Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I started the Ed Tech program while I was going on my third year of teaching
kindergarten on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in northern Montana. I knew I always
wanted to pursue a Masters Degree, but I wasnt sure which route to take. When I
found out about the Ed Tech program at Boise State, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
My love for technology started when I bought my iPad. I was instantly in love with it. I
started finding different apps for the content that I taught. After downloading the various
apps, I started to bring my iPad into my classroom everyday for my students to use. I
would try my best to pick out apps that would help my struggling students and challenge
the students who needed it. After some time, my school started to notice the love my
class had for my iPad. The next year my school purchased a classroom set of iPads for
teachers to check out. I was able to be a pilot teacher and use them during summer
school before I moved out of state. I loved using them, unfortunately I only was able to
use them for six weeks before I moved out of state. While I originally started the Ed
Tech program so that I could learn more about iPads, I have since discovered different
types of technology that I never knew existed. I really enjoy being able to learn about
technology and love when I get the chance to apply what I learn in the Ed Tech program
in my own classroom every day.
the alphabet for kindergarten students. I created a lesson plan that incorporated
different videos found on the internet to help my students gain a better understanding of
the letter and present my message in a more clear way. By incorporating videos it
allowed me to incorporate music, movement, and images that gave my students a
better grasp of our focus letter for the day. I was able to teach this lesson in my
classroom, during an evaluation with my Principal. My students were able to really
benefit from this lesson.
1.3 Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies are specifications for selecting and sequencing events and
activities within a lesson.
Artifacts
Ed Tech 502- Webquest
Ed Tech 542- Project-Based Learning
make sure they were presented in the correct order to help our project run smoothly. It
also helped to make sure the students were presented with the information that they
needed to study. This project helped me gain a better understanding of the ProjectBased Learning Model that requires students to connect in projects, and requires the
students to examine, investigate, and create projects based on real-world scenarios.
"Project Based Learning engages students, cut absenteeism, boost cooperative
learning skills, and improve academic performance (Intel, 2007, p.1). I can't wait to until
I can try out this project with my current kindergarten students. I love when I am able to
apply my educational technology knowledge in my everyday teaching field.
1.4 Learner Characteristics
Learner characteristics are those facets of the learners experiential background that
impact the effectiveness of a learning process.
Artifact
Ed Tech 503- iPad Instructional Design Project
The artifact that I have chosen to demonstrate my knowledge of using learner's
background knowledge to impact the learning process was the iPad Instructional Design
project that I created for Ed Tech 503: Instructional Design. This project required a
needs assessment. I had to survey the learners to understand their characteristics and
make necessary changes that would impact the effectiveness of the learning process.
My project was an introduction course for iPads that would teach kindergarten students
the basics of using an iPad. This included the care of the iPad, how to get from screen
to screen, how to get to the different apps, and how to use the apps. In order to gain a
better understanding of the technology background my students possessed, I had to
create a needs assessment. During this assessment I surveyed my students to see who
had iPads at home, if they had ever used an iPad before, or if they knew how to handle
and care for iPads. This information was used in helping to gage their background
knowledge and make essential changes to my project so that students would
completely understand how to care for and use iPads in their classroom.
knew that I would be moving out of state. I wanted the other teachers at my school to
still utilize such a great piece of technology. By demonstrating how to use this website it
would allow other educators to search for and set up their own virtual field trips based
on their classroom needs. These videoconferencing field trips allow students to gain
valuable background knowledge on topics, build their vocabulary, and it takes them to
places and events around the United States that they would have never been able to go
without the use of technology. During our videoconference virtual field trips, my students
were able to travel to places they had never been before. They learned background
knowledge that assisted in their reading and helped to build their vocabulary.
The second artifact that I have chosen that demonstrates proficiency in audiovisual
technologies was an educational clip/video that I created in Ed Tech 597: Intro to
Edutainment. The educational video was to help kindergarten students learn and
practice building short 3 letter words. This artifact was created using a website called
goaminate.com. This artifact helped me to gain a better understanding of the different
ways that I can present auditory and visual messages to my students. It helped me to
think outside of the box and incorporate my curriculum in a new and fun way that my
students could enjoy.
