When I first visited the National Education Standards for Teachers I was surprised that there were so few.  Usually in education there are 39 of everything with an a-g on each.  To see a 1-5 was pleasantly surprising.

            In looking over the standards there were some that stood out as ones that I am unsure how I would implement them or create them in my classroom then others where I feel I am doing them already.  To first set my goals for my GAME plan I reflected on which two I felt I needed to work most on and would be able to actively work on.  The first one was under “Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity,” point c (International, 2008).  Point c states that the teacher shall “promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes” (International, 2008).  I know I have ideas about how to improve this, but am just nervous about if my students would be able to handle it responsibly.  For example, currently we have a ‘blog’.  I had the option of creating a ‘forum’ but choose the blog because I felt my students would get distracted by the fun fonts and colors and emoticons they were provided in the ‘forum’ set up.  However, the blog does lack some features that I really like in the ‘forum’ option.  In the ‘forum’ the students can respond to my original posting, as they can on the blog, but they can also reply to each other’s posts directly on the ‘forum’.  I feel that they may take advantage and use it as a ‘chat’ feature and not what I would intend it for.  I may need to set up some strict regulations and practice in class before I allow them to use it for our weekly writings.  I also feel that I could benefit from this new blog layout because I would be able to directly ask questions or add on to students’ responses, resulting in deeper understanding and more thoughtful thinking and more accountability.

            Another standard I want to set a goal for is under “Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments,” point a (International, 2008).  Point a states that teachers “design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity” (International, 2008).  I feel that I struggle at this and need to work more on adjusting activities from our curriculum to the 21^st century.  Our curriculum is not ancient but it also does not provide us with any projects or lessons that require technology outside their student journal or textbooks.  I feel that I can monitor myself in this area by trying to integrate a new form of technology in each unit.  Not in every subject, but, for example, if I do not integrate a new technology project into my current social studies unit, I will in math, or science, or writing.

            An area where I feel I am excelling in most areas is area 3, “Model Digital Age Work and Learning” (International, 2008).  I can and do navigate between media’s in the classroom in front of my students and parents as well as my colleagues.  I also have a classroom website that has many resources for students and parents alike.  Students have access to tutorials made by myself that helps them on their homework as well as helpful links and study sites.

            Lastly, a second area where I feel confident in my abilities is number 4, “Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility”, specifically, point a, “advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources” (International, 2008).  From a prior Walden class it was brought up and discussed how the elementary level really doesn’t talk about siting sources and how valuable it is.  I have recently started making sure that I have the copyright information reproduced on pieces for my students.  On blog entries I am documenting where I am getting specific information from and also asking students to add where they got their information from – even if it is as simple as copying and pasting the website URL to the end of their post or paper or project.  They have not been exposed to it before so I want to slowly work them into it as to not overwhelm them.

            In conclusion, I will evaluate and extend my learning by continuing to monitor myself and hold myself accountable for this learning not only for myself, but also for each of my students.  I want to not only prepare my fifth graders for middle school but also for the real world.  I will continue to do outside research on these topics and document my progress to be sure I am doing what I say I will.

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for
            teachers (NETS-T).