Fun and GAMEs!

In this last blog assignment for this Walden course, we are asked to describe how we will use the GAME plan process with our students to develop proficiency in NETS-S. (http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm) Looking at these standards, I see several (well actually, quite a lot) that my students need to work on. The first one that I want to tackle in my elementary computer lab is

	2. Communication and Collaboration
	Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

Though I think we do a very good job of collaborating within the walls of my classroom or even within the walls of my school, I feel that we do not nearly do enough of this with learners and experts in other locations. I also do not feel that we do enough collaboration online. This is my fault. I do not have any trouble creating a lesson that uses online collaboration, for instance, but I am intimidated by the implementation of such a lesson. There are just so many variables to manage. I think I need to accept that the first try at one of these projects might not be perfect, but the next try will be better, and the next even better.

One way to get the ball rolling on my focus on communication and collaboration would be to get the students to establish their own GAME plans as guides for increasing their proficiency in this area. I understand that by having the students write their own GAME plans, they will gain ownership of their own learning. They will not just have to passively accept what the teacher has handed down in her role as classroom dictator. They will be motivated to take responsibility.

However, I do have a concern about this process. Because the GAME plan strategy is so learner-directed, it seems that without considerable (obsessive?) teacher monitoring (Get out the roller skates!), there is a lot of room for students to get distracted, off task, or even actively engaged, but towards the wrong goal. I would think that it would take some training for students to fully understand their role in this process. To this end, I think I would introduce this strategy by discussing the NETS-S with my students and having them come to a consensus on a group goal. Then we would develop the GAME plan together. This way I could provide guidance as the teachers become familiar and adept at this process.

After one cycle of GAME, I would have my students work on another plan in groups. That would give them a little more autonomy, but allow me to monitor their progress in a manageable manner. Then I would have them work on individual GAME plans, but we would all do the same goal so that we could collaborate where needed. Only then would I send them "out on their own."

As the computer lab teacher, I would have a better chance at introducing the GAME plan with my students this way. I see all of the students in my school each week, so I could start my students with the first steps I mentioned in the early grades and move toward the later steps in the older grades. A regular classroom teacher might have trouble fitting all of this in within the window of one school year.

Anyway, I would appreciate any comments anyone has for my GAME plan implementation. Thanks for reading!