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ITD 645 has helped me broaden my toolbox to reach my students and engage them in a variety of ways.
Weebly- This is a great tool for teachers and students to use. I see myself using this as a tool for my students to explore not only the simplicity of design but also how to properly communicate using a blog or website. The platform is easy to navigate and provides links for students to share to with family members and friends to view their work. Google Docs- This is a tool I use often in my classroom. Students learn to collaborate using a majority of the Google Suite. We always begin with Google Docs. They learn to work together in groups to create a research timeline. They learn how to search within Google Docs and reference their findings. They learn to work together and communicate the set up. This also helps students that cannot be in class that day to stay up with the project when they have internet access. Google Docs is a word processing platform that has changed the way my classroom assignments are completed and submitted. Google Slides- This is a tool that allows students and teachers the freedom to create a presentation that can be interactive. My students use this as individual or group work platform for creating a presentation. One assignment that my students have created in the past using Google Slides is an Alphabet Click Book for the elementary students. Google Forms to create a Survey- This is a tool that can receive input from students, classmates, teachers, etc. to be used in a variety of ways. Students/teachers can collect data from this survey to create a project/presentation/research project. The possibilities are endless. I have used Google Forms in the past to create a hall pass. I take the link and create a QR Code. My students have to scan the QR code before exiting my classroom to tell me where they are going. Google forms time stamps them leaving as well as when they return. They have to input their email address and where they are headed. The survey aspect I will have to play around with more, but I see where it can be beneficial to my students. Podcast – This is a tool I was interested in learning more about. I hear people all the time asking do I have any top podcasts that I recommend. It was a platform very new to me, but I was excited to learn more. For visual learners, I am not sure how well this would draw their attention, but it made me more aware of how plainly I speak and how well I translate my information through my words. This would be a great project for students. We are often so easy to shorten our instruction or expectations to one another; I believe allowing them to hear themselves speak with a purpose would increase their ability to communicate effectively. Digital Video- I have used iMovie in the past for a variety of projects. My favorite project for my students to use for iMovie is a display of their graphic design projects with a collection of all their works posted with a song playing or even them speaking quotes that inspired some of their works throughout the semester. I love the possibilities with iMovie. This platform allows you to bring pictures, videos, and voice (recordings or music) and merge them together to make a video that can be uploaded to a variety of multimedia platforms. Edpuzzle – This program has been used a lot in our district. I received training on EdPuzzle months ago but honestly never took time to dive into it the way this course allowed. I am excited to bring it into the classroom this year. Being able to test students learning throughout them watching a lesson or video is great formative assessment. This is such a great tool for students and teachers. Quizzizz – This tool is so great for my students considering we are 1:1. Students can log on to take a quiz that focuses on material learned in class. This platform is totally free and easy to set up for students. You can make quizzizz a challenge style for students or individual use. Rubric- This is a great tool that allows you to create a class rubric. This tool was easy to use and allowed the user to edit the rubric easily. This is another tool that I intend to share with my fellow teachers. ThingLink- Is a tool that allows teachers and or students to create image interaction technology. Teachers and students can easily create interactive infographics, maps, drawings, and engaging 360 documentaries in a classroom setting, at home, or on field trips. I had a hard time using this tool for the topic that I incorporated into my lesson but I feel that this tool could be incorporated into my class. I think I could allow my students to create an info graphic on a specific topic and utilize this tool to create it. Scoopit- This platform allows me the teacher to post topic-related site links, articles, or other resources to with my students. This platform is set up similar to a social media page and is easy to use. This application does need to be monitored closely because not all of the sites that Scoop-it pulls from is regulated. Padlet- This platform allows students to post responses in a live digital bulletin board as well as allows them to build live digital maps or organizers. This tool is valuable in having students see their classmates’ responses and thoughts without feeling judged for responding. The responses may or may not have their names posted. This would open students up to speak freely without feeling their answer isn’t good enough. Illustrate your strong and weak points My personal strength is that I incorporate a lot of technology into my classroom, but I do not feel I add enough variety. This class has introduced me or deepened my knowledge on tools to bring into my classroom. I will meet my weakness of variety with showing students how there are more tools and ways to reach a goal or instruction. Integrating technology applications into your classroom? I already incorporate technology applications into my classroom as far as providing multiple ways to use word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. I feel it is time to teach my students more ways to incorporate technology applications into their learning as well. By utilizing these platforms, I have learned in this class as well as exploring others, I feel I can increase the engagement of my students and share new ways for other teachers in my school to add to their technology integration as well. What are your future learning goals? I plan to broaden my knowledge of the online platforms that students can use to add to projects and integrate these into my classroom. Providing my students with the most valuable learning experience and knowledge to help them perform in this high tech world effectively and purposely.
