1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Educational Blog

A working portfolio can be a useful tool for students to reflect and get feedback on their work. Using Google’s free blog publishing service, Blogger, I created a blog which served as my portfolio. A blog is a personal website in which information is usually presented in the order it was added.  I regularly added journal entries and displayed my work assignments visually, by embedding them on additional pages as tabs on my blog. The work could be viewed by other students, who could then provide feedback by commenting on the blog. I also customized the theme and layout of my blog, added a page to describe my background and opinions about technology, added links to other resources and to my Twitter account, and included a widget to display the geographic location of visitors to my site in the sidebar. The structure and creativity I used throughout the blog required I think and plan to most efficiently display my portfolio. Additionally, the virtual environment I created through my blog promoted collaboration by encouraging others to view and comment on my work.

Classroom Newsletter

A classroom newsletter is a way for me to communicate with my students and their parents to inform them about the expectations in my class.  I created a newsletter using Microsoft Word.    It also outlines my expectations not only for the semester but also for the whole year.  I used the table feature to create and customize the masthead with Word Art for titles and custom line art for an artistic touch. I used formatting to create colorful titles, two columns, and included a drop cap to the first word of each article .  I also integrated graphics and images to make my newsletter colorful using the text wrapping feature.   By sharing my newsletter and expectations with my students and their parents,  I am able to communicate with them effectively.  The way I used Word in an innovative manner to create the newsletter will benefit the students by modeling ways that help facilitate their learning.

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Google Forms and Assessment

It is important for me as an educator to have the capability to assess my students. I used Google Forms, a web based form creation tool, to create an assessment for a presentation I developed for colleagues. I created questions, about the content and technical aspects of my presentation, which the colleagues answered by selecting from multiple choices, selecting from a list, entering text, or checking a selection. After I completed the form, I embedded the assessment on my published blog, where colleagues could also view my presentation before taking the assessment and answering the required questions. I also included a link to document that displayed the results which were automatically added as the assessment was submitted. The varied types of questions I created formed a good summative assessment of my presentation. Also, the link I created to the results of the assessment informed my peers of their learning, as they could compare their answers with other colleagues.

Excel Crossword Puzzle

Using Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet program, I created an “about me” digital crossword puzzle with answers that described myself for my future students. By creating borders and using patterns and fill, I formatted the cells in the spreadsheet to create the layout of the puzzle where the user would enter the answers. I also used conditionally formatting on the first cell of every word that would turn the inputted letter green if it was correct and red if it was incorrect. Then I created a separate sheet where I displayed the hints for the puzzle, allowing the user to complete the crossword digitally, or print the crossword and complete it on paper. Using Microsoft Excel to create the crossword puzzle promoted the learning of the users by engaging them in an interactive activity. Furthermore, the conditional formatting I implemented in the technology enriched environment, allowed the user to easily assess their own progress.

3.  Model Digital Age Work and Learning

iMovie PSA

Using iMovie, Apple’s video editing software, I created a one minute public service announcement for Cal State San Marcos. I uploaded video clips into iMovie, photos into iPhoto, and music into iTunes. I then incorporated parts of the clips, added video effects to some of the clips, and inserted transitions between clips. Using the built in microphone, I recorded a voiceover, and then I added a title, facts about the campus to each clip, and finally music to the movie. I then exported the final movie as a Quicktime movie and embedded the movie into a page on my blog. By using video clips of the campus and displaying facts about the campus in digital age media, I was able to communicate relevant information about CSUSM. In addition, my use of the many tools available in iMovie, including voiceover and effects, modeled the use of a current digital tool that my students can use to analyze information resources.

