ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)

And Performance Indicators for Teachers
ISTE Website:  www.iste.org

1. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS.
   Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. Teachers:
   1. demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students)
   2. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
      
         I have demonstrated the ability to use the technology that is available to us at the elementary school, including digital cameras, scanners, PC, both IMac and Emachines, and a variety of computer programs and internet.   My  growth in technology is reflected in my ability to use non pc computers.  This was my first experience with Macintosh computers, and while it has been a difficult process, I feel that I have shown a great deal of personal growth. 
   
2. PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES.
   Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers:
   1. design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies    to support the diverse needs of learners.
   2. apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
   3. identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
   4. plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
   5. plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.                           We designed developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that allowed the students to work with an older student at their own pace in a comfortable learning environment.  Allowing students to work together with older students that are more familiar with technology enabled the students to recieve immediate one-on-one feedback.  This is supported by research that states that pairing younger students with older ones benefits both the children.  For example, the older student feels empowered and important, while the younger student is able to learn in an environment that allows for personal interaction paced at their own comfort level.  Our plan for using technology allowed us to easily walk around the computer lab and monitor what was going on.  There were three teachers in the lab at all times facilitating conversation, and answering technical questions for the students.                                                                                                                                           
      
3. TEACHING, LEARNING, AND THE CURRICULUM.
   Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:
   1. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
   2. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
   3. apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
   4. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.                                                                                                                          
            Each of our lesson plans reflect the technology standards listed in NETS as well as Michigan Benchmarks and Starndards.  Each student was able to choose their own research topic, this allowed the students to stay within their own comfort level.  The students were also allowed to work at his or her own pace.  The students were not rushed on the computers, teachers took students to the classroom computer for one on one help as needed.  Our management was made possible through the use of fifth grade buddies and having three teachers in the room at all times during computer lab time. 
      
4. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION.
   Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers:
   1. apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
   2. use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
   3. apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning,communication,and productivity.                                                                                                                             
            We were able to assess the students by requiring them to call a teacher to check their work before saving or printing.  We also used the students' ID numbers to save their information and work.  This allowed teachers to access their work quickly and assess their progress and understanding. 
      
5. PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.
   Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers:
   1. use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
   2. continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.
   3. apply technology to increase productivity.
   4. use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
                  We were able to use the internet to research specific topics that we needed quick answers to in the classroom.  I kept a journal that allowed me to think about what I was teaching and how I could adjust lessons to meet the students' needs.  Using email, we were able to quickly access student work by emailing it to ourselves from school to home.  During the semester I used the Appleworks program to create parent notes and newsletters.   The cooperating teacher and myself  used email each night to talk about the next day's lessons and to help each other complete our portfolios. 
   
6. SOCIAL, ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES.
   Teachers understand the social,ethical,legal,and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice. Teachers:
   1. model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
   2. apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
   3. identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity
   4. promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
   5. facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.