My Game-Plan continued...

When considering where to go next with my Game Plan, I feel overwhelmed. There are numerous resources to use and people to speak with to help me to meet my goals. The problem for me is where to start. Whenever I start to work on a large task I freeze and simply think of all there is to do and all I could be doing. Once I finally get going I do really well. I think it is the unknown that worries me and wondering whether or not I will be able to follow through with my plans.

With that said, I have been actively working on my Game-Plan. My first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments. I use technology often in my room but rarely do I design my own. I feel that if I do design and take some more ownership in the technology that I am using, I will have more success when using it with my students. For example, I use Kidspiration with my first graders. In this program they are able to design concept maps, make charts, or simple create pictures. Instead of doing what this program has previously made I have been learning how to create my own templates that specifically correlates with what I am teaching in class. These can be easily saved so that I can use them in the years to come. My goal is to find more programs like Kidspiration that are appropriate for young learners. I know of many computer programs like Spelling City and HSP math that are beneficial for my students but I want to be able to use programs to design my own lessons and assessments. Does anyone know of any sites or good resources where I could begin to look?

My second goal is to engage in professional growth and leadership. As I mentioned before, I am currently doing this through my masters courses but I want to continue to grow in this area. I love learning new things and I know as a teacher I will never stop. I do struggle with independently researching. When I attend professional development meetings I am very interested and want to know more. Unfortunately when I take home the packets of information it usually becomes part of a file that I never look at again. When others teach me or I am involved with something than I am engaged and soaking it all in. I know that in order to be as up to date as I need to be with technology this is not enough. I need to take things into my own hands and be responsible for my professional growth. A baby step I have take is I have made a file on my school computer labeled technology. When a colleague send me an interesting website, or I come across something on my own, I save it hear so that I can go back and utilize it at another time. I also write some notes about the site in a word document so that it is easy for me to remember what it is used for and how it is helpful. Does anyone have any sites that I can add to this list? I am also looking for ideas for keeping track of my own research and evaluating myself when it comes to professional growth and leadership.