2.3 Computer-Based Technologies
Computer-based technologies are ways to produce or deliver materials using
microprocessor-based resources.
Artifacts
Ed Tech 502- Ed Tech Home Page
Ed Tech 502- Australia Virtual Field Trip
The artifact that I have selected that demonstrates my use of computer based
technologies to produce and deliver materials is my Ed Tech Home Page that I created
in Ed Tech 502: Internet for Educators. Before taking this class I had never used
Dreamweaver, and I did not know what CSS was. This was one of my first classes that I
took in the Ed Tech program. It was also one of the hardest, and most demanding
classes. Creating different websites every single week in what seemed at the time to be
a foreign language to me was extremely challenging. Looking back I really enjoyed the
class and all the experience and knowledge I was able to gain by using Dreamweaver. I
loved that I was able to create a variety of websites that I could use in my very own
classroom. I used the website as a reference for each of my Ed Tech websites that I
created during my Internet for Educators class. This website allowed me to organize,
present, and share my websites. I was able to share this site with other educators who
teach different grades because the websites I created were for different grade levels
and content areas. While the class was difficult at first, I was able to get better each
week at building each of the weekly website assignments as my knowledge of
Dreamweaver was expanded.
The second artifact that demonstrates my knowledge of computer based technology to
deliver materials is the Australia Virtual Field Trip that I created for Ed Tech 502: Internet
for Educators. I created this webpage using Dreamweaver, a web development
software. For my project I picked a location that I have always wanted to visit, Australia.
I used different forms of media, such as: videos, web pages, pictures, Google maps,
and songs to teach students about Australia. Virtual field trips build background
knowledge, increase vocabulary, and allow students to learn and visit places around the
world that they would not have been able to before. This assignment required me to
build several web pages and connect them together to give students an overall
experience of Australia.
2.4 Integrated Technologies
Integrated technologies are ways to produce and deliver materials which encompass
several forms or media under the control of a computer.
Artifact
Ed Tech 502- Mobile Learning Activity
The first artifact that I have selected to demonstrate the ability to deliver integrated
technologies using a computer is the Mobile Learning Activity that I produced in Ed Tech
502: Internet for Educators. The mobile website was created in Dreamweaver. I created
a website that kindergarten parents and students could access while taking our annual
train ride field trip. The site features Google maps, so parents and students could follow
along and learn about the different Montana towns that we would pass through on our
train ride. They could also watch a video about Amtrak trains and learn about the
different types of train cars they have. This artifact helped me to gain a better
understanding on creating mobile websites.
STANDARD 3 UTILIZATION: Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions to use processes and resources for learning by applying principles and
theories of media utilization, diffusion, implementation, and policy-making.
were able to create a 3-5 year plan on improving the technology of our school district. I
have since moved from that school district, but I think about their technology quite often
and wonder what improvements have been made. After completing my project and
moving to a new school district, it has taught me that technology will never be perfect.
However, one person can make a difference and have an impact on helping to improve
the technology at their school district.
The second artifact that I created that demonstrates a planned strategy for gaining
adoption was the blogging plan assignment I created for Ed Tech 537: Blogging in the
Classroom. This assignment was to help us create a plan of how we are going to
continue to blog when our semester had ended. In this course, we created a blog to use
in our own classroom. The blog that I created was a classroom blog for my kindergarten
classroom. This was a way for me to share information dates with parents, share our
learning activities, and practice our blogging as a class. The plan had specific topics
that I would continue to write and blog about every month that would carry me through
the first part of the school year. By having a plan in place prior to the semester ending it
would help us to continue to blog with our own classroom blog once the course
semester had ended.
3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization
Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated)
settings. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation
in the structure and culture of an organization.