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Chapter 9: Q3
Weebly in itself is a new adventure for me. Every week I learn something new about working on my blog. This week my new adventure was working on building a website within my blog. With the guidance of a classmate as well as tutorials, I have managed to set up and begin formatting my course website. The benefits of having this information visible for students, parents, and community members is a great key in communication within the classroom. Utilizing my website to incorporate online tools such as padlet, Vocaroo, YouTube, and the many others at their disposal will help teach students how to properly use online etiquette. Online etiquette is a 21st century skill that is often one of the most difficult for students to learn and use correctly. The online world of gaming, social networking, and communities have created a sense of say and voice your thoughts without reasoning of consequences. Students often do not understand the concept of a time, place, and appropriateness of tone in an online setting. Having students utilize tools such as Padlet will help them learn to communicate effectively and with purpose. Link to my Padlet: https://padlet.com/kessie_key/tffwwh359w1c Chapter 10: Q3 Technology is influencing every generation. The latest trends in technology are now impacting the way people interact, teach, learn, and function. Some of these trends are impacting the way our learning systems are set up and function, especially our distance learning. Trends such as virtual reality, online gaming, online communities, learning management systems, artificial intelligence, and video learning. With so many options for students/learners growing up in the Information Age, distance education is going to continue to grow and change with the demands of technology. People are busy. The more of an ease to access, the more popularity for the learner. Teachers will have to learn to incorporate technology into lessons to meet learning style needs for students and to increase engagement. In a "technology" Information Age generation of learners, bringing a variety of ways for them to view, create, utilize, and master a concept, the more likely they are to truly maintain the mastery. Technology provides so many platforms and programs to use in all subject areas. This truly places teachers at a huge advantage. Students may know more about certain types of technology, but the educational aspect of how to use it properly, platforms, and so much more is where teachers come in to play. Look at me! I am a technology teacher for almost 12 years now, and I am learning every week from these distance learning courses. Trends such as these mentioned will continue to push technology and distance learning to new heights. Technology is ever changing and being willing to stay not only current on technology but also ahead of the game of the majority is crucial in teaching and instructional technology. EdPuzzle is a lesson enhancement option that was brought to my attention in a district professional development a year or so ago. I did not investigate it much at the time, but for this project, I took time to watch the tutorials and look through all it has to offer. I was truly excited when I realized how much material it has and the simplicity of its use for classroom purposes that fit my curriculum. I know this will be a resource that I incorporate into my planning for this coming school year.
As far as the voice memos and iMovie instructional videos for flipped classroom method, I realize the power of this for multiple reasons. Students that have been absent due to illness or students that were just absent can catch up on what they missed via a pre-recorded lesson. They could have the same material presented to them and not fall behind on course work. Also, for student learners that do not catch on quickly this type of instruction could benefit them tremendously. All students could have access to the files prior to a lesson, but some students need to recall that information multiple times in order for it to stick. This method provides them an opportunity to re-listen and recall that information as often as needed. Great tools to add to my classroom! Vocaroo:https://vocaroo.com/i/s1gGzB8WmZzM iMovie: What is a Computer? https://youtu.be/IbsQV6doVn4 EdPuzzle: Code: buwozir Link: https://edpuzzle.com/join/buwozir As an educator, I have worked hard to incorporate Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets into my classroom. GSuites provides ways for students to use 21st century skills in real life scenarios. One of the greatest features for my students is the ability to collaborate. I pull in lessons like the ones below into my Cyber Foundations classroom to help students learn the importance of working together, communication, and peer feedback. GSuites also has features that allow internal research within the same screen for ease of use for students. As a teacher, I can preview which students completed specific portions to grade accordingly. The educational aspects of GSuites is worth the use in my classroom.
