I have been taught in my Western Michigan University
Educational Technology for Elementary Education, ED 347, course to apply troubleshooting
strategies for solving routine hardware and software problems that occur in
the classroom, and as such have been tested and certified to be able to perform
the following: connecting a laptop to a video projector and/or smartboard, removing
a network card from a PC, solving basic printer problems, and using adaptive
selective devices to accommodate students with a physical disabilities.
I am also able to identify, select, and use hardware
and software technology resources specially designed for use by PK -8 students
to meet specific teaching and learning objectives. This involves integrating
application and commercial software into lesson plans including using MS Publisher,
to make a 4 page newsletter, to useInspiration for planning, Excel for a grade
book, Powerpoint for student presentations, and advance word processing using
mail merge with a prepared data base of parent addresses. Also, I am learning
to use Dreamweaver to design this web site.
In my ED 347 class, I am also learning a great many
technology concepts, such as LAN networks and their components, videoconferencing
tools, FTP file transfers, graphical file formats, designing web sites, basic
file operation and pc maintenance.
II. Planning and Designing Learning Environments and
Experiences
I have proven that I can identify, evaluate, and select
specific technology resources available at the school site and district level
to support a coherent lesson sequence by developing a technology integrated
lesson plan. Click here to see a Taskstream integrated
lesson plan examples.
As can be seen in this Taskstream lesson plan example,
I have created and implemented a well-organized lesson plan to manage available
technology resources, provide equitable access for all students, and enhance
learning outcomes.
Also, I am currently learning how to design, manage,
and facilitate learning experiences using technology that affirm diversity and
provide equitable access to resources. This I have done by using the Internet
to prepare a short electronically submitted research paper on Digital Divide
issues as well as used "Bobby" to test and report on the accessibility levels
of an educational Internet site.
III. Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum
I have designed and taught a coherent sequence of learning
activities that integrates appropriate use of technology resources to enhance
student academic achievement and technology proficiency by connecting district,
state, and national curriculum standards with student technology standards (as
defined in the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students).
Please see the Taskstream generated standard supported teaching unit.
I have designed an evaluation plan that applies multiple
measures and flexible assessment strategies determine students' technology proficiency
and content area learning as illustrated in this attached rubric
In my student internship I am planning to use multiple
measures to analyze instructional practices that employ technology to improve
planning, instruction, and management.
1V. Assessment and Evaluation
I have designed, implemented, and assessed learner-centered
lessons that are based on the current most effective practices on teaching and
learning with technology and that engage, motivate, and encourage self-directed
student learning. Click here for a learner centered rubric that I have generated
as an example of how I am working toward this standard area.
V. Productivity and Professional Practice
I am able to select and apply suitable productivity
tools to complete educational and professional tasks as indicated in the example
lesson plan.
I have designed collaborative learning activities in
which students use technology resources to solve authentic problems in the subject
area(s) such using Inspiration Software.
I have applied technology productivity tools and resources
to collect, analyze, and interpret data and to report results to parents and
student with technology tools such as preparing mail merge letters for parents,
Excel for grading, Inspiration for planning, and Powerpoint for presentations
to parents and Dreamweaver for building a school or class web site.
VI. Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues
I am participating using Blackboard.com, ThinkQuest
and Profiler.org in online professional collaboration with my instructors, peers
and experts as part of a personally designed plan, based on self-assessment,
for professional growth in technology.
I have reviewed the Western Michigan University's acceptable
use Technology and the Internet policies and I am beginning to understand how
similar policies might be applied in a PK-8 school setting.