Blog Phase III Signature Assignment

ETC 447 Blog Phase III: Comprehensive Reflection (Signature Assignment)

Part I

            My philosophy of education truly has not changed. My mind was made up before and I believe it was completely true and honest about the way I felt. Again, standards must be addressed in student-friendly language because the students must know and understand what is expected of them. In order for them to succeed then need the expectations to be clear. Also, the teacher must be skilled, knowledgeable, and well trained in order to provide each unique, individual student the best and most appropriate forms of instruction for optimal learning. And lastly, for my philosophy, classroom management must be on point and organized to maintain a safe and friendly learning environment. Classroom rules and procedures are extremely important for a successful classroom.

            Before this course I had very little knowledge and experience working with technology in the classroom. However, my thoughts towards technology integration have not changed. As long as the technology isn’t a distraction and it supports the curricular goals of all students, I believe it to be highly beneficial for both the students and teacher. Throughout this semester of my practicum fieldwork I made sure that my cooperating teacher would be comfortable with me assisting the use of technology with her students. I learned about many highly functioning apps that kept the students engaged and essentially learning; one of my favorite was Classkick. In this app the students do their work through the use of either tablets or a chromebook and at the same time the teacher is able to see where each student is at in their work along with being able to make real live comments to the students. My cooperating teacher allowed me to work with the students through this app which was new and exciting for me. I will definitely take this app to my future classroom.

Part II

Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.

Rationale: I approached this standard by addressing a lesson plan I created because it captures student interests and keeps them engaged throughout the instruction and independent work.

            I was able to promote and support a certain lesson plan I created for my peers as well as my cooperating teacher that I was observing during the semester. It was in regards to writing an expressive essay and brainstorming for that essay using mindmeister.com. This site is able to have the students create mind maps that helps their organizational skills, is engaging, and also provides an artifact for assessment. Through this site students indulge in activities in which they might not find appealing, which makes them expand on their creative thinking skills. Another technology resource I found to be highly useful is google docs. It is something I see in many elementary classrooms. Through this app students are able to reflect on their learning and grow from it. They are able to share with their peers as well as get feedback from their teachers. It definitely is a great resource. And for the fourth item, the app called Classkick is extremely useful for both the teacher and students. Students are able to work on an assignment and in real time the teacher can see exactly what they are doing, grade them and make comments along the way. The teacher could even go as far as to tell the student to come over to discuss something without interrupting the class. It’s amazing.

Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Rationale: I approached this standard by addressing a lesson plan I collaboratively created which introduces basic computer skills and the use of a paint program because basic computer skills today is very important to master.

            I was able to create a lesson plan that introduced the program Paint to first graders. I believe it is important for students to learn the fundamentals of a computer and what better way then teaching them by using Paint. The students were given the opportunity to dive into their creative and imaginative thinking and create a picture based on a book they read along with the teacher. They learned how to navigate the program using a mouse. Throughout the lesson they were able to reflect back on their art work and share with their peers and receive feedback. This lesson addresses the content to all types of learners, those who are auditory, visual, kinesthetic, etc. Students were shown what is expected and also were monitored and assisted if needed. Through this program, the student’s creation became an artifact for summative assessment as well as any other program out there. If an item is saved or printed it can definitely become an artifact for assessment.

Standard 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Rationale: I approached this standard by addressing my enthusiasm towards integrating technology in the classroom because I believe it is important for the teacher to be trained in technology in order to provide appropriate learning outcomes.

            I believe I am able to dive into new technology and work it out myself. For an example: in the classroom that I have been observing the teacher was using a new app in which she did not know how to remove students from that may have created one too many accounts. I spent less than 2 minutes exploring the app and found the solution rather quickly. It is a matter of knowing how to navigate technology. Through this course my peers and I have been able to work together and provide resources for the classroom that will benefit us in the future; all at the same time using the wonderful technology itself. I have gained many new resources that I know for a fact I will use in my future classrooms. Through our blogs it was awesome to see what was provided to me by my peers along with receiving feedback from them on my own shared resources. Our presentations modeled how to use the technology shared and the best ways to assess it as well. This information has become quite useful.

Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Rationale: I approached this standard by addressing my two presentations and my personal take on technology safety in the classroom because all students deserve to learn in a safe and positive environment.

By presenting my two lessons to the classroom I not only provided the information about how to use the technology, but I also provided the information about how it is safe and the procedures you must take when using it as an instructional tool or student-learning tool. I have learned the importance of providing instruction that addresses the needs of diverse learners. Some students can be given little instruction and are able to fly right into an activity with no help whereas there are students who need steps written out for them or one-on-one modeling. It is important, especially with technology, to create strategies in which all students are able to reach their goals, such as peer research, small groups, partners, etc. Through this course I have learned just how important internet/technology safety is. It is nothing to tread lightly on. Procedures must be set in place and practiced for the safety of everyone in the classroom. The internet is large and full of inappropriate material for students. Yes, there are many restrictions embedded into school systems however, there are hackers out in this world and we must take it very seriously for the safety of the students. When students know how to use the technology appropriately and that there are consequences for misuse I believe the classroom environment also becomes a much safer place.