Standard I:  Technology Operations and Concepts

Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. 
Teachers will: 
A. Demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills and understanding of
    concepts related to technology. 
B.  Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to
     stay abreast of current and emerging technologies. 

We demonstrated continued growth by exploring various educational software programs prior to each lesson to engage student's learning.  We described various software and parts of the computer to the students using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology, for example, how to use a mouse, what the icons mean and how to use the keyboard.  Please refer to the lesson plans on our Exhibit page.

Standard II:  Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences 
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. 
Teachers will: 
A.  Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners. 
B.  Apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences. 
C.  Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
D.  Plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
E.  Plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology enhanced environment. 

All of the lessons were chosen using the first grade science curriculum.  Modeling was done prior to each lesson and final products were created in the computer lab.  Please refer to the lesson plans on our Exhibit page.

Digital Camera - Photographing birds, fish and mammals at the zoo.
Kidspiration - Webbing a favorite bird, fish or mammal.
KidPix - Illustration of animal that student's webbed in previous lesson.
Kidspiration - Stamping and categorizing birds, fish and mammals.
Microsoft Word - Typing of multiple animals stories.
Power Point - Created techno book slide show of "First Graders, First  Graders What Do You See?"

Standard III:  Teaching Learning and the Curriculum
Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. 
Teachers will:
A.  Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards. 
B.  Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students. 
C.  Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity. 
D.  Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment. 

We planned for volunteers to support the individual needs of students.  Support for individual instruction was provided as needed.  Please refer to the lesson plans on our Exhibit page.

Standard IV:  Assessment and Evaluation
Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. 
Teachers will: 
A.  Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques. 
B.  Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning. 
C.  Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.

We used Kidspiration to create an assessment of student's comprehension and understanding of birds, fish and mammals.  We continually observed each student while working on the computer.  Please refer to Lesson 5 on our Exhibits page.

Standard V:  Productivity and Professional Practice
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. 
Teachers will: 
A.  Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning. 
B.  Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning. 
C.  Apply technology to increase productivity. 
D.  Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning. 

We use technology to communicate with our parents and community through the Westwood district web page and the city's cable channel.  We have been continually evaluating and reflecting our technology practices through journals and NLC meetings.  We hope to continue to do this after the project has ended.

Standard VI:  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 that understanding in practice. 
Teachers will: 
A.  Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use. 
B.  Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities. 
C.  Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity. 
D.  Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources. 
E.  Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students. 

We sent home a district wide Internet and photograph policy asking parents for permission to allow their children to participate in various technology lessons.  We sent home another permission slip informing parents that their child would be participating in the MITTEN project.  We also asked that parents give permission for their child's name, picture and completed work to be displayed on the web page.
The use of technology considerably helped our at-risk population.  Diverse ideas were represented at all levels through individual student work.