GAME PLAN

Having taught Geography for the last 16 years, I am familiar with authentic methods of instruction like problem-based and project-based learning.  However, my familiarity ends with the incorporation of digital tools to enhance the experience and to make it easier, more engaging and meaningful.  My Goal is to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in following NETS-T indicators:

1b        Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

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

I would like to break down these goals to relate specifically to the content area of mass wasting processes such as landslides and rock falls and explore the availability and use of digital tools in addressing the cause of these processes and the problems that are created as a result of them.  Tools I would like to explore are the simulations or animations.

ACTION

To achieve my goals I will use a KWHL chart to assess my knowledge on authentic instructional methods and digital tools.  I will use the web to locate case studies and lesson plans that incorporate technology in the instruction of the content area.  I will also access and read teacher journal articles that relate specifically to authentic methods of instruction in Geography and the tools that support it.  In our second video this week Vicki Davis pointed out that project ideas can be adapted from the principles and premises of past projects and that that finding someone to collaborate with is not difficult (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009a).  Therefore I will also attempt to reach out and collaborate with colleagues both locally and globally who may have explored a similar activity or would be interested in such.  I will also collaborate with a colleague on staff who is supportive of my undertaking which Dr. Peggy Ertmer outlines as one of the requirements of effectively integrating technology (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b).

MONITOR

To monitor my progress I plan to keep a reflective journal that will not only document what I’ve done, but my thoughts and feeling about the process involved in preparing and implementing the instructional method and the digital tool.  I will seek to answer questions relating to the ease or difficulty of preparation and implementation, the reaction of students, my comfort level during the lesson and changes in my thinking about the teaching –learning process.  By engaging in such critical reflection I will be able to “understand the activity from different perspectives and use that understanding to set goals for future behavior and learning” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p. 12).

EVALUATION

As with any lesson plan I must evaluate to determine if my goals were achieved and if I need to modify my lesson in the future.  My ultimate goal is to guide my students into becoming life-long learners and fostering their creative and critical thinking skills.  To evaluate if I have achieved this goal I will need to observe them while they are engaged in the activity and also have them reflect on their thinking and feeling about the lesson.  I could also record changes in their behavior patterns in successive activities using performance rubrics.  The students’ feedback and performance is critical as it is via these indicators that I can determine if my strategy was successful.

References

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.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009a). Program four: Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences With Technology, Part 21 [Video Webcast]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Program three: Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences With Technology, Part 1 [Video Webcast]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.