The GAME plan I began with as the course was developing, was to introduce my students to digital citizenship. This is important because students need to understand that being a good citizen online is just as critical as being one in person, and perhaps even more so due to the fact that we cannot be seen in front of a computer screen. This aspect of my plan has not fully developed yet, but is in process. My current plan is to integrate digital citizenship with a digital story activity. I have explained to my students this is also a new area for me and we would learn it together. They are producing persuasive paragraphs about standardized test-taking tips. We haven't gotten to the "digital story" part yet, but some students have begun story mapping.

New learning that has resulted from following the GAME plan is realizing this is an effective method for producing and carrying out lesson plans. It is simple and organized, and it can be revised as necessary. Further, it can be used as an assessment tool for teachers and a reflection strategy for students.

Immediate adjustments I will make to my instructional practice in regard to technology integration in the content areas would be to post national technology standards in student-friendly terms, in an easily viewable location. My goal is for this to occur at the beginning of the year, teaching them in a manner that is consistent and available for students' practice. I am also looking forward to students producing project-based assignments using the Internet and working with other students. Digital citizenship, standards-based learning, along with authentic assignments, will give students a well-rounded learning experience.

GAME plan for students to develop proficiency in technology standards outlined by NETS:

1. Goals: One goal I would like to focus on in relation to students developing proficiency in these technology standards is to print them out and have them in an easily accessible location. A poster could be made of them and presented in student-friendly terms. The ultimate goal is for students to master them; however, this would be on-going throughout the year.

2. Action: Rewrite these technology standards in kid-friendly terms, match technology assignments to them, and as students master a standard, offer a reward. I heard of one school that rewrote their state standards in kid-friendly terms, posted them on a wall and as they mastered one, they were allowed to press a button on a stuffed animal that played a jingle.

3. Monitor: students reflect in their journals about the completed technological assignment-write which standard they thought it met; brief class discussions on standard mastery, post inquiry questions about the standards. Conference one-one with students as necessary to check for understanding.

4. Evaluate and Extend: Be sure that the technology is necessary and is not simply used as an add on to enhance the learning (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009). I need to make sure technology projects are authentic, promote collaboration, and are standards-based.

What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
Perhaps I shouldn't be mentioning Brain Pop again, but we've already watched a video from this software on Internet Privacy. For those familiar with the site, you know there are quizzes at the end to check for understanding. My students got 9 out of 10 questions correct! I was very proud of them and also of the fact that maybe we won't have to spend a great deal of time in this area. Next, I'm planning on having them view the video on digital citizenship, also from Brain Pop. We had a brief discussion today about why being a good digital citizen is just as important as being a good citizen on a daily basis.
What goals are you still working toward? A goal I'm still working on is getting blogging started through epals.com. I believe blogging is an easy way to get students accustomed to talking with others on the Internet before taking on a partner or group project.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself? At the present time I am not ready to extend these learning goals. I want to focus on getting my students comfortable with basic communication procedures and appropriate digital mannerisms.
How will you extend what you have learned so far? An extension I may pursue is contacting another educator through epals.com to determine how he/she uses the software to effectively teach.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning? An approach I haven't tried yet is collaborating online with real-time teachers, whom I can speak with right away, or the software Skype. I want to try these approaches.