Evaluating my GAME Plan Progress

• How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?

My first goal was changing at least two lessons and I have been very effective at taking time to modify my existing lessons. I have focused only on the classes I am currently teaching and I am changing as I go. I have been planning ahead and attempting to be more organized!

My second goal was helping colleagues implement technology into their lessons. One of my classmates made a very important point about the time of year being insane. He was very right. I have sent out emails and have received many responses and most were that there just was not enough time right now to implement a professional development activity. Alas, I was not thwarted; I have begun compiling a resource book for the staff that I would like to complete by the end of the summer to have ready for teachers in the fall.

• What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

I have learned that the more I can vary my assessments from the traditional closed-end format the better I can truly assess understanding. I have also learned that assessment doesn’t necessarily mean paper and pencil, for example, a project can be an assessment.

I have also learned that the more organized I can get the easier it will be to simply tweak a small portion of a lesson. I already knew but was reminded that students typically love technology but it is not for every student. If the technology does not add to the lesson or make the learning more meaningful then the students do not benefit.

• What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?

I still need to learn about digital storytelling. I have never used it in my Business Education classes. Envisioning how I can use it and make it meaningful for students is no coming together very well in my mind. I am sure once I get into the resources and links I will be better able to understand how to apply the technology. I also need to learn how to navigate, create, and use a wiki. I have limited experience with wikis but I think I could implement them with ease and that students would like to use them. If only I could find the time!

• How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?

I plan to focus the majority of my attention on my first goal of altering lessons. As I read through other’s postings or I find a good resource in a text I just jot down the site so that this summer I can come back to it, and take the time to evaluate it properly.