I. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.  Teachers:
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.

It is important for educators to be skilled in the use of technology for learning.  I have a good understanding of concepts related to technology.  I am able to use the knowledge and skills  I have learned to integrate technology in my classroom.  I continue to stay current of emergent technology.  West Bloomfield Schools provides many resources for teachers, by offering classes through the media and technology consultants in the district.  I take advantage of the classes they provide.  The University of Michigan - Dearborn offers technology classes through the Mitten Project.  An additional, valuable resource in using technology in the classroom is networking with other teachers within my school  building.  One of Roosevelt's technology coaches is Cindy Morden.  Cindy is very knowledgeable and proficient in integrating technology in the classroom.  She is also participating in the Mitten Project and has been a valuable resource.  It is crucial to the success of any technology program that teachers receive technical assistance for maintaining and using the technology resources.

II. PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.  Teachers:
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.

The West Bloomfield Schools is a leader in promoting a vision in which all students will become proficient in the use of technology.  The district provides teachers with a learning environment that promotes using technology in the classroom.  In addition to the technology materials, teachers have the availability of resources to enhance the learning process.  Our media center has a wealth of information.  There are a variety of programs, reading materials and activity ideas.  Also, the media center has technology coaches that teachers can go to when they have a particular question.  Policies and standards of any school district needs to support these learning environments in order for teachers to effectively use the resources in the classroom. 

III. TEACHING, LEARNING, AND THE CURRICULUM

Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.  Teachers:
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.

My students use a program called Compass Learning.  This educational software helps students review and practice basic skills.  The Compass Learning program permits teachers to design individual units for each student.  Teachers can choose activities currently being taught or choose concepts already mastered for review.  Teachers have the ability to differentiate instruction for every student in the classroom.  This program has the capacity for students to access their lessons from home via the Intenet.  West Bloomfield Schools provides continual training for staff in how to apply this technology as an instructional tool in their classroom.

IV. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.  Teachers:
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.

Technology can be used as one method of assessing student learning.  This can be done in a variety of ways.   On the Compass Learning program, teachers can print out a report of how a particular student is progressing.  Teachers can then make changes to that individual student's lessons as needed.  Teachers can change the level of difficulty or the duration of the lessons.  Other software programs can be used as an assessment tool.  For the simple machines project, I assessed students using Kid Pix.  I was able to determine whether or not the students could accurately draw a picture of a simple machine, describe how it is useful and describe how it makes work easier.  I was able to assess if the student could demonstrate the skills they had mastered about the concepts of simple machines.

V. PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.  Teachers:
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.

Our school system uses technology to communicate with staff, peers, parents and the community.  We use email, instead of paper, to transfer a great deal of information.  Teachers email parents to report information about upcoming assignments and projects.  Teachers use the Internet to look up information on subject matter.  They are able to get more information on particular subjects they may be teaching.  Also, on the Internet, teachers  find lesson plans and projects from teachers throughout the world that have shared their ideas on webpages.

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 those principles in practice.  Teachers:
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.

Teachers always need to be aware of teaching and promoting a safe way for students to use technology.  They need to stay current in issues related to technology.  The learning environment changes quickly in an increasingly complex society.  Teachers need to continually use resources that provide expertise and support.