Reflection

As I reflect on my learning over the past few months around my GAME plan, I realized that I made terrific progress in some areas but, there are still some other areas where I see a need for improvement. My first goal was to increase the implementation of new lessons that provide relevant learning experiences while incorporating digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. Originally, I planned to develop one of two lessons a month but found myself increasingly striving to plan one to two lessons a week as I noticed how engaged my students became with each new lesson. In regards to my goal of emailing the finished lessons or posting them on my website so that parents are able to see the digital-age work and learning occurring in the classroom, I found that I had forgotten about the amount of time it takes a beginning of the year second grader to complete a project using technology. I still hope that I will be able to communicate with parents their students’ successes however as the year progresses.

Another goal I am continuing to work on is engaging in more professional growth opportunities to collaborate will fellow teammates around technology. I am struggling, however, in positioning myself in groups that are challenging me to grow in my skills, as it seems I am doing more teaching then learning. I am becoming more proficient at the skills and tools I already know. However, when I set out to achieve this goal I envisioned myself learning more about integration and implementation of technology not just sharing what I already knew. I do still plan to reach this goal, and now understand the reality that I will need to branch outside of my school to further my development. Though this is not my preference, nor will it be as convenient, I believe it will be more beneficial for my students and me in the end. Though I need to come up with more feasible and flexible communities to collaborate with, I am excited to attend the ISTE conference in Philadelphia this summer!

I can say that I am effectively and actively modeling digital age lessons! My students are provided with ample opportunities to use the tools to show and further their learning. I am excited for second semester when more time will be devoted to using the tools to share their learning verses this semester where much of our time is consumed by learning how to use the technology. My teammates are also enjoying the new lessons and slowly but surely creeping on board. I would like to see our school dedicate more time to professional development opportunities where teachers are expected to model digital age lessons that are successful in their classrooms.