What have we learned?

Midterm Review

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote student learning

            We have achieved this outcome in many different ways. One way that we have learned how technology can effectively promote student learning is by the Webinar we were assigned in week one. In this assignment I learned how a children’s television show engages the children in a learning manner. They use fun character’s, they encourage thinking outside the box, exploring the world around them and much more.

            As a class we have discussed largely on the matter of digital citizenship. Before this discussion, I did not know what digital citizenship entailed. I have learned that if students are aware of digital citizenship and do not abuse the availability of technology, as an educator I can assist them in how to use it effectively in their learning and in their lives.

           

2. Evaluate and use a variety of current technologies to enhance content instruction and to advance student’s technological literacy

         We have achieved this learning objective in many different ways. One way that we have learned to use a variety of current technologies is by learning about Avitars, Wordle, Taxedo and Scratch. By learning about these different technologies we have learned how to advance our student’s technological literacy. When we create lesson plans and activities around these programs, the student’s are learning how to use and navigate new programs while learning the curriculum at the same time.

            In class we completed the I Am poem and learned how to make a Wordle. By going through these programs and actually using them I have learned how I can use these in my future classroom.

3. Design meaningful and authentic digitally based learning experiences with multiple and varied assessments

         In module six we met this learning outcome by discussing project based learning. We learned about the Flat Classroom project where students and teachers can interact and collaborate around the world. This allows students to develop more culture understanding, build skills using software and developing research skills among many other positive learning experiences.

            In this class we have learned about and used a number of Web 2.0 tools. Currently we are creating a lesson plan and beginning our WebQuest. With these two assignments we are learning how to design a digital based learning experience for our students.

4. Reflect upon and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources

         There are many ways to use digital tools and resources in an effective manner. One thing children like to do is watch television and go on the computer. Why not use this to our advantage? Apply this in the classroom. There are so many ways that this can be accomplished. We have talked about many different Web 2.0 tools that are good example of this. The children can use Animoto to tell a story, they can use Avitars to create a speech or an important message, they can communicate with other students across the world and they can research. It is our role as educators to make sure that our students have the knowledge they need to use these tools appropriately.

5. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of safe, ethical, legal and moral practices related to digital information and technology

         We have covered this learning outcome by discussing digital citizenship and watching the documentaries Growing up Online and Digital Citizenship.

            As stated in my blog named Where do we go from here?, I have demonstrated how I have learned more on the topic of safe practices related to digital information and technology. I discuss the topic of stranger danger, digital footprints, teaching students what their digital footprint is and how to incorporate safe practices in the classroom.

6. Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented within the curriculum (e.g., NH Curriculum Frameworks, ISTE (NETS-Teacher/NETS-Student) and NH-ICT Literacy Standards for K-12 Students (306.42))

         I’d say that we have just started discussing this learning outcome in more depth. By working on our lesson plan and beginning our research for our WebQuest we are beginning to really learn about the national standards and how to incorporate them into out planning as an educator.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student

            I feel as though we have briefly talked about this learning outcome. The great thing about technology is that it can be used in so many different ways and the user is able to navigate it in their own way. As an educator, I feel as though we have the ability to personalize and differentiate learning activities based on the student’s ability. If there is a group of students how need an extra achievement, and educator may fulfill this by making an activity with technology more challenging or with extra components. If a student needs an activity more personalized for any reason, it is easy to achieve this through technology.

8. Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature

         We have watched documentaries about to use of technology and the trends that are taking place. We have also had discussions in class on what to do in these situations and what would be the best response with our students. We have also learned about a number of websites that can assist us educators in a number of ways such as Diigo.