III. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
A. Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
As a technology teacher I cannot assume that my students are tech savvy. That is why I assign pre and post tests based on technology standards. Pretests allow me to see if what I plan on teaching is already mastered. They give students a preview of what is expected of them. Post tests help measure true learning.
By comparing pre and post tests, I can determine if I am reaching my students. This data allows me to make changes to lessons to enhance student learning.
B. Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
I consider myself a teacher of all students. Quite often during my teaching career I have been assigned to teach students with mild to severe learning disabilities. Visual thinking and learning strategies have been shown to increase academic performance for students of all learning abilities. For this reason I was thrilled to learn that my school district purchased site licenses for the program Inspiration.
This visual learning program helps students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, aphasia, and visual or auditory processing disorders. I made it one of my top priorities to become proficient with this program to help my students succeed. Webbing is a brainstorming method that helps students to connect dots. Links from the center connect supporting details or ideas with the core concept or topic.
Example of a Webbing Assignment
C. Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
As a certified teacher in a computer lab I try to promote creative thinking among my students by allowing them to develop unique multimedia slideshow presentations. For instance, as part of a mathematics units, my fifth grade students developed a Powerpoint lesson on Math.
D. Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
My classroom is a computer lab with thirty Mac Books, one MacBook Pro and a Smart Board. All of my learning activities take place in this "technology-enhanced environment". One of the platforms that I have used with my 8th grade class is Collaborize Classroom. It is a free collaborative education platform for students and teachers. Student participation is up as a result of using this site.
pres_test.pdf | |
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example_of_a_webbing_assignment.pdf | |
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supplement_1i.pdf | |
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