Module 9: Assessment and Wrap Up

Next year I see myself using the ISTE Standards, my Stakeholder Project, and Blogger.  

In my professional situation I find use of technology integration and the Stakeholder acceptance of technology in the classroom.  I also think the SAMR model vital to proper technology integration.  

The information I learned over the last 18 weeks will be used in my school and/or corporation through the implementation of my new job, District Digital Communications Specialist.  I will use my Stakeholder Project, Twitter and Instagram in Education presentations in my future job.  I will also use Blogger to connect my website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to make communication even easier.  

I also learned a lot of different programs and apps that I may use as well next year.  Even if I don't use them professionally, I plan on using the personally with my kids, to help my husband, and to help other teachers.  I really like Remind101, Symbaloo, and Class Dojo.

Module 6: Shifting Focus

Feel free to include observations from your own classroom where students have struggled or succeeded in the transition to student-centered learning.

Teaching students to learn by using technology needs to happen by first teaching students how to properly use technology.  So many students do not understand the ramifications of a negative digital footprint.  Students don't understand how to and why they should be careful while using technology.  Students also don't understand the need for using credible sources.  They feel if it is on the Internet, then it is true.  After students understand how to properly use technology, then they can better understand it as a educational tool.  

Teachers also need to make a shift in their thinking.  We are use to using paper books to find all of the answers.   The thought of not needing paper books is somewhat foreign.  Teachers are used to students having textbooks and workbooks.  Making the shift to everything on the computer is a little scary at first. Teachers are used to being the center of the classroom and being the source of learning.  By using SAMR teachers can better adjust and break away from this thinking.    

Both teachers and students will become more comfortable with student centered classrooms with more professional development, training, and practice.  If students see the need for the skills they will also be more likely to want to learn.  

Module #5: Classroom Management

In the article "Freedom, Digital Distraction, and Control" (Found in "Explore" and also here), the author lists three approaches to "conquering distraction."

Which of these best describes your current classroom/professional development atmosphere?

Is it possible for you to reach the third level?

If not, why?

If so, what resources are needed to reach this goal?

My school is currently at Control by Authority Stage.  Students are not allowed to carry cellphones and our school web-filter blocks Facebook and other social media sites.  Currently, our school is not 1:1, so several classes have a classroom set of computers that stay in the classroom. 

Since our school does not have iPads the "one application at a time" app wouldn't work.  I like the idea of the "Freedom" app.  It could lock the Internet from 10pm-6am.  This would help students budget his/her time with games, social media, and surfing the net until all hours on at least a school computer.  I also like how it sends reminders when a student's mind is wondering.  I think this would even be helpful as an adult.  

Under the self-control stage, I like the idea of "tech breaks", goal setting, and to-do lists.  I have post-its all over my computer with to-do lists to help me stay focused!  I think this skill would be hard for students to achieve because it takes a lot of motivation, maturity, and self-direction.  This would have to be modeled a lot and students would have to see the buy in to accomplish this task.

At this point, I do not think it is possible for my school district to reach the self-control stage because we are not 1:1.  We also do not have policies in place as a school or district for computer misuse.  Policies, regulations, and a lot of modeling and guidance on time management need to be set in place before my school district would be able to move to this stage.     

Module 4: Reflect on Communicating with Stakeholders

What are the top three things to communicate when introducing the concept of technology integration to a specific group of stakeholders? You can think of this as your learning objectives when preparing a presentation, website, article, etc. In other words, what three things must your audience understand in order to be fully supportive of the school's mission to integrate technology?

1.  How will the use of technology enhance learning, or why is it necessary?  
2.  How will students learn to be safe on the Internet (Digital Citizenship)
3.  How will teachers manage the use of technology?

It is important for parents and community members to know why the technology is needed and how it will benefit students.  It is also important for people to understand that technology allows students to communicate with others, find information quickly,  and present their information in an appealing manner.  It gives students real world application and a foundation to grow as learners.  

