Introduction
Overview
Narratives 
Exhibits
Reflection
 
Chris Stirling
    Standard 1: Technology Operations and Concepts
    Teachers Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. Teachers:
    • Demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology 
    • Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
    I have had a few technology classes but I take the initiative to self teach myself with most programs I use. I have an interest in technology to increase what I don't know and improve upon what I can. Participating in MiTTEN is an example of my personal effort for continual growth in technology. I have demonstrated different skills and procedures of using the computer, different software and tools within programs to accomplish different tasks. With 1st graders, it ranged from the simplest of how to turn on/off a computer to more complex problems of putting animation into their PowerPoint Presentations.

    Standard 2: Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences

    Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers:
    • Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
    • Apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
    • Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
    • Plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology enhanced environment.
    The lessons that were planned fit the varied developmental levels of all the children in the classroom. Support for the children and the amount of instruction during the lessons could be adjusted to fit the individual needs of each learner. We either went to the computer lab were every child had their own computer, or we used the in-class computers and used them as centers throughout the day. We used the computers in the class more often because that made for easier classroom management for those that finished quickly or for those that needed more time. I sat with the children to observe and assist when needed.

    Standard 3: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum

    Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:
    • Facilitate technology enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
    • Use technology to support learner centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
    • Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
    • Manage student learning activities in a technology enhanced environment.
    Technology was used throughout this project to enhance student learning. Each lesson that I developed addresses state standards. Bringing technology into the classroom gave me another tool in which to address such standards. The children had many opportunities to interact with technology. They used Microsoft Word, Paint, PowerPoint, the Internet, scanners, and digital cameras. Every child had the opportunity to create several pages of a slide show using their own ideas and creativity, and facts they learned from the lessons. I observed that the integration of technology into the classroom makes for an engaging learning experience.

    Standard 4: Assessment and Evaluation

    Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers:
    • Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
    • Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
    • Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriaate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
    The assessment of the children's abilities went along with every lesson and during all the steps of making the slide show. For the most part assessment was done by observations, but also by checking the children's work on the worksheet and Paint pictures.

    Standard 5: Productivity an Professional Practice

    Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers:
    • Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
    • Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.
    • Apply technology to increase productivity.
    • Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, an the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
    After the children presented their slide shows to the other students in the class and 5 other classes, we took it step further to communicate it with parents, school board, newspaper and the local cable company in our area. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to present material and the Internet is a great tool to do so. The Internet has created countless opportunities as a way for educators to share resources, lesson plans, and ideas world-wide.

    Standard 6: Social, Ethical, Legal and Human Issue
    Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use od technology in PK-12 schools and apply that understanding in practice. Teachers:

    • Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
    • Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
    • Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.
    • Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
    • Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.
    The most important part of using pictures of the children and their work and displaying it on the internet is to have written permission by the parents. Keeler Elementary has done their homework in advance, when the children start school in September this is a form all parents must fill out, either to grant or deny permission for their children. To go along with this, it is just as important to verbalize this with the students. There was a girl in my class and although she loved creating and presenting her slide show to our class, she refused to do so when we talked about putting it on the Internet and possibly television.
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Questions or Comments: stirlik@prodigy.net