Kathy M. Filipiak
Introduction Overview  Narratives  Exhibits Reflection
  Standard 2   Standard 3            Standard 4     Standard 5     Standard 6  


  Standard I:  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 successfully completed the EDT210 course that is required of all education students.  The technical knowledge and computer savvy I gained while completing the course has increased my confidence as well as my ability.  I was honored to take part in the kick-off semester of the MITTEN project. Participating has allowed me to increase my understanding as well as my ability to "think outside the box" and to use technology in new and exciting ways.
Standard II:  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.
Our lessons addressed not only technology, but individual levels of development and a variety of learning styles as well. Exhibit #1 provides  a wonderful example of providing for a variety of reading levels.  Local  libraries provided a great resource of  CD-ROMs that allowed the children  to learn through interactive activities which enhanced their prehistoric knowledge. These same CD-ROMs provided us with a wealth of information text- available at the click of a button.
Standard III:  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.
       State and/or national standards  are met with each of the lessons that were implemented.  Technology was used in multiple ways, complimenting a variety of learning styles. A Power Point Presentation was created using the children's  ideas discussed during a brainstorming session. This lesson is an  example  of providing a more concrete, visual form of learning and exploring the abstract  theories concerning dinosaur extinction.
Standard IV:  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 appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication and productivity.
  I created a Developmental Checklist   for each of the children in my classroom  as part of my  course requirement.  I used Microsoft Exel to complete  the task.  Observations of the children are conducted by many students  and staff that are in daily contact with the children.  For that reason,  I printed a copy of the checklist for each child and placed the labeled lists  into a binder for easy accessibility.
Standard V:  Productivity and 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, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.

                 Documentation  of children's  learning is an important part of the Reggio Emilia approach.  The digital camera and the video recorder proved  to be  indispensable tools  - allowing me to focus on each moment of teaching while capturing all of the learning that   took place.  Reviewing video footage and thumbing through pictures allowed  me to reflect on the lessons taught and to plan future lessons based on the  information I observed.   I also created Documentation Panels using pictures that were either downloaded  from the digital camera or captured from video clips. These panels served to both document the learning that took place during  our semester long project  as well as to communicate that knowledge  with interested parents and visitors.
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:
  • 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.
       As a mother of three young  children, I have an extensive personal collection of educational software at a variety of developmental levels. Exploring this software with my boys has also given me an opportunity to make informed judgments on individual  CD-ROMs with regards to developmental appropriateness and  sensitivity  to social issues such as race and gender bias.  This insight has allowed  me to make knowledgeable decisions when choosing software to meets the needs of the individuals that make up my classroom.

      The scanner is an invaluable tool that helps promote self-esteem   while affirming  individual worth.  This piece of equipment allows   us to duplicate work  of the children while preserving its original  form. We can make copies for  assessment purposes, or to display alongside other works. The resizing and text features also allow us to manipulate children's work by adding their thoughts and feelings while still  maintaining the original integrity of the piece.





 

Questions or Comments: kmfilipiak@umd.umich.edu