DANIELS TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
Introduction 
Elizabeth (Betsy) Daniels
Franklin High School, Livonia Michigan
"The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself."
-Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Welcome to my technology portfolio!
Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey of exploration, shared learning and reflection in the area of technology in the classroom. I, Betsy Daniels, am a graduate student at the University of Michigan - Dearborn in the Masters of Education Program. My major is political science and my minor is social studies. I received my undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University with a major in political science, a major in communications and a minor in music.
Teaching is a passion that I am pursuing after many years in the corporate business world. Previously, I worked for AT&T Broadband as Senior Manager, Programming/Midwest Region and at FTD International Headquarters as Consumer Marketing Manager. Attached is my resume for more information on my background.
Classroom Environment
Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan is where I am completing my student teaching. The subjects I teach are World Regions and World History. My cooperating teacher is Mary Helen Diegel. Together, we have developed lessons that enhance student learning through the integration of technology. Franklin has 1600 students, grades 9 - 12 with 100 teachers and counselors and a support staff of 50. The graduation rate is 88.1%.
Livonia is the second largest city in Wayne Country with over 100,000 residents, 95% Caucasian. One of three high schools in the Livonia Public School system, Franklin is situated in a blue collar or working class area. Franklin is a school of choice and attracts students from surrounding communities and the City of Detroit.
Technology
Franklin is considered a "high tech" school according to the results of the STaR Chart. This chart was developed by the CEO Forum on education and technology to assess an institution's level of readiness in using technology. However, there are a few caveats to utilizing technology at Livonia Public Schools, that warrant Franklin to be categorized as a mid-tech school. Franklin has five computer labs available for class use as well as computers in the Media Center and one in every classroom. There are issues with interface between the Dell and MAC computers. Also, because of the security measures set up, many on-line tools are not accessible by students. Following is a summary of the STaR Chart results:1. Hardware: Target Tech
2. Connectivity: Mid Tech
3. Content: Mid Tech
4. Professional Development: Mid Tech
5. Integration and Use: High Tech