I. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Classroom Newsletter

Using Microsoft Word, I created a newsletter for my social studies class by utilizing many new and innovative features.  My newsletter is intended to be given out to incoming students and their parents.  It features useful information and is presented within a neatly compiled document.  It contains a title, date, issue and volume number, a quote, and three sections outlining: a welcome to the class, how technology will be implemented in the classroom, and something about myself.  Within the document, I used the formatting feature to create two columns and integrated interesting graphics into the articles using the text wrap function.  To present the text in an appealing manner, I utilized Word Art to colorfully display titles and used drop caps for the first letter of each article.  To keep the final document in its intended format, I saved it as a PDF so that it can be accessed from any computer and appear the same.  My innovative use of Word allows me to give information to students and parents in a newsletter facilitates creativity within the classroom and a thorough means of presentation.   The newsletter showcases my proficiency in using computer-based technology in a real world setting as I utilized many of the features within a computer program to create an informative guideline for class distribution.  Using Microsoft Word in an innovative manner, I created a neatly fashioned Newsletter which has the potential to capture and keep the attention of my future students.

Personal Blog

Using Blogger, a free web-based blog creation tool provided by Google, I was able to create and continually build a class blog.  My blog is a personalized running journal  published on the Internet used to reflect my thinking and reactions to various topics on technology. I learned how to make my blog accessible to the public by choosing a  creative name and custom URL and by providing easy to read content. I used HTML code to embed visual  examples of my work, such as my Prezi presentation and classroom newsletter, as tabbed pages on my blog.   I inserted pictures to provide visual support for my journal reflection posts.   I  customized and modified my layout and template using the provided website tools to design the website to reflect my personal preference of professional interest and I added gadgets on my sidebar from the setting to add links to my Diigo tagroll, Twitter page and other web-sites. This blog demonstrates how I am able to successfully utilize technology as a tool for innovative collaboration because I can write and share  my ideas and resources through my blog and personal creativity because I can use a variety of web based tools to add design and content profiles to make the blog unique.  My experience in building the blog and becoming proficient in the technological aspects, means that I will be able to provide my students with the opportunity to use technology as a learning tool that inspires and allows for creativity and to facilitate student collaboration.

II. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Prezi Presentation

Prezi, a web-based non-linear presentation tool,  is a versatile and dynamic new way to develop and present multimedia, it can be offered as an alternative option to PowerPoint presentations.  Utilizing this free online tool, I created a visual assortment of four specific standards with an associated lesson plan, which follow the guidelines of the National Education Technology Standards for students in grades 6-8.  Within the Prezi website, I used the tool bar to add text, images, and create pathways which allowed the text to vary in size and orientation following a completed product.  Utilizing the text box feature allowed me to alter the font style, color, size, and orientation to create a visually appealing pathways.  In addition, I used the zooming feature to highlight specific aspects of the presentation, which were significant within an overall larger text.  To create further overall visual appeal and color, I used the tool bar to insert images using the tool bar and pictures from Google to provide a realistic connection to the lesson plans I created.  My Prezi is a wonderful digital learning tool that allows me to present multimedia in an expressive and visually appealing way.  The workability and accessibility offered by the website provide my future students with a tool which can be adjusted to any skill level, and demonstrate the creativity and potential they seek to put forth.

Google Docs

Using Google Docs, a free, online office productivity suite from Google, I was able to collaboratively create and store documents.  My first NETS Narrative was composed by going to the Google Drive website and hitting the create button.  From there, I was able to share that document with another person of my choice by hitting the share button.  From there, I wrote within the document, receiving and returning feedback from both my peer and professor following suggestions of how to better my own work.  I used the feedback feature by highlighting specific areas in the document, and right clicking to reach a comment tab.  Following the specific comments I received, I changed and edited my work.  The alterations we made within the work were automatically saved, and all editions prior to this were easily accessible.  Using Google Documents, I was able to creative my narratives in an online environment, which makes accessibility endless, while also collaboratively interacting with other peers.  The editing and draft capabilities were enhanced using this feature as I assisted another student in their work and received feedback upon my own.  This technology will benefit my students because I can create collaborative assignments while providing a digital technology forum where it can take place so that each student will be able to take part in a collaborative revision process in an efficient manner.  Additionally, by granting access of GoogleDocs to parents, there is an easier flow of communication so that they’re constantly up-to-date regarding their children’s work and progress in school.

III. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

PSA iMovie

With Apple’s  innovative movie editing program, called iMovie, I created a public service announcement (PSA) featuring the campus and features of Cal State University San Marcos.  My PSA features intriguing information about CSUSM with the intention of gaining the interest of possible students.  To begin my movie-making experience, I imported video clips and music from a compact disc.  By opening those images and music within the iMovie software, I was able to create a specific assortment of footage into the project window.  Using the Inspector, I applied movie and image effects, created text images to share information about the school, and utilized the transition icon to implement varying effects within the clips.  I dragged imported music to the timeline to play a song during the movie.  Also using the Inspector icon, I was able to “duck”, or lower, the background music to allow listeners to hear my recorded voiceovers within the movie.  After downloading the finished product as a “QuickTime” production, I was able to embed the final version within my blog.  By creating this movie, I am able to create a fun representation highlighting the qualities of Cal State San Marcos for use within a community of peers, possible students, parents, and faculty.  Utilizing the tools within iMovie allows me to showcase my abilities to manipulate footage and therefore model the use of digital age tools with a compilation of electronic information.  By creating and becoming proficient in the iMovie movie making process, I have modelled and facilitated use of the current and emerging digital tools in a way that is representative of my professional and digital abilities within the teaching environment.

