ISTE+Standard+V

According to our text, "Ultimately, effective practice must result in meeting established goals" (Williamson, J. & Redish, T., 2009). I have started using Google docs, a wiki and blog to improve my performance as a teacher. Technology is a wonderful tool if it is understood and used properly. As I have journeyed through the Lamar coursework, I have learned many new skills and I feel comfortable doing things that I never even knew existed. I regularly use an online calendar, I am comfortable designing basic logos, I can create an online animation even though I cannot draw well, and I helped create a decent video. I have never done any of those things, but I can show others how simple it is to master the basics in these areas. As a teacher, I can share this information with students while I integrate curriculum, and as an educational leader I can share with my peers so that many more students will have an opportunity to learn these skills throughout my school. Every teacher has a defined standard of what is expected of them, just as every student is expected to pass TAKS tests. This Standard is conveying the idea that whatever we do during our lessons should ultimately mean success in meeting those goals and standards. If our techniques and strategies do not live up to those expectations, then those practices were not effective. It is imperative that educators focus on practices that have proven benefits and increased achievement from students.

We must meet the needs of our diverse learners each day and our practices must meet those needs. There are multiple theories regarding this idea. Constructivism deals with connecting prior knowledge to every new piece of information that a learner encounters (Abbott, J., nd). We would want to play on previous experiences and build experiences to have a richer background when learning new lessons. Connectivism is the idea that learning should be interactive and should involve group work, collaboration, and discussion. Many of the assignments I have completed at Lamar have been connective assignments. This theory promotes the idea that knowledge is usually stronger when many minds attack a problem and work together (Siemens, G., nd). These 2 theories really tie in to the idea that our practices must achieve the goals that have already been set forth through curriculum. Instruction must meet the needs of all learners which is obviously quite a challenge. Technology should be integrated into regular instruction so that learners can connect the information with prior knowledge and construct new learning based on the previously laid foundation.

Schools must be organized in ways that foster growth in technology. My campus has been adding new technology to the campus regularly through the use of Title I and other grant money. We have tons of smart boards, hand held voting devices, document cameras and new computers. We are trying to make full use of these technologies to maximize student learning and enrich our curriculum. We have had training sessions on strategies to implement these tools, but we still need more training and opportunities to plan activities through our departments. I think we are on the right track, the problem is that when we get one thing "figured out", our focus changes or we have stress a different area. We are making great strides and as a technology leader on my campus, I will try to help maintain focus however I can.

References: Abbott, J. (nd). //Building Knowledge: Constructivism in Learning.// Youtube.com. Retrieved April 18, 2011, from [|www.youtube.com/watch?v=F00R3pOXzuk]

Siemens, G. (nd). //The Changing Nature of Knowledge.// Youtube.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2011 from, [|www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg]

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.