Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity:
In my teaching I have pursued other means for students to demonstrate their learning and motivate reluctant, disengaged students. Through the use of technologies such as smart boards, computers, digital cameras, flip video camera, classroom website and free applications on the internet, such as photostory 3, glogster, edublogs and web sites I have enabled students to interact in their learning process and motivated them to show what they have learned. I have had success using these tools to enable students to create artefacts that excite them and their parents. Click the link below to view an example of Grade 3 student work.
Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments:
I have made use of technology to enable students to move beyond traditional paper/pencil experiences to complete projects that are outcome based. These projects have enabled all students to demonstrate their learning through presentations of their artefacts. Students who were reluctant to engage in paper/pencil tasks have been given their chance to shine through the use of technology. Students have demonstrated learning using Glogster in Social Studies, Health, Language Arts and Math, and using a video camera and smart board for demonstrating problem solving strategies and explaining mathematical thinking. Students who in the past have been reluctant to volunteer to “show what they know” have been eager to step up and demonstrate their learning.
Model digital-age work and learning;
I model digital age work through the use of technologies in the classroom and with parents.
Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility:
This is a difficult topic for primary children. I teach students internet safety as well as the etiquette for using the net.
Engage in professional growth and leadership:
In the past 2 years I have led professional development within the school on the use of smart boards in the classroom and in creating smart board files tailored to teach specific outcomes. I have also inserviced staff/students on how to use such applications as edublogs, glogster and photostory. The goal for next year is for all classrooms K-6 to have a classroom website and I am actively engaged with administration planning inservices for September. In the area of professional growth the MET program has enabled me to participate in a community of practice dedicated to technology and its use in teaching and learning. Through this opportunity I hope to become proficient with new learning technologies available to aid in delivery of programs across the curriculum in order to improve student success. Also through yearly professional growth plans I am able to incorporate opportunities to access professional development in my areas of interest and need.
Step 2
My goals for this course;
1) To become familiar with new technologies and tie these technologies to educational theory to enable me to integrate technology based on sound pedagogical theory.
2) To begin to develop a framework to help me select appropriate technology for integration in a primary classroom.
2) To develop a better understanding of digital storytelling, collaborative tools, the use of moodle and their application in the classroom.