Diigo Social Bookmarking

Diigo is a free social bookmarking website which allows me to document other useful online website and webpages with the ability to share with others.  After creating my own account, I was able to access the website from any open browser page by installing an additional bookmarking toolbar.  While researching the web, I was able to open a window where I entered a brief description of the website and created multiple tags, or keywords, as specific descriptors.  Following this, I achieved instant access to all of the articles through my library where each of the bookmarks were stored.  Using the search engine within the Diigo website, I was able to find larger communities of people and educators alike with a greater resource base.  From here, I am also able to highlight key information on a website which is then accessible from other selective users.  One exemplary site I bookmarked was a website entitled, “Teaching Tolerance” which provided me with a great hub of lesson plans geared towards social justice within the educational system.  Bookmarking the site provides me with instant access to a great tool, and a plethora of resources that are tagged instantly within specific categories for future return.  Furthermore, as a social hub, Diigo provides me with a great way to gather and share information with colleagues and future students.  Tagging information and connecting it to each site allows me to better organize my resources in a single collection of information.  Diigo is a wonderful way to gather and organization information and useful resources on an Internet forum.  Students will be able to use Diigo in groups I have assigned in the teacher panel, view the information I highlight within the text which offers bilingual assistance, and develop digital age work and learning in a worldwide forum.

IV. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Cybersafety Website

Using Weebly, a free online website creator, I collaborated with other teacher candidates in the making of a single website about cybersafety.  In our group of six, each contributor made their own page within the Weebly site dedicated towards a subtopic which included: piracy and plagiarism, cyberpredators, cyberbullying, identity safety, inappropriate content, and social networks.  I contributed information about cyberbullying by searching online to find information, statistics, images, videos, and additional supportive resources for possible victims.  Within my subtopic, I provided a definition of a cyberbully, the legal issues associated with it, and also tips for teachers, parents, and students.  Further, I embedded an insightful video from Commonsense.org with useful tips and resources for educators in their struggle to combat bullying in a digital world.  In addition, I collaborated with my peers to provide a cohesive finished product demonstrating our work as a unit group.  Working together to create this informative website demonstrates my ability to model a safe way to use the Internet and act appropriately in a digital social setting.  The Weebly website can be used as a great resource for future students and their parents by offering a collection of information which promotes online safety and teaches the value of citizenship within our technological society.

Adaptive Technology

Searching throughout the Internet, I researched a variety of adaptive technology devices that can be used to supplement students with special needs.  After I gained knowledge about the devices and their communicative and accessibility additions within the classroom, I discussed their usefulness within my blog.  I first researched the definition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), this represents supplemental methods of assistance for people who have limited oral communication.  For this section, I researched a low tech and high tech tools that aid people in communication.  In addition to this, I researched input devices that help people with special needs in addition to the description software and hardware device examples of each.  Within my blog, I further gave explanations of the devices accompanied by images to offer better understanding for the reader.  Perhaps my favorite researched device was a no/low-tech idea to mold Crayola Model Magic to writing utensils (joysticks, pencils, pens, etc.) to assist special needs students with development of fine motor skills.  Students with difficulty of these developing skills need fun, brightly colored items to assist them in their continuing development; and an item such as this can be used in any classroom setting at little to no cost.  After researching these useful devices, I feel that I am bettering my knowledge base by knowing how to overcome challenges as an educator.  Researching digital tools in this manner and understanding the resources that are available to me will assist me in providing a wonderful educational environment for all of my students. Using and learning about these wonderful tools of adaptive technology within the classroom setting will allow me to ensure learning equality amongst all of my students, especially those with special needs.

V. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

PLN

Staying connected with an online community of professional educators allows me to keep a constant influx of information and resources in my growing world of teaching.  To do this, I created a Personal Learning Network (PLN) consisting of an entire network of professionals and educators alike within an online community who share resources and information.  Together, these consist of my participation and creation of a Twitter account, Diigo social bookmarking, and use of Classroom 2.0.  I made my own Twitter account, an online social networking site with weekly chats about educational topics.  It has encouraged me to learn more about the digital world as I took part in a chatroom called #5thchat, which consisted of fifth grade educators preparing for the first week of school to begin.  I read the posts within the chat and also provided useful resources for students to use within the first week.  In addition to Twitter, I created an account on Diigo, a social bookmarking site that provides me with instantaneous access to my personally created library of websites and journal articles.  Within my blog, I discussed the way in which I created my PLN and how that enables me to have access to information and ideas provided by professional teachers in order to grow as a leader.  Being a member of Classroom 2.0, I have access to educational chat rooms, forums, blogs, and shared resources that will greatly aid in my development as an educator.  Using my PLN allows me to learn about wonderful innovations in technology and maintain connection with an global network of professionals.  With the tools, resources, and information provided in these online forums, I can constantly better my own capabilities through interaction with astute colleagues in a professional environment.  The knowledge base I gain within this online society will continue to provide me growth and professional development.

Journal Articles

Joining the International Society for Technology in Education, also known as ISTE, I gained access to a plethora of articles under a journal entitled, Learning & Leading with Technology (L&L).  Within my personal blog, I posted several journal articles demonstrating my research and understanding of the articles within L&L.  Among my blog entries, I have learned about and reflected upon the beneficial use of Twitter as an addition to the development of my PLN and how it contributes to the educational system.  Further, I have shared my perspective about an article discussing the inefficacy of homework, and another which shares a “flipped” idea of homework usage.  After reading, analyzing, and reflecting upon these scholarly articles, I shared my ideas about the articles and what place they held in a classroom setting.  Being able to share my articles in an online forum allows me to make my presence known within the professional world, and helps me shape my views in a collaborative response-based setting.  By conducting research about a variety of topics, I have been able to reevaluate the educational world as I know it and expand my ideals which are viewable to the world.  In this way, I can connect with other educators alike to continuously reform and grow my understanding of the professional world through leadership.