Final Blog Post
It seems hard to believe seven weeks have come and gone. We are all hard at work finishing up our final assignments. For this final Blog post, we were asked to reflect on our original GAME plan. The two standards I chose to focus on addressed developing “relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools” and collaborating “with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools” (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx). I am pleased with the progress I have made. I have recently finished creating a Problem Based Unit which centers on a budget deficit.

Prior to this course I would not have taken on such a large endeavor. Admittedly I was surprised by all of the benefits associated with Problem – Project Based Learning. Dr. Ertmer (2010) lists the following as positive outcomes of Problem – Project Based Learning: students learn how to work in groups, students often use “tools of the trade”, a “broad ranges of skills are addressed”, the activities are “cross curricular” and students are “self directed” (Laureate). Within the unit I utilized many new technology tools that I would not have incorporated before this course even though I knew of their existence. My unit has the students accessing a Blog to communicate their thoughts and ideas. In addition, groups of students are working together posting their data and findings on a Wiki. Finally, I have students reflecting and telling their “story” using Power Point. I was hesitant to utilize these tools in the past because I was unsure if students would really learn the content. I didn’t just want to use technology for technology’s sake. Just because a website or a software program has cool graphics doesn’t mean the students will automatically learn from it. Dr. Abrams (2010) warns, “don’t mistake activity for achievement” (Laureate). As a result of this course, I have gained experience on how to utilize technology in such a manner as to engage learners, support content, and develop meaningful learning tasks.

Although I have made significant progress toward meeting my first goal, I feel my second goal is still a work in progress. I have joined an online community that will enable myself and my students to connect with other classes. However, it is Summer Vacation and I have limited access to students. I will continue to work on this goal throughout the school year as I have received approval from administration to participate in this community. I look forward to this challenge.

Even though it is Summer Vacation, I am already beginning to consider the changes I will make to my instructional methods in the upcoming year. The unit I developed in this course will be used in the upcoming school year. At the beginning of the school year I plan to set up a Blog for students to post responses. Soon there after, the students will use a Wiki to complete a short group project, perhaps a novel study presentation. Allowing students time to practice with these tools, serves as a “scaffold” and should prepare them later in the school year to work more independently with these technology tools. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) in regard to student interactions with technology recommend structuring the, “learning activities so that they are able to complete their tasks as autonomously as possible, given their current ability levels” (p. 96). This provides a “win win” situation for everyone. Students feel more confident and can be more productive. As a teacher, I am reassured that the technology is not getting in the way of student learning. Possibly the biggest change to my instructional methods is to move away from “teaching specific skills” and move toward “teaching students how to learn” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 23). Technology is an important support to this endeavor.


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). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). “ Spotlight on Technology: Digital Storytelling, Part 2” Baltimore, MD: Author

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). “ Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part 1” Baltimore, MD: Author.