Artifact
Ed Tech 542- Project-Based Learning-Community Helpers
The artifact that I have chosen to demonstrate my proficiency in implementation of
instructional innovation is the Community Helpers project that I created for Ed Tech 542:
Project-Based Learning. Before taking the Project-Based Learning class I had no prior
knowledge of Project-Based Learning. My eyes were opened up during the class. I
really enjoyed learning more about the process that goes into Project-Based Learning. It
is such a great way for students to take charge of their learning. It promotes higher level
thinking skills and really gets students excited and engaged about the topic they are
studying. I enjoyed collaborating with my peers on the topics that they were creating. It
helped to give me ideas on what other types of lessons and subjects that I could create.
While the process of planning and creating a meaningful and successful project was
tough and complicated, I could see the benefits outweighing the amount of time and
work it takes to put into the planning of a project. I have yet to attempt this lesson in my
very own classroom, but I was able to share this project with my former kindergarten
team in Montana. Since the Google site is available on the Internet I was easily able to
share this project with them and they were able to successfully carry out the project in
their classroom. After hearing about their success I am looking forward to attempting
this project in my classroom with the other kindergarten teacher in my building this
spring.
3.4 Policies and Regulation
Policies and regulations are the rules and actions of society (or its surrogates) that
affect the diffusion and use of Instructional Technology.
Artifacts
Ed Tech 502- Netiquette
Ed Tech 502- Scavenger Hunt
The first artifact that I have chosen to demonstrate my understanding of policies and
regulations of the different rules and actions that go with Instructional Technology is the
Netiquette website that I created in Dreamweaver for Ed Tech 502: Internet for
Educators. This website was created for elementary students to gain a better
understanding of what netiquette is and why it is so important. Students need to know
that when they post something to the Internet that it is there to stay. As a teacher who
integrates technology into the classroom, this is an imperative subject that students of
all ages need to be exposed to.
The second artifact that I have chosen to demonstrate an understanding of policies and
regulations is the Scavenger Hunt website that I created in Dreamweaver in Ed Tech
502: Internet for Educators. The website was created for students to go on a scavenger
hunt to learn about plagiarism on the Internet. The lesson had students learn about
plagiarism, how to avoid it, and the consequences that can happen if you do plagiarize.
This is an important topic for students of all ages to learn about when completing
various school assignments and projects.
STANDARD 4 MANAGEMENT: Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions to plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise instructional technology by
applying principles of project, resource, delivery system, and information management.
The topic that I researched was instructional design and educational technology.
Instruction design is a systematic process in which every component (i.e. teachers,
students, materials, and learning environment) is crucial to successfully learning"
(man, 2011). During my research I was able to acquire valuable information to expand
my knowledge about instructional design and educational technology; as well as the
importance of it. According to Gillespie, microcomputer technology would soon allow
more time for addressing students special concerns, diagnosing learning problems,
developing appropriate learning strategies, and monitoring the effects of instruction.
Students would benefit by becoming more actively involved in the learning process,
receiving immediate feedback about their performance, and being able to proceed at
their own pace (Gillespie, 1998).
I was also able to relate instruction design to my current teaching. When instructional
design is combined with suitable vocabulary activities, learners can improve their
vocabulary knowledge. Vocabulary is so important for kindergarten students. It will help
them in the future with their comprehension with reading, and it helps them with their
oral communication. "Not having access to the meaning of words representative of the
concepts and content of what they read causes difficulty in children's comprehension of
texts, limits their ability to make a connection with their existing background knowledge,
inhibits their capacity to make coherent inferences, and impacts their ability to reason
(Nichols, 2004). It was a great way to make a connection with something I currently
teach (vocabulary) and instructional design.
STANDARD 5 EVULATION: Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions to evaluate the adequacy of instruction and learning by applying principles
of problem analysis, criterion-referenced measurement, formative and summative
evaluation, and long-range planning.
5.1 Problem Analysis
Problem analysis involves determining the nature and parameters of the problem by
using information-gathering and decision-making strategies.
