NETS-T

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Classroom Blog

Utilizing Google’s free blogging tool, Blogger, I created a classroom blog.  A blog is an online journal consisting of entries or “posts” that anyone can access using the Internet.  On my blog I posted a newsletter which included important classroom news and updates.  I exemplified the use of technology by using html codes to embed examples of my work onto my blog.  I  uploaded a photo of myself, explored different visual option for the layout of my blog, made pages that included examples of my technological work, and added forums and surveys for class peers to leave me comments and reflect on my postings.  In addition to creating a blog, I also collaborated with peers by sharing my blog with classmates and viewing other classmates’ blogs as well as supporting them by leaving comments and responding to comments which allowed for further reflection and understanding.  Creating a classroom blog demonstrates how I can share ideas and concepts virtually and creatively.  Blogs allow students to engage, reflect, and comment on their peers’ blogs collaboratively and share work, which promotes student's reflection of the topic and creative thinking with technology.

Classroom Newsletter

I utilized technology to convey the importance of communication and social involvement among or between students, peers, parents, and teachers.  I developed a classroom newsletter with Microsoft Word, image scanners, and Google Internet searches.   I was able to create a document mimicking basic newsletter-style formatting.  In order to create the newsletter format, of the document, I utilized: the tables function, Wordart, and horizontal-line art in the Word program to design a custom masthead.  Designing the main body of the newsletter, I applied the format tool to create a document with two columns,incorporated  dropcap to create embellishments in the text, and utilized custom bullets for lists.  I added clip art by scanning photos from my personal library and a Google Image search.  My newsletter allows me to build a pathway for my students to collaborate, engage on current issues, and utilize inventiveness with technology.  By creating and innovating their own classroom newsletter, following my model, my students will learn how to use many writing and formatting tools available to them through the Microsoft Word program, search with Google, scan images, processes in saving documents.  Utilizing the skills my students will learn with this project; they can use these technologies to innovate and create their future work.

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

iMovie PSA

Using iMovie, Apple’s video editing software, I created a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for prospective Cal State San Marcos Students.  I combined video clips and still frame pictures to create the video, I then added informative text on each slide about the campus.  To contribute to the visual design of the video, I used video effects like transitions, between video clips, background music, and recorded my own voiceover. Lastly, I compressed the video and embedded it on my blog.iMovie allowed me to personalize what information I communicated as well customize how I wanted that information communicated.  Students could use iMovie as a resource in fostering their own learning by either watching each other's videos, or creating their own videos, allowing learners of all learning styles to creatively demonstrate ideas to one another.  

Google Forms

Using the forms feature of a document creating program called Google Docs, a free office suite from Google, I created an assessment that I shared with my classmates.  After watching a presentation I created that illustrates lesson plans that can be integrated with the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) and performance indicators for grades 3-5, my classmates filled out the online form  to assess my presentation. The assessment consisted of multiple choice, short response, and fill in the blank questions.  After the students completed the form, the responses were automatically compiled into a Google spreadsheet.  After personalizing my form with my own questions, format, and layout, I embedded the assessment and posted a link to the results on my blog.  Google forms is a great way to grade and access my students’ work and share it with parents.  Students can also use Google forms with each other as a way to promote peer review, students can give fellow classmates feedback on work they produce.   

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Prezi

Using Prezi, a web-based, non-linear presentation software, I created a presentation that illustrates lesson plans that can be integrated with the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) and performance indicators for grades 3-5. I started with a blank canvas, then added multiple sized frames where I was able to add text,embed videos and images.  I then created a path for the frames to create motion in the presentation.  I was able to creatively place the frames in different locations, facing different directions to create visual effect for my presentation while displaying relevant information effectively.  After my Prezi was completed, I used the embed code to post it to my blog.  While learning and presenting relevant information regarding NETS-S standards, I was also exploring new technology and presentation formats that I can use for my own classroom presentations.  My use if an interesting, online tool will also model for my students how to use Prezi for their own presentations. 

