Digital Badge L

Because chapter 12 focuses on integrating technology and creating change in the classroom, I feel it is important to stay informed of the latest technology tools.  On page 300 of the textbook, there are a number of good resources that could help.  I found that ICT Magic has a lot of useful web tool suggestions that could be used in the classroom.  But it takes more than just having a list of tools to refer to, according to Maloy on page 298, teachers need to have the correct mindset to ask how computers, the internet and any other technology tools can help students meet their learning goals. 

I believe that integrating technology in the classroom may be easier to implement for a beginning teacher.  This is because they have not yet delivered any lessons, so it would be easier to plan lessons around different technology tools.  Although, on page 303 of the textbook, to integrate technology smoothly, teachers need administrative support and professional development training and the necessary resources.  The use of technology is intended to enhance learning, therefore, as stated on page 304 when technology it used as a reward or punishment it no longer is a valuable tool in the classroom.  I believe is better for students to be taught to have intrinsic motivation to complete their assignments or have good behavior because this is more fulfilling and provides a sense of self-satisfaction.  

Even if I stay informed with the latest technology tools and am prepared to use them in my lesson plans; if I do not have access to them then I will have to make the best with what I am given.  It will be important for me to be creative so that the students will benefit from what is available to them in the classroom.  While doing observations, most of the elementary classrooms I visited only had 4 or 5 computers.  The idea of centers helps the teacher so that she has more time to spend with the students and can address the different learning styles plus the students get equal time on the computers which can enhance whatever lesson was taught for that day. 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Badge K

I like the idea of receiving information alerts and RSS feeds as described on page 135 in the textbook.  After reading how busy first year teachers are in the beginning of this chapter, these tools will be very helpful.  I just created two alerts in Google to see how it works.  The first alerts I chose was 21^st century technologies for the classroom and the second alert I created was tips to help teachers stay organized.  I know I have a lot of work ahead of me before becoming a teacher so I want to start now learning all I can to help me be prepared for my first classroom.  I am sure as I go along I may think of other alerts to create or change, but I feel this is a good place to start. 

I also like the idea of using www.portaportal.com to manage websites for students to use in the classroom.  This way you are sure students will be more apt to read and learn from the content you decide is appropriate and relevant to the subject being taught.  I have already created a portaportal account of my own and set up a few categories so I can start adding relevant links as I find them.  This website could also be used to organize web resources that are tied to Florida standards as discussed on page 138.  The only thing I don’t like are the ads that are constantly displayed, but those can be deleted if you are willing to upgrade to a paid account.  While researching online I found a good example of a 4^th grade teacher that is using portaportal.com for her students. I like how the content is organized which makes it easy for students to quickly find just what they are looking for. 

I am beginning to see more and more how technology certainly does enhance education.  There are so many possibilities that teachers can use to create a great learning environment.  For example, a virtual field trip is an excellent way for students to see a new place and learn about that location without leaving the classroom.  On page 141, there is quite a list of online trips that are available to visit and plenty of opportunities to go exploring and learn about other parts of the world.  

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Badge J

On page 277, “The Role of Assessment in Teaching and Learning”, the author discusses the importance of new teacher assessment.  I know it will be important for me to have a support system, have an open mind for constructive criticism and be willing to learn from experienced teachers who understand what it takes to be an effective teacher.  I found this YouTube video of a 6^th grade math teacher, teaching a lesson, and this YouTube video is the actual assessment and feedback after the lesson was completed.  I really enjoyed watching this teacher, she had some really good ideas that seemed to work well with the students.  This was very helpful and I now have a better understanding of what an actual assessment may entail.

Another topic of importance is Student self-assessment. On page 278, the author discusses that teachers should be continuously evaluating themselves and make improvements based on student’s needs to be a successful teacher.  This type of evaluation can be something students can do as well, to do to make learning more meaningful.  According to assessmenttolearning.edu, students who are encouraged to evaluate their learning have an increased motivation for learning, experience greater self-esteem, and they also have a better understanding of how they learn versus what they learn.  This is a useful tool for teachers because the feedback from the students gives an understanding to the teacher on how each student is performing and what she needs to do to help the learning process continue.   This link provides a list of useful tips and ideas for student self-assessment that could be used in the classroom. 

This chapter was very interesting.  I learned there are numerous things that teachers can do to increase their effectiveness as a quality teacher that students can also do to improve the learning process.  I guess a good teacher is someone who never stops learning and is willing to make changes to help their students grow and enjoy learning.  For example, the use of digital portfolios is something that is beneficial to both the students as well as the teacher.    On page 276, the author states that “building digital portfolios affected Tracy (who is the student teacher) and the students’ growth as learners.”  This is because both the students and teachers go through a process of self-reflection as they decide what should be included in their portfolio and this process involves evaluating what they have learned.  Also, by creating a digital portfolio it is incorporating what was previously learned using technology which offers reinforcement of what was previously learned.  For teachers, digital portfolios is an excellent way to show growth and that you are willing to learn from past experiences. 

My digital tool for this assignment was completed using infuselearning.com.  

Education Services Austrailia. (n.d.). Assessment for Learning.  Retrieved from http://www.assessmentforlearning.edu.au/professional_learning/modules/student_self-assessment/student_research_background.html

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.