Artifact
Ed Tech 501- School Technology Evaluation Project
The artifact that demonstrates my competency in problem analysis is the School
Technology Evaluation Project that I completed in Ed Tech 501: Intro to Educational
Technology. When I completed this evaluation I had to use a rubric to determine and
rate the different areas of technology at my school district. I had to gather data about
the school district and establish their strengths and determine their weaknesses. This
information was shared with the technology committee and technology department. This
information was used in helping to assist with creating our school districts long term
technology plan. Some of the problems that were identified were lack of teacher training
and inadequate or not up to date technology. The solutions we came up with were
providing more support and training to teachers so that technology could be utilized
more in the classroom. Also, purchasing new computers so that the technology was up
to date as well.
5.2 Criterion-Referenced Measurement
Criterion-referenced measurement involves techniques for determining learner mastery
of pre-specified content.
Artifact
Ed Tech 542- Project-Based Learning Rubric
The artifact that demonstrates my knowledge of criterion-referenced measurements to
determine if a learner has mastery of certain content is the rubrics I created for Ed Tech
541: Project Based Learning. The rubrics I created were to determine if the students
had met all the requirements of giving their Community Helper presentation. This rubrics
also helped students and parents to know what the student would be evaluated on.
5.3 Formative and Summative Evaluation
Formative evaluation involves gathering information on adequacy and using this
information as a basis for further development. Summative evaluation involves
gathering information on adequacy and using this information to make decisions about
utilization.
Artifact
Ed Tech 505- Evaluation Project
The artifact that demonstrates my knowledge of formative and summative evaluation is
the Evaluation Project that I completed in Ed Tech 505- Evaluation for Educational
Technologists. The project was to provide a detailed evaluation of the use of iPads in
the Pre-Kindergarten classroom during the summer school months. The evaluation
process for this project consisted of collecting different data to determine if the
objectives of the iPad program were met during the six week course. Data was collected
prior to beginning of the six week iPad program, and again at the close of the program.
Teacher surveys were also sent out to help verify if the teachers thought iPads were a
successful tool in helping to teach Pre-Kindergarten students their letter names, letter
sounds, numbers and beginning sounds. This information was used by the district to
decide if iPads were successful in the classroom. The information that was conducted
from the summative evaluation helped to see if the program was a benefit to the school
district or not.
5.4 Long-Range Planning
Long-range planning that focuses on the organization as a whole is strategic planning
Long-range is usually defines as a future period of about three to five years or longer.
During strategic planning, managers are trying to decide in the present what must be
done to ensure organizational success in the future.
Artifact
Ed Tech 501- Technology Use Plan
The artifact that I picked to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of longrange planning of an organization is the Technology Use Plan that I created for Ed Tech
501: Intro to Educational Technology. The goal of a technology plan is to create an
organizational plan for the use of technology in schools. Technology plans need to be
flexible with the ever changing world. They need to have a goal in mind, which is to
enhance student learning, as well as prepare students to live in the 21 st century. There
is not a one size plan that will work for every school. Each school needs their own
technology plan based on their schools current needs. The Technology Use Plan was
an assignment that made me really look at the technology at my school district. It made
me realize that if change was going to happen over time that everyone needed to be
involved. Teachers, Principals, Stake Holders, the Superintendent, as well as others all
needed to get involved in order for change to work and be successful.
CONCLUSION:
After looking back on my career in the Ed Tech department I realize how much I have
grown and the knowledge that I have gained from each and every course that I took
each semester. Each course proved to be beneficial to me in my teaching career in its
own way. Some courses provided me with the education and understanding of
educational technology, it also taught me the importance of using technology in the
classroom. While other courses taught me how to create and apply different types of
technology into my classroom to better meet the needs of my students and my class. In
the beginning I started this program with a few goals in mind, but surpassed those goals
with a much larger knowledge base of educational technology than I ever thought
possible.
RESOURCES:
Gillespie, F. (1998). Instructional design for the new technologies. New Directions for
Teaching and Learning. 76, pp. 39-52.
man, A. (2011). Instructional design in education: New model. Turkish Online Journal
of Educational Technology, 10(1), 136-142.
Nichols, W. D., & Rupley, W. H. (2004). Matching instructional design with vocabulary
instruction. Reading Horizons, 45(1), 55-71. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/236473904?accountid=9649