Assignment #1

Currently, my knowledge and use of technology, both educational and non-educational, is limited and outdated. Computers, with which I feel very comfortable and experienced, are the only resources I use for educational purposes; the software I utilize includes only Microsoft Works. This is partially because I don't know about many other resources; it is also partially because I don't know how to use the other resources I do know about, such as other software. As far as non-educational technology, the extent of my knowledge and use includes CD players, digital cameras, and internet on my cell phone. Again, part of the issue is that I just do not know about new technology; the other part is that I don't know how to use things like MP3 players, Palm Pilots, and so on.

This semester, there are two main areas I would like to work on: numbers three and four from the given website, which are "identify technology resources available in schools and analyze how accessibility to those resources affects planning for instruction (I, II)" and "identify, select, and use hardware and software technology resources specially designed for use by PK-12 students to meet specific teaching and learning objectives (I, II)." As stated in the previous paragraph, I have a limited knowledge and use of technology. Therefore, I need to start with what I consider basic areas: identifying what kind of technology is available to classrooms and, similarly, identify specific software appropriate for grade levels. From there, I will be able to see how these can impact and be integrated into my teaching.

Technology should be simply a tool for teachers to use in the classroom when it will enhance a particular lesson and/or make it easier for students to comprehend the lesson more fully. Using technology does aid learning. Paying particular attention to the word 'aid', it is assumed that there is a main component to learning, which is an effective teaching; technology does just that: aids the teacher. Ease, speed, capacity, and level of engagement can all be increased by technology, as it takes some of the extraneous work away from the teacher, takes some of the extraneous work away from the students, and sometimes provides resources neither the teacher nor the student could access otherwise.

(I will base these next paragraphs on the 7th grade classroom in which I am currently doing my observations. For each standard, I realize that it is necessary to incorporate it into my endorsement area, which is Language Arts. Rather than simply helping students learn about technology, I also need to focus on assignment which can enhance their reading skills or writing/communication skills.)

The first standard I want to consider is number seven, which is "select the appropriate tools and digital resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and to solve problems." For this assignment, I would first present the tools and resources for consideration through lecture. Then I would give the students a homework handout of the tools and resources discussed along with a list of tasks and problems. They students would need to match which tools were appropriate for which tasks. The next day in class, the students would be tested, possibly corporately. I would present a problem or task verbally and call on random students to tell which tool should be used; they would then demonstrate its use.

The second standard I want to consider is number two, which is "create original animations or videos documenting school, community, or local events." For this assignment, I would give each student a particular event to cover. Then I would give them several options for recording and creating their event, whether by digital video camera, digital camera, PowerPoint, and so on. I would lecture to the whole class on each item of technology beforehand. Then I would expect the students to give their presentations of their completed projects in class, as well as submit a written report of how they created their video or animation.

The third standard I want to consider is number 10, which is "independently develop and apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems." For this assignment, I would not lecture. Rather, I would give each student a specific potential hardware/software problem, allow them to research it, then expect them to prepare a report including the details of the problem as well as how to fix it. This would include written and illustrated explanations.