National Education Technology Standards for Teachers

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Classroom Newsletter

Using Microsoft Word, I created an innovative and informative classroom newsletter.  My goal in designing this project was to produce an engaging and fun newsletter for students to read with their parents in the beginning of the school year.  Using the table feature in Word, I set up the newsletter’s masthead.  Next, I was able to incorporate word art, picture features, and drop cap into the beginning of each article.  My newsletter also included creative images and the text wrapping feature in order to produce a visually pleasing final product. Creating this newsletter allowed me to effectively used my knowledge of technology to create a document that will inspire and promote student learning and creativity using technology.  In designing this project, I gained valuable information in which I will  continue to incorporate into my home/school communication system throughout the school year.  

Classroom Blog

To promote student reflection using collaborative tools, I used Google’s web-based platform, Blogger, to create and maintain a classroom blog.  A blog is a web site on which an individual or group of users record opinions, information, or ideas on a regular basis.  I was able to set up my blog using a template, add widgets to the blog sidebar, and communicating reflections on educational journal articles in journal posts.  I used HTML code in my blog to post many examples of the work I have done using technology, including a classroom newsletter and an Excel crossword puzzle, as tabbed pages on my blog.  In many of my posts, I inserted pictures that made the blog visually enhancing, and was able to share ideas through comments with my instructor and other classmates over a wide range of educational topics.Through my educational blog I model creativity through the layout and designs of my blog. The comment section on my blog allows visitors to offer feedback about my work, which gives me the opportunity to interact with classmates and teacher in a collaborative way. 

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

Excel Crossword

Microsoft Excel is a software program which allows users to organize, format and calculate data into a spreadsheet broken up into rows and columns.  Using an online educational resource, Atomic Learning, I watched the tutorial and was able to learn how to create a crossword puzzle, which I was able to embed into my blog.  The puzzle I created, which is showcased on my blog, would be used as a review of various science terms and definitions.  After following the directions on the Atomic Learning website, the crossword puzzle was fairly easy to create.  I used conditional formatting in my puzzle, which turns the first letter of the word red if the student puts in the wrong letter, and green if the student puts in the correct letter.  I put the letters to the words in the puzzle one by one and then created a list of clues on a second page.  I have demonstrated how I can creatively promote student learning based on relevant learning experiences by the creation of this interactive crossword puzzle.  Additionally, by utilizing the crossword format, I have demonstrated how to use this digital tool so that students can interact and learn the subject matter independently.

Google Docs

Using a free web-based application on Google, Google Drive, I created an assessment using the “form” feature to collect and review the responses collected.  I created the assessment form based on questions to my NETS-S Prezi assignment.  The survey consisted of paragraph responses, text responses, checkboxes, and multiple choice questions asking about the overall quality of my presentation.  After retrieving the HTML code and embedding the survey on to my class blog, my peers were able to take the survey. The results to the survey were automatically compiled on a Google Excel spreadsheet, which could then be shared immediately on my blog and reviewed.  Google Documents allows students various ways of completing assessments and also allows teachers the ability to assess student learning in a variety of ways, while also adhering to technology standards.  Google forms will also allow me to easily collect and analyze student learning data and share the information with parents through a website or blog.  This creates an easier way to communicate so parents are always updated on the progress of their child on activities, tests, and homework.

III. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

iMovie

I utilized iMovie, a video editing program by Apple, to edit and customize a public service announcement (PSA) of the Cal State San Marcos Campus in order to demonstrate my fluency in technology systems.  My video features facts and statistics about the school, and is meant to appeal to students and families interested in CSUSM.  By utilizing the media collector “Library” on iMovie, I was able to choose which parts from the original video to feature in my final product, as well as the ability to put transitions in place between clips.  I was able to detach some of the original audio on some clips and recorded my voice into the microphone to add a voiceovefr to the beginning of the movie.  Additionally, I was able to add two songs to the final product which played for the entire presentation.  I used the “insert” text tool to place titles in the beginning of the movie, to add my data to specific clips throughout the movie, and to add rolling credits.  I was also able to change the font, color, and text placement by using the “insert” text tool.  By creating a movie that incorporates information about a local and prominent university, I am able to collaborate with students, parents, and other community members about relevant information for my students.  Utilizing the many tools the iMovie application includes and sharing my movie on my blog allows me to model and facilitate effective use of digital tools to analyze information I have gained from other electronic sources.