Prezi presentation

Presentations are an important tool for educators to communicate information with their students. I used Prezi, an web based non-linear presentation tool, to create a presentation that showed examples of lessons teachers may use that incorporate three of the NETS-S for students in the grade range PK - 2. I created different frames that displayed the NETS-S each lesson corresponded to a description of the lesson. I then embedded a youtube video and different images that enhanced understanding of the lessons. Next, I made each frame a different size and different orientation so that when the presentation moved from frame to frame, the presentation zoomed in and out, and rotated, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Finally, I embedded the presentation in my blog so it could be viewed by colleagues and other visitors. Embedding the presentation in my blog, and making it available to colleagues promoted collaboration on the NETS-S. Furthermore, my use of Prezi communicated lessons that were relevant to the NETS-S and my future profession.

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Adaptive Technology

As we move towards increased inclusion in our classrooms, it is important to be familiar technologies students with disabilities may use. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, are methods of communication, other than oral speech, used to write or speak. Using the Internet, I researched a high and low tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication tool, and accessibility hardware and software. Once I found impressive devices in each category I defined them and described how they could be used with students in a journal that I published on my blog. Examples of AAC devices I found were a wireless speech generator, in which students use a keyboard that instantly generates speech, and a Braille keyboard that students who are visually impaired may type information that is input into a computer. I bookmarked the websites I used in my research and shared them with my network using Diigo, a social bookmarking tool. I then visited the blogs of my colleagues who also researched devices. The research I conducted revealed the diverse needs of students and the adaptive technology that provides equitable access to learning for them. By sharing the findings of my research, I engaged my colleagues and developed a global awareness of potential technology for students with disabilities.

Collaborative Cybersafety Website

The increased use of the Internet by students provides increased opportunities for unsafe or irresponsible use. Using Weebly, an online website development program, I collaborated with colleagues to create a website that discussed issues regarding cybersafety, including identity safety, cyber bullying, cyber predators, privacy and plagiarism, and inappropriate content. I created a separate page on the collaborative website that focused on identity safety on the Internet. I formatted the page into two columns, and after researching the subject, I included information and tips for educators, parents, and students to maintain identity safety. Then I added pictures to the title block of the page, embedded a video about identity safety, and published our website on the web. The website we created that provided information regarding cybersafety advocated and taught safe, legal, and ethical use of the Internet. Additionally, the collaborative nature of our website, which can be easily accessed by teachers, students, and parents, engaged my colleagues and me and promoted the responsible use of the Internet.

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Personal Learning Network

A personal learning network, or PLN, is a group of people you connect with that allows you to build your knowledge base by sharing information and ideas either online or face-to-face. I built my own personal learning network using Twitter, a social media tool, Diigo, a social bookmarking site, and I joined the Educator’s PLN, a personal learning network for educators. Using Twitter, I began following users that had interests in special education, education technology, and elementary schools and I also participated in a education chat, called edchat, where the topic was personal learning networks. I also used Diigo to bookmark websites I found valuable, which were then shared with the Diigo community, and I also began following people with interests in education technology and technology in special education, so I could view the websites they had bookmarked. Finally, I used the Educator’s PLN to participate in a forum that discussed inclusion, watch videos, and view member’s blogs. My participation in Twitter, Diigo, and the Educator’s PLN provides me with access to a global community that explores technology in all aspects of education and allowed me to share my technology skills with them. My continued participation in my personal learning network makes me a more effective teacher and provides continued growth of my future school and community.

Journal Article Reflection

A teacher must constantly seek new information in the quest for improvement. My membership in ISTE (International Society for Technology in Eduation) provided me access to all of their publications, including Learning and Leading in Technology,  which I read, along with other education technology articles, and then reflected on them in a journal. I read an article about the use of Twitter and personal learning networks, and article that discussed creating a “flipped” classroom, and an article that presented an opinion that use of homework be discontinued. Writing journal posts on my online blog enabled me to summarize the topics, reflect on them, and then pose two reflective questions about the article and offer an answer that connects me to the topic. Colleagues were then able to view my journals and provide feedback. Writing in my journals allowed me to reflect on the current information in ISTE’s Leading and Learning with Technology, regarding education technology. My effective use of my blog to display my journals also supports my continued learning in the education profession, and provides an example of how I can incorporate technology in my future classroom.