1. Technology Operations and Concepts

A. I have mastered the basic computer programs and functions of Microsoft Word, Excel (spreadsheets and graphs), website navigation, email, integrating sound, animation, and video into a PowerPoint presentation, as well as the basic uses of Inspiration and Kidspiration 2. I have demonstrated my knowledge of these skills in simple and more complex ways such as a multimedia PowerPoint presentation as well as the creation and design of this website.

B. With our dependence on technology continually growing in the field, it is necessary for teachers to start integrating computer and internet use into classrooms. Fortunately, there are many websites that I have browsed that are helpful resources for teachers worldwide. Some of these websites include Teacher Planet and Discovery School. Especially in the Spanish field, websites like the NCLEA homepage can be helpful in finding creative bilingual lesson plans and teacher forums. Discussion boards and web logs are also a great way to share and gather information or helpful tips from teachers across the world in a matter of seconds.

2. Planning and designing learning environments and experiences

A. The fact that technology is constantly improving provides endless opportunities for a lot of technology-based learning in classrooms. One of the ways this is happening today is in the creation and participation in Webquests. Webquests allow students to take on different roles and think critically while exploring any content area. In addition to Webquests, multimedia presentations are also a great way of integrating different types of audio/visual and interactive stimuli to foster learning of all kinds. Please click on the hyperlink to participate in my multilink Free Field Trip Giveaway webquest as well as view my multimedia presentation on Rockets.

B. Research shows that technology is becoming a more and more essential piece of the learning process in order to become successful in the field. However, it should also be noted that technology education should not be overshadowing the curriculum framework that is already in place. Technology needs to be incorporated into the curriculum instead of the other way around.

C. In order to find credible sources on the web, it is necessary to evaluate the credibility of the search engine you are using. It is for this reason that I have evaluated many different search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and AskJeeves for my own personal use. It’s important to understand that although any given search engine may give you a large number of hits, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are from scholarly sources. For example, when evaluating the credibility of Google I found that it came up with the most results, however this is due to the fact that many of the hits had no scholarly credibility and could be posted by anyone who is computer literate.

D & E. Since my education courses have not exceeded the 200 level, I have not planned specific ways to manage student learning in a technology-based classroom yet, however I recognize the importance of creating an environment where the use of technology for curriculum-based learning is imperative and plan to do so in the future.

3. Teaching, learning and the curriculum

A. All projects that have been completed throughout the course encourage the enhancement of the learning process by presenting information through a variety of mediums. Although each method is very different from the other, Webquests, Multimedia presentations, Websites, Concept Maps, and web logs all present unique ways of enriching a child’s education through technology. It is imperative that all of these methods are worked into the Michigan Curriculum Framework to ensure that students are using technology to enrich their understanding of the State’s standards.

B. When integrating technology in the classroom the most important goal is to ensure that the lesson is addressing the diverse needs of every student. As far as physical disabilities go, there are many different types of assistive technology that can either be purchased or downloaded. Maintaining a student-centered curriculum can be done through Webquests and other interactive programs/presentations.

C. All projects completed throughout the course can be used to develop higher order skills and creativity. One of the most prominent ways in which students can develop these skills is through the Webquest. Since Webquests are interactive and force students to call on their previous knowledge as well as critical thinking skills, it is a great way to develop high order thinking and get students to connect to a broader concept. Other forms of technology based learning that encourage creativity and higher order thinking include multimedia presentations, website construction, and concept maps.

D. To manage student-learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment, teachers must realize that technology should be incorporated to the curriculum and that the use of computers and the internet should not be emphasized over the lesson that is being learned. Also, media specialists can aid in managing student-learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.

4. Assessment and Evaluation

A. Although my knowledge of incorporating technology to assess the performance of students is limited, I have found that Rubristar is a useful resource that allows you to create preset and custom rubrics that are easily printable, much like the one I created here.

B. I am familiar with collecting data through search engines as well as presenting the data visually with graphs, spreadsheets, and tables through Microsoft Word as well as Microsoft Excel.

C. The rubric I created on Rubristar for my Webquest incorporated many different types of student assessment. Some areas of evaluation included: ability to work well with others, ability to stay on task, problem solving techniques, quality of work, etc.

5. Productivity and Professional Practice

A. There are a number of websites that provide teachers with updated resources to continue their professional development. Websites such as Teacher Planet offer ideas for lesson plans and activities, as well as provide students with an interactive portion of the website that engages them in learning through games.

B. Professional development is a necessary process in any field. In teaching this may mean renewing your certification or attending seminars and workshops that will allow you to hone your teaching skills. As far as technology goes, this means recognizing that technology is always changing, being willing to be at the cutting edge of these changes, and applying them to your classroom.

C. Technology can be used to communicate in countless ways. E-mail, discussion boards, and web logs are all very useful ways to communicate with others over the internet, including less computer savvy parents. As far as communicating with peers and fellow students goes, Blackboard is an easy way to collaborate with students and share information quickly. Discussion boards are one of the most effective forms of communication between students in a classroom because a teacher can regulate what can be written and they are easily accessible from any computer at any time.

6. Social Ethical, Legal, and Human Resources

A. Throughout the course, we have discussed the importance of “Netiquette,” as well as the awareness of legal and ethical issues. Netiquette is a widely accepted set of rules to follow when using email, posting on discussion boards, etc. This mainly serves to maintain a positive experience when interacting with others through the internet. As far as ethics are concerned, we have learned that it is illegal to place copyrighted material, including pictures, on the internet without the consent of the publisher.

B & C. Although we did not go in depth in this area, I do believe it is essential to find and utilize resources that affirm diversity in the classroom. When applying technology to a lesson plan, it should be done in a way that students from all backgrounds and cultures are given an equal opportunity learning experience.

D. To promote safe and healthy use of technology in the classroom, it is necessary for teachers to express the importance of netiquette and legal/ethical guidelines. Also, I believe that technology should be incorporated to fit into the school’s curriculum instead of the other way around in order to maintain a healthy balance.

E. It is understood that not all students have access to a computer in their household. However, I believe that whenever computer use is incorporated into the curriculum, all students should have the same amount of access to technology available to them. Keeping this in mind, teachers must facilitate equitable access to technology for all students.