Mr. O's Game Plan

Mr. O’s Game Plan

As I Am Now

Let’s start by looking at each of the NETS-T standards for any possible weaknesses that could be addressed here. Under standard one, sub-standard “d” dealing with collaborative knowledge and structure is a place where I could use some skill development. It is not a matter of I cannot do it, it is simply a matter of knowing or learning what to use in the new age we are in now. There are so many options ranging from email to video conference to voice threads that it is sometimes hard to know where to begin. Another one that I can use some updated help with is not so much a weakness as it is a search for ideas. This is standard two, sub-standard “b” where teachers are to allow and encourage students to take control of their own time management and skill development. Here is another area for improvement, standard four, sub-standard “d.” In this area, I need to expand outside my lonely little school. I need to learn to collaborate with teachers and other classes around the country and globe. I would be remiss if I ignored any part of standard five. All of these sections are open to improvement. As a teacher, it is incumbent upon me to keep growing and changing as the technology and learning styles change.

Moving Forward

One way to improve my collaborative skills would be to pick a method or two and run with them. Once they have been mastered, then perhaps add another one. For example, I am considering the use of Gaggle email for my class and a blog for my students. Are there any other ideas? In my next search for improvement, I will be providing students with digital time management option, but my resources are limited. Ideas here would be greatly appreciated. Something that will help students learn to understand how to make the best of their time throughout the school day and at night doing homework. A planner would work, but I am not sure how you would link that to any sort of technology standard. How do I work on this one? In this new age, teachers must be the access point for many students who cannot see outside a twenty square block area that is the home of almost all our students. In this effort, I will be showing them and taking them on virtual field trips as often as possible. I am sure that sites like Time For Kids, Discovery and National Geographic will be a good start, but I am looking for more. Where can I go today? With learning standard five, I am looking for ideas, groups to join, sites to visit and so on. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

How Will I Evaluate

My evaluation of growth will be an ongoing thing. On a daily, weekly and monthly basis, I will do self-checks and ask for input from colleagues at school to see what they may have noticed concerning changes in my technical teaching abilities and that of the students they may also have. Because evaluation is a key to improvement at any level from students to doctors, it is important to remember that input can come from anywhere. So be open to receiving comments, they can serve as a spectacular guide.

How Will I Extend

In simplest terms, my game plan will never end. Yes, there will be breaks, with successes and failures, but learning and living will be continuous with me. Hopefully, I wil be able to encourage others around me to do the same. If I can do that to just one other teacher or even current student who becomes a teacher then my work was a success.

My Initial Recommendation

If you have not seen or checked out my school site, it is at: http://libby.cps.k12.il.us Under that is a section on “Talking Technology” where there are numerous web sites on subject matter, professional development and so on. Please feel free to check it out. I look forward to hearing back from any and all of you.