Diigo

I created an account on Diigo, a social bookmarking website and research tool.  Diigo allows users to be part of a knowledge sharing community in which myself and other users can share websites and connect with each other on the Internet.  I started by book marking informative and interesting websites, then I started to create my personal learning network (PLN).  I searched for users with similar interests in education and started following them.  By doing this I came across resources I can use in my future classroom.  I found lesson plans and fun ways to enhance curriculum, information on multiculturalism, and how to continue growth and learning as an educator.  Diigo’s highlight and tag tools allow users to highlight important information, makes notes, and create relevant tags to organize websites.  I can use Diigo to collaborate with others by sharing my research and resources as well as learn from their educational topics and websites.  Diigo’s tags allowed me to promote my own learning and I was able to discover how tags can be used to organize information.  I have also learned how to share what I discover from the Diigo community with my students. 

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Cyber Safety Website

I collaborated with five peers to create a CyberSafety website using a free web creating website called Weebly.  We each created our own web page on one of six safety topics, mine was Identity Safety, the other topics were cyber predators, piracy & plagiarism, inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and social networks.  On my site I defined what Identity Safety is, what the risks are, tips for how parents, students, and teachers can safely use the internet.  I found a Youtube video URL and added it to the website and added links to find additional information.  I also collaborated with my peers to set a text and color scheme for a common theme. Creating this website proves my ability to collaborate with peers and model a safe way to have responsible and social interactions online.  The website also stands as a resource for students and parents by providing valuable information and import online behavior and demonstrating what kind of behavior is appropriate online. 

Adaptive Technology

I researched adaptive technology devices that can be used to assist students with special needs. Once I had an understanding for the types of adaptive technology devices are available and widely used, I wrote about them and reflected on them in a blog post.  I researched Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC),  which is the use of other methods to replace/support verbal communication.  I found a low tech and high tech tool as well as hardware and software to assist special needs students in communicating.  On my blog I shared the information and tools I found as well as pictures.  One tool I found to be interesting was a communication board which are  computer generated or hand made with objects, pictures, and/or symbols to offer students opportunities to communicate and complete, learning activities, transitioning, literacy activities, daily living activities, and more. Researching these tools has given me more ability to help be a better educator for all my students.  These digital tools are resources I can use in my classroom with special needs students to foster their learning and providing an equal learning environment to every student. 

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Learning and Leading with Technology Journals

Reflective Journals

My membership in the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) allows me access to their journal, Learning and Leading With Technology (L&L).   I read several L&L articles and reflected on them in my blog.  In the blog entries I explained  how I felt about the topics, my thoughts and opinions about the topic, and how I would incorporate digital tools in my future classroom to help me as an educator.  One topic and response was my reaction to learning that  teachers are using Twitter professionally and forming personal learning networks (PNL’s).  I was excited to learn how to use Twitter in a way to grow professionally as an educator.  Writing and reflecting on current educational journals allows me to participate in a global learning community centered on current technology and education.  Learning how to use these tools, like Twitter and how to use them in my classroom and for professional use  enhances my own knowledge and allows for me to offer the best resources to my students to support their learning. 

Personal Learning Network

A  PLN is a personal learning network, it is a network of people interacting and sharing ideas that contribute to each others professional development and knowledge.  I used technology to engage with other educators to develop my PLN.  On Twitter I follow other teaching professionals, doing this led me to a great educational chat called #edchat.  I was able to participate in a live chat with other educating professionals about current issues in the field.  These groups and individuals have the same interests and focuses I do regarding education. Diigo is a social bookmarking website that allows me to interact with other users and utilize each others resources. On Diigo I follow educators who provide resources, tips, and information that I can use to build my PLN,  I was able to find a great site that offers Science lesson tips, education videos to supplement lessons, and experiment ideas for the class. I am also a member of the Educator’s PLN, where I can interact with other technology using educators.  I can use social networking sites to follow educators and education groups which provide me with resources like lesson plans and tutorials, and allow me to connect with people who can support my PLN.  Sharing my finding in a public space on the Internet demonstrates my ability to participate in a global community building and demonstrating to my students how they can improve their own learning by developing their skills in technology.