My Progress

As a substitute teacher, it is mildly difficult to see a lot of the progress that I can make succeeding in the implementation of a GAME Plan. In essence, what I am able to do is envision myself in a classroom of my own and take steps that I believe will be necessary to prepare myself to be successful in fulfilling my goals in the future. That being said, the main area of progress I can work on now, without having my own classroom, is becoming able to utilize a variety of new technological tools that can be integrated in the classroom. Through this program and through substituting in other teachers classrooms, I have been able to use and view quite a few new technological tools in action and gain some practice using them. For example, I have actually been on a long-term substitute assignment as a computer teacher for grades k-2 and have been able to use a variety of websites and tools that I had not used previously.

In addition to using new tools, I am also working at a grade-level that I do not have a whole lot of experience with, as I am certified to teach 7-12 social studies. Therefore, not only are the technological tools themselves new, but the content is new as well so I am able to see how different tools can be used at different levels, which is a great way to develop a new perspective on the effectiveness of certain tools. One of these tools is the website Earobics. This is a website that can be used with students who are new to reading or students who should be at the level to be able to read and are struggling. Students are able to log on to the program and complete a daily set of 'games' that monitor their ability to complete a variety of tasks associated with reading.It keeps track of their progress and becomes either harder or easier the next time they come in depending on their success that given day. This tool is a great way to differentiate instructional practices and give students something to look forward to doing, while at the same time helping them develop the necessary skills in order to read.

My other goal of modeling appropriate use of information, however, is one that I have not been able to actually practice in the classroom because I am not utilizing sources of information that I am able to reference. I would have to say that this is something that can only progress when I have my own classroom and am actually creating lessons and materials to use that need to be referenced. That being said, however, I am able to practice citing references on assignments for this program so although I am not fulfilling this goal in the classroom, I am gaining additional experience with the practice which should help me down the road.

I am pretty happy with the plan I have setout for myself and am looking forward to reaching a point where I have achieved these goals. However, I feel that I can never stop trying to achieve my goal of integrating various forms of technology into my classroom because every year a new tool will come out that will have beneficial applications in the classroom. That, in particular, will be a goal throughout every year of my career and I believe that it is my responsibility to remain fluent with the new technologies that come into play.