare myself:

I have started to research blogs, wikis, and other online collaboration sites that do not require students to have an email. If you know of any PLEASE let me know.  I also am working with my students on real life vs. make believe.  This concept is hard for my students.  We will spend each day working with non-fiction works.

My students are very familiar with Google Image because they use it for previous lessons. They use it often in school via mobile laptops. 

My biggest need in order to make this lesson/goal successful is to find an online collaboration tool that my district will allow. Again, if you have any ideas please let me know.

My second goal is much more doable. I will have students working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher.  According to cast.org (2011) all students learn differently and need different types of instruction and/or materials to be successful. This lesson will help students express themselves in different ways. Students who need to write/type can do so in word. Students who need graphs and diagrams can use Excel. Visual students can use Powerpoint or Publisher.

The materials I will need in order to make the lessons/goals successful are below:

·         Teacher text book

·         Student text book

·         Paper

·         Pencil

·         SMARTboard

·         Laptops or iPads

·         Teacher laptop

·         Internet

·         Microsoft programs

·         Network  for students to save work

·         Reading block of time to teach each program

I also plan to research more “fun” ways to use each program. I have used Google to look at projects and have found a few blogs that list classroom project ideas. 

I feel I have a good start to my GAME Plan. Any ideas or suggestion are more than welcome. Thanks a million!

Resources

CAST (2011) Learning about universal learning design (URL). Retrieved from http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/learn.php

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.