Evaluating my GAME plan progress

One of the initial goals in my GAME plan is to learn new technological tools that I can integrate into my classroom. I have been using graphing calculators for many years in my classroom, but this week, it was the first time I get the students to discover something new on their own using this technology. They used pre-learned skills to explore equation of a circle and they were able to come up with the standard equation of a circle without my help. I have tried to use that application “CabriJr” in classroom many times, but it was not interesting until students were able to actually see the benefits of using it, and I heard someone saying: “This is cool, I like it.”

I have learned over the past few weeks that the available tools are more than one could ever imagine. All we need is to look for them. I have also learned that students are ready and willing to learn new technologies. It just needs to be well presented to them, because they always think that educational tools are boring.

I still need to learn how to get students engaged in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I think that this week’s resources and what we are learning about problem-based learning will address this issue, but it will need some practice in classroom until one can be comfortable using this method on a regular basis.

I think I need to take time to think about what is truly important to me and my students right now. What can we actually use, that is beneficial, practical, and supportive of their learning.