With these tools and concepts in mind, my students learn an introduction to Technology and the advancements of computers. Google Doc: docs.google.com/document/d/1DfOGfdnVZNNFT2q4EcBvoIxq9yIrZ8_rwjJersdE090/edit?usp=sharing Google Slides: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gBjD3AP3wcQG7qqa-7AD0s4DMdtUqd76Gb5wvj5YV24/edit?usp=sharing Week 3:
Chapter 4 Question 3 (Kessie) When technology is used to support culturally and linguistically diverse students, it is often remedial. Some students find themselves using technology that has been designed for younger learners simply because the vocabulary level matches their current language acquisition. This types of remediation via technology can be frustrating to use. Imagine yourself living in another country, trying to learn its language, and being asked to learn via remedial software. What concerns would you have about this instructional approach? What other options might be found to avoid remediation when it is instructionally unnecessary? I chose to respond to this question because I have had personal experience with students (one in particular) that came in facing huge cultural and language barriers. She graduated a month ago with high honors and is going to do amazing things with her life. When I read this question, I felt the need to respond based on not only textual evidence but also experience. Education requires the same engagement and preparation regardless of the need of the student. Some students may require more planning and instruction that others but that is the job of the teacher to provide equity to all students. Technology might aid in meeting the needs of a student (ELL, CLD, or whatever other need), but it should not be used as the superior means of education. Engaging learners through visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-life application will add to their ability to retain the knowledge. The teacher could use technology as a way to find resources to assist in the teaching/learning of the CLD student but use those resources to challenge the student. Technology is a powerful tool; it is not a teacher. Chapter 5 Question 1: Discuss why teachers need foundational computer literacy, such as input/output devices, storages, mobile devices, and software updating? Technology is prevalent in education. Educators often lean to the students/learners to know enough about the basics of computers to by-pass having to learn themselves. I believe it is foundational for teachers/educators to understand the basics of computers to be able to troubleshoot and work with technology tools without having to call on students or technical support. Being a technology teacher for over ten years now, I cannot count the times teachers have called on me to help them install a printer or figure out why the mouse/touchpad does not work. In my opinion, the ability to troubleshoot and complete simple tasks like these would come easier with the foundational understanding of computers. Chapter 6 Question 2: Some teachers believe that too much emphasis is placed on computers and other technologies in the classroom. Considering the technologies you have learned about in this chapter, do you agree or disagree? Defend your view. As stated earlier in the book, we live in the Information Age. Technology and computers aid heavily in the engagement, visual aspects, and delivery of information to students and educators alike. I do not believe that too much emphasis is placed on technology. The school I currently teach in is fully one-to-one 7ththrough 12thgrade. With this one-to-one integration, teachers have the ability to utilize computers in various learning capacities. Teachers can use their smart boards to complete lesson enhancements. For example, a math teacher can complete a lesson and screen share with students. The student can replay that information to assist them in solving further problems. Another example is a teacher being able to provide a physical book to read in class, then provide an e-book (online version), and possibly even find a program that can read portions of the book to students that are struggling with comprehension and need that extra help. Technology places so many opportunities to aid in the learning experience in classrooms and that goes beyond a primary technology class. Although technology can be intimidating to those who are not familiar, if the proper training and implementation are provided, I believe it could be very effective. Chapter 1 Question 1:
Standards have altered teacher preparation programs and curriculum requirements in schools. The intention behind standardization is to ensure equivalent and consistent instruction and to provide measurable outcomes. Do you believe that the implementation of standards identified by national, state, and curriculum organizations has accomplished their intent? Explain why or why not? When the word standard is mentioned, it normally leads into heavy discussion of standardized testing. If you truly look at the value and understand the concept of requiring curriculum, state and nationwide standards, I feel the need and purpose is valid. The standards provide structure for the planning, teaching and assessing of student learning. As an educator, I feel standards provide a form of communication for teachers, students and parents to have a streamline understanding of the expectations within the school and classroom. Standards help ensure that learning is taking place and provide guidelines for educators. Providing those expectations for learning helps ensure learning targets are known and instruction is focused and purposeful. Standards also help assess student and teacher performance in the classroom. Student performance assessments provide information in relation to specific needs of students being met in the learning environment. Alignment of instruction and standards are necessary to ensure proper delivery of content. With all of this being said, it is quite alarming that our students and educators are held to different standards based on the state in which they live. National standards would help provide consistency and alignment of success for our students as they transition to colleges and careers country wide or even internationally. Holding our students to different standards based on the state in which they live could lead to learning gaps and unequipped entry into “the real world”. Chapter 2 Question 2: Different students have different learning styles and their learning styles influence their learning. As a teacher, you should understand your students