Digital Citizenship is important for students to learn, so they can be responsible on the Internet.  Digital footprints are so important in today's world.  Making sure students create a positive one is crucial.  It is also equally important for parents to learn as well, so they can better support and monitor their children.  Parents and community members need to know the dices are being managed in the classroom, but parent need to manage them at home as well.

If these three things are being communicated with parents and community members, then the integration of technology in education will be more successful.

Module 3: Reflect: 21st Century Skills

Choose the 21st Century Skill you believe is most crucial to students' lives outside the school walls.

Being able to use technology appropriately (being safe on the Internet/social media, and finding credible sources online)

1.  Why is this skill most important?

Although this is a rather broad topic I believe it is the most important because a lot of kids have social media accounts, but they don't know how to use them appropriately.  For example, kids post inappropriate pictures, bully through social media, and post personal information without.  Kids are putting themselves in danger and possibly ruining their chance of a future job or scholarship.

Kids also believe everything they find on the Internet.  They realize that anyone can post online, but they still believe it all.  This can be very misleading which is why it is also very important for students to know how to find information from credible sources.

2.  How might this skill be used in your Technology Infusion Plan?

Being able to use technology appropriately could be used in my Technology Infusion Plan by creating/teaching an Internet safety unit where students have to find/use credible sources.

3.  How can this skill be assessed?

The skill can be assessed by checking students' Works Cited page to see if the sources are indeed credible and giving an Internet safety assessment at the end of the unit.  Student's and parents could also complete an Internet safety/social media checklist to make sure their profiles are set to private, all pictures are appropriate, and all of the people in their friends list are "real" friends.  Parents could also have all passwords and monitor their child's posts.

Blog #2 - My Philosophy of Education

     I believe it is important as an educator to keep learning and continue to modify your approach to find the best ways to relate material to students.  Our world is constantly being influenced by technology, and I believe it is crucial to use technology to improve and aid educational strategies.  By keeping up on new innovations and incorporating them in my classroom I will best prepare students to attain 21st Century skills.
     Technology in the classroom is not only necessary to engage students, but it is an essential tool for the future.  Every day our lives become more deeply ingrained in technology.  Teachers are responsible for integrating technology into the curriculum and instructional program in order to enhance student achievement.  Each student should be provided with equal access to technology in the school setting.   If one does not keep current with technology, he/she will be lost in the work world.  Teachers need to teach our children to respect the power of technology and the affects it has on the world and its people.  Students need to be taught how to responsibly use technology including social media before being given a device.

     Teachers should utilize technology for inquiry to discover approaches on how to create an open-ended learning environment by examining the roles of the teacher, student, and technological devises being used in the classroom.  The devised should aid to learning not distract students.  The computer is used as a tool to enhance learning by relating it to real-world data in order to solve problems.  The lessons should be student-centered and authentic while the classroom environment also includes a variety of resource-rich activities to reach all students.

     Using technology in the classroom also increases parent involvement and encourages communication.  Teachers can develop a class website where  students and parents can go to read postings or discussions, ask questions, and find homework assignments.  Computer technology allows students to extend his/her learning beyond the classroom by becoming connected with his/her community, other schools, and people, and sites from around the globe.

     As an educator, I will continue to increase my knowledge about technology and keep current with new innovations in order to provide the most successful learning environment for my students.  I will integrate technology in my classroom in order to provide my students with a 21st century education.    

Module 1: Blog Reflection

I am most excited to learn about how to use technology to come up with community based, student lead, inquiry type projects in the area of science for the middle school level.

The areas I might serve as a leader in for my classmates are "flipping" my classroom.  I have an online website with each unit for the year complete with pre-test, post-test, objectives written in "I can" statements, Flowcharts, self created video tutorials, projects, and assignments.

The areas I will need to spend more time exploring and getting ideas from my classmates are an easy way to have students create apps for Windows computers.  I would also help on what programming format is best to have students learn to code in a kid friendly manner without "dumbing" it down so much that it is no longer coding.