Teaching with Technology TL Standard 12

Standard 12: Evaluate and use technology for teaching and learning
EDTC6433 Teaching with Technology

Using technology for teaching and learning can vary from classroom to classroom. In the EDTC6433 Teaching with Technology course, we explored a variety of ways to use technology to enhance students learning. And even more so, use technology to enhance teacher instruction.  In this course, we used the ISTE standards to help guide our learning of teaching students how to empower themselves. “The ISTE standards are the road map to helping students become empowered learners” (ISTE.org). These standards are the following:

1)      Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

2)      Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment

3)      Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

4)      Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

5)      Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

I think it is important to be cognizant of what technology is useful to reach a particular standard. Modern day students and classroom environments dictates the individual needs of each classroom. There is equity when looking for technology after evaluating technological needs. It starts with listening to the needs of the students. In doing this, teachers empower students with the right technology. Ultimately, we want students to constantly self-evaluate their learning so they make effective choices for their academic advancement. Costa, A. (2008) states, “People with this Habit of Mind are always striving for improvement, always growing, always learning, always modifying and improving themselves.” I believe these habits are essential working into today’s educational communities.

 Learning and Application

There is an inspiring quote that I use in my 4th grade classroom from Disney’s Meet the Robinsons. The quote is taken from Walt Disney himself. “Around here, we don’t look backward very long…we keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” This resonates with me as I try to integrate technology into my classroom.  

Technology with Students

In a show of hands, I was astonished to know that many of my students were already carrying smart phones. These are 4^th graders. In a way, I wasn’t surprised. It just validated the fact that students are having an easier time gaining access to the web and will be certain to reach social media.

“Research by Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit working with parents and educators to improve kids’ lives in a world of media and technology, found that “our nation’s children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development.” (Chen, E. and Orth, D)  I believe, now more than ever, we need research based strategies that promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

I found that CommonSensemedia.com provides such a curriculum that addresses those needs of today’s society. What I like mostly about this platform is that there is plethora of materials and concepts to teach. I am excited to know there is a curriculum out there to assist in teaching kids to be digital citizens.

Technology with Colleagues

Sometimes with working with seasoned colleagues is they are going to do things their own way or they are up for new things. PLC’s are somewhat challenging as it is as they are always pressed for time. My team PLC sometimes never have enough time to reflect and discuss lessons we are taught or will be teaching. I feel now that now more than ever to possibly use technology to use effectively use our time. With technology, we can review results and do check-ins where we are and spend more time discussing teaching.

PLCs can be a wonderful thing when not limited to just discussing one subject at a time. I feel like as soon as we get into a great discussion, it is cut short. Having a system in place like a shared document could possibly assist in analyzing data prior to our meeting so we can discuss what worked and what didn’t work.

Additionally, it would be nice to be able to share information with multiple schools that teach the same content area. Learning circles would be a fantastic exchange of information usin technology. Zapeda, S. J. (2012) writes, “A type of learning circle has evolved with the use of the Internet for online exchanges and discussion” (p. 242). This information would seem to be more valuable in that we can see what schools are doing that are making them successful. Though, it can also show schools that are not. I have already seen this in place. I can only see my practice with learning circles grow from here.

References

Brozek, E. and Duckworth, D. Supporting English Language Learning Through technology Retrieved from https://www.nysut.org/~/media/Files/NYSUT/Resources/2011/March/Educators%20Voice%204%20Technology/edvoiceIV_ch2.pdf

Chen, E. and Orth, D (2013), The Strategy for Digital Citizenship. Retrieved from https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/summer-2013/the-strategy-for-digital-citizenship.

Costa, A. L., & Kallick, B. (2008). Learning and leading with habits of mind: 16 essential characteristics for success. Alexandria, Va: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2018). ISTE Standards for Educators. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators.

Zepeda, S. J. (2012). Professional development: What works. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.