learning styles when preparing for the classes. Discuss your understanding on different learning styles and its influence on learning. As technology is ever changing, the way our students learn still remains true to their learning style(s). Learning styles speak to the understanding that every student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information differently. Knowing and understanding these learning styles is crucial for success on the teacher and learner’s behalf. There are three primary modalities for learning: auditory, kinesthetic, and visual. Auditory learners best understand new content through listening and speaking in situations such as lectures and group discussions. Students who are kinesthetic learners best understand information through experience and practice. These students are hands-on learners and learn best through use of their hands. Visual learners have to see it to understand it. Identifying which learning style is primary for a student can help increase academic confidence and set them up for success. Life experiences as well as the atmosphere in which one is in can determine which learning style best accommodates individuals. Technology has truly influenced the delivery and ability to meet the needs of learners in the classroom. A teacher/facilitator is able to provide instruction that meets the needs of all learning styles within the delivery of one lesson. For example, a lesson on problem solving may begin with a hands-on unplugged activity guided by a hand-out and teacher instruction. Learners would then take the data and knowledge obtained through the hands-on activity and input it into a program that would provide visual feedback on their findings. Chapter 3: Question 3: This chapter introduced that lesson planning was an outgrowth of your instructional design. The DID section helped you see the overall organization of your instructional unit, and this lesson plan section helped you address what you would do to achieve the unit on an instructional day-to-day basis. Now identify, describe and use the most common steps in lesson planning. The Dynamic Instructional Design (DID) model is used to simplify and guide the delivery of instruction. The framework provides flexibility while maintaining its heavy focus on the learner and feedback. Step 1: Know the Learners Take time to get to know your learners. Become familiar with the learner’s cultural background, prior knowledge, and learning styles in order to determine the most effective instructional design. Step 2: Standards-Aligned Performance Objectives Objectives created to measure student performance that are valid and reliable. The objectives should include the expectations of material learned by the end of an instructional unit. Bloom’s taxonomy provides a list of sample performance action verbs that targets learners’ cognitive levels based on instruction. Step 3: Identify Teaching and Learning Strategies Teaching and learning strategies should meet the needs of the learner(s) as well as the outline of the objectives. Teaching strategies need to allow learner(s) to connect to their prior knowledge, introduce new concepts, and reinforce objectives. Learning strategies will include formative and summative assessments to determine the mastery level of the objectives. Step 4: Select Support Technologies Taking the teaching and learning strategies into consideration, the teacher should plan technology, media and materials that will be integrated to support the students learning. Step 5: Assess and Revise An assessment of student learning should be performed. Based on the results, the teacher should reflect and make revisions to the instructional design for future implementations. Be sure the feedback and the assessments accurately measure the achievement of objectives. Hi friends!
My name is Kessie. I am beginning my new adventure of earning my Master's in Instructional Technology. I am entering into my twelfth year of education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Teacher Education. My educational experience has been in both the private and public-school setting. I have taught Computer Applications (K-12), Senior Project, Graphic Design, Web Design, STEM, Business Fundamentals 1 and 2 and Cyber Foundations 1. I am also the webmaster for my school as well as the social media specialist. Throughout college, all of my courses were face-to-face. After a few years of teaching, I began taking online courses to add endorsements to my license. Through online courses I have obtained my C.O.O.L. certification, Master Teacher of Economics (blended F2F and Online), and Career Pathway Experience. During my years of teaching, I have used Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Mac OS (Pages, Numbers, Keynote), Google (Docs, Sheets, Slides). In the past few years, I have used Google applications more than others due to the ability to collaborate with others and easily organize documents while working, but I am confident in my use of all of the listed applications. I also use Adobe Photo Shop, Pixlr, and Canva in my classes for the graphic design elements of curriculum. Web Design has fluctuated over the years, but the program I am most prone to use is Text Wrangler. My Cyber Foundations curriculum uses Code.org implementation for html. It is great! Students often enter junior high (the primary age I teach currently) without the basic understanding of how to communicate appropriately. A lot of the work we do in class encourages them to think of different ways to communicate with one another and work together: pair programming, google collaboration, silent conversations, discussion boards, etc. I truly believe these concepts help them build skills that are important not only to the world of technology but in life. I believe that all children should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe environment. I will provide high expectations along with an open-mind to allow my students to reach their full potential. As a teacher, I will walk alongside my students learning with them. Life experiences inside and outside of the classroom help shape me as a teacher as well as my students. Teaching my students how to use those experiences to develop into an influential part of society all while witnessing them reach potentials they were unaware is a part of my classroom culture. Embracing that culture, students will learn to expand their knowledge to become equipped with the skills needed to lead a better tomorrow. |
AuthorKessie Key 
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