It is very overwhelming to read through the ISTE Standards for Teaching, but on the other hand, I found it somewhat comforting. I feel like this type of document gives me a bit of a focus or starting ground. So often with new initiatives, we as teachers re-create the wheel, and I know the same can be said for technology in my building. I am actually going to share this with some of the other tech-minded teachers I am collaborating with!
Here is a snapshot of the main principles:
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
As for my focus…hmmmm….where to start. I know that my weakness lies in #4 – Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. This is really not even an area that I have thought about, let alone worked on. I do think it is important, it just doesn’t seem to be the meat and potatoes that I need right now to get my students up and running.
I think (hope) that my strengths and focus are on #1 and #2. I feel pretty confident that I have allowed and encouraged the parts of number one. I like nothing better than when my students teach me how to use a program. I think having them be the experts in the classroom works well for some of the technology I have worked with. One of my kids taught me how to use screencasting, because he and his cousin are online gamers and like to share info about some of their favourite games and the cousin lives in Saskatchewan. I then had him teach the class and we did a peer editing activity that worked very well in English 9. (Not to mention, how neat it was to see him shine in a group of hockey jocks and cowgirls, where the gamer doesn’t always fit in…)
As for my focus within this course, I think it will be on #2 d – creating assessment that fits what I am trying to accomplish with technology. I feel that I don’t always hit the mark on that one!