Prezi

I used Prezi, a web-based presentation tool, to create a presentation on how I will incorporate the NETS-S requirements into my future classroom.  Prezi allowed me to to organize text, images, and YouTube videos in a non-linear manner.  I was able to input text and images into my presentation by clicking the “insert” button.  As the presenter, I also had an option as to whether I would like a frame or to just simply use the web-site page as my blank canvas.  I was able to click on a specific area on the screen and begin to type to add text.  I learned how to rotate and re-size each text, image, and/or video as much as I needed, and was able to select which order I wanted to present the material by using the “path” tool. By creating the Prezi, I demonstrated proficiency in the use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources by integrating pictures, videos, and text to make my presentation flow more smoothly. I will use Prezi in my classroom as an alternative to PowerPoint for student presentations as well as encourage students to incorporate technology into their assignments.  

IV. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Cybersafety Website

Using Weebly, an online free widget-based website creator, I was able to collaborate with other educators to create and share a site dedicated to cybersafety and responsibility.  Each educator contributed a different aspect of the subject and created an individual page specifically for each subtopic, which included: piracy and plagiarism, cyberpredators, cyberbullying, identity safety, inappropriate content, and social networks.  I researched cyberpredators and used the Internet to retrieve facts, online resources, images, and a video to help prevent innocent children of becoming victims to cyberpredators. On my site I defined what a cyberpredator is, legal issues surrounding cyberpredators, and tips for teachers, parents, and students to prevent children from becoming a victim of a cyberpredator.  I found a YouTube video URL and uploaded the video to my site that showed a possible scenario if a person gives too much information about themselves on their social media sites.  I also collaborated with my peers to come up with a common theme using text and color scheme to all of our liking.  Collaborating with my peers in creating this informative website proves my ability to 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 emphasizing the importance of appropriate online behavior in modern society.

Adaptive Technology

I researched various different types of adaptive technology devices that can be used by students with special needs.  As soon as I understood the different devices that are widely used in the classroom, I researched a few that I wrote and reflected about on my blog.  I researched Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which is the use of other methods to assist/replace verbal communication for students with special needs.  I researched a low tech/high tech tool as well as hardware and software to assist special needs students with communication.  On my blog I explained the different devices I researched as well as including pictures of the different tools.  One of the devices that had the most influence on me was the iCommunicator.  The iCommunicator promotes independent communication as well as an alternative for sign language interpreters.  Students that are deaf or hard of hearing can be placed in traditional classrooms with the help of this device, as this device can be downloaded onto a laptop, desktop, or even an iPad.  By researching these devices, I feel as though I am better prepared to be an all around better educator.  Implementing these digital tools and resources into my classroom will provide an equal learning environment to every student, including students with special needs.

V. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Journal Articles

My membership to International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) allowed me access to articles from their educational publication Learning & Leading with Technology (L&L).  Posted on my blog are numerous writings I have conducted analyzing and summarizing articles published in L&L.  I have read and reflected on the use of Twitter and how essential it is to the educational system.  I have also posted my views on an article written about putting an end to homework, as well as how some schools have adopted an idea where they teach a class online in the evenings and have the students come to class the next day to do their homework and ask questions about the material.  I published my thoughts on the scholarly articles and posed thoughtful questions about the relevancy of the articles and their subject matter.  What is nice about posting my reflection of the articles online is that I can share my feelings with people that read my blog as well as get their opinions through their comments on my site.  Continually researching new and relevant information provided by L&L and other scholarly journals allows me to evaluate and reflect on current research in both the classroom as well as online.  I can connect with educators who can be effectively connected to my research on innovating and emerging digital tools by sharing what I’ve learned in an online manner.

PLN

It is imperative that I stay connected and current in the professional and educational community being a prospective teacher in this tough economy.  I have established a Personal Learning Network (PLN) which consists of a group of individuals who meet online to exchange and share ideas and information.  I created a Twitter account, which is an online social networking site where I participated in a live chat on #ntchat.  Twitter has allowed me to stay connected with other educators in the science field through #scichat.  I have read and created many posts and participated in educational chats with a number of professional educators.  I also became a member of Diigo, an online social bookmarking site where I am able to utilize easily accessible and relevant websites, online communities, and journal articles where I am able to bookmark to save immediately to my online library.  On my blog, I posted my reflection on the creation of my PLN and how I now have access to many professional educators and the tools to find the information I need to grow as a professional.  Being a member of The Educator’s PLN allows me to have access to forums, blogs, chat rooms, and other educational sites that will play a vital role in my growth as an educator.   I can explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning through my PLN and connect with both local and global educators.  Using the tools and information provided by the educators on these websites and forums allows me to reflect and evaluate the most current educational information in a professional environment.  As a future educator, I will continue to support student learning through the knowledge and advice I gain through my PLN.