QR Posters

Here is a link of some posters I made that contain a QR code that links to my wiki of resources.  Enjoy!

11.1- Reflection

   While reflecting on this course I thought of many reasons that we need to constantly update and perfect the craft of technology integration.  I have taken many ideas away from this class and have tried out new things that I will take with me as I continue to teach.  Below I have written what I have taken away from the last 10 weeks.

   First of all, teachers rely on us to help them understand how they need to be using technology in their classrooms, not only to engage students, but to prepare them for the future as well.  We have to know all the new tools that come out and are offered so that students will learn these.  Teachers are the ones who supply students with the knowledge they need to have in order to compete with others from around the world.  It's a technology integrator's job to make sure that teachers are armed with knowledge to make them  more confident and prepared to teach students what they need.  Wolfram's talk kind of ties into this by explaining that we spend too much time on teaching the tedious things.  If teachers know what kinds of technology to use in order to help students gain a deeper understanding of content, then we can spend less time worrying about things that take up more time than they should.  Technology can do that computing that takes years to teach so that we can go further than the surface with our students.  Teaching and education could drastically change if we were to allow this to take affect.  

   Something else that technology offers to students is all the different mediums in which a person can create or complete a project.  I remember thinking many times in school that I would love to create a short video or something using my computer, but I had no idea how to do that.  Today it's so easy for students to pull up a free app that will help them create some really neat and memorable projects that they can be proud of.  The thing that gets me is how many there will be in 5 or even 10 years down the road.  There is no telling how many more cool things will be invented to help students complete projects or understand content.  It's important for technology integrator's to know what is out there so that students of all different abilities have their needs met.  Teachers may have a gifted or special needs student in their class, but not know about any resources to help that student out and a technology integrator could make things much easier by showing them how to find that resource and how to use it effectively.  

   One idea that I thought of recently is how technology integrator's can actually help build relationships between teachers by connecting them.  The response time is quicker which leads to greater productivity and connections with others that might have never happened.  Along with this tech integrator's could help teachers understand why technology is important and should have a role in their classrooms.  Technology integrator's can help teachers find new tools for old lessons and with a network of teachers making connections they could eventually help each other out.  The spreadsheet activity we did is a great example of how teachers can help out their students and each other by organizing their data so that students who need help get it.  

   The last thing that I have taken away from this course is the role that technology integrator's play in making sure that others can make informed decisions about technology.  This could include administrators looking to add more types of technology into the school, or getting rid of a brick and mortar library, or even helping parents determine if virtual schooling is the best option for their child.  I think that we have a responsibility to others to make sure that they make good decisions based on what we know about technology.  This is, to me, one of the most important reasons that we need to be constantly updating and perfecting our craft.  We are depended upon to make decisions for the future of our students.  That's pretty important if you ask me.

10.2- Sharing NETS Portfolios

Below are the two pages I created in a Wiki for teachers and administrators to log their reflections about the NETS competencies.

Administrators

Below is a table designed for administrators to reflect on how well NETS competencies are being followed as well as provide evidence. In the boxes next to "Meeting Standards" type a number from 0-5, with zero being you don't do it at all, to 5 being you are implementing this very well. Below the table, reflect on each standard and add any evidence to support your claims.

Here is the link to help with the chart and the reflections. 
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-a-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2

	Digital Age Learning	Systemic Improvement	Visionary Leadership	Digital Citizenship	Professional Practice
Administrators	Promote a digital-age learning culture that engages and educates all children	Provide leadership to improve organization through technology resources	Inspire and lead development and implementation of a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology	Model and facilitate understanding of social, ethical and legal issues and responsibilities	Promote an environment of professional learning and innovation that empowers educators
Meeting Standards

Digital Age Learning:

Systemic Improvement:

Visionary Leadership:

Digital Citizenship:

Professional Practice:

Evidence:

Teachers

This table below allows teachers to reflect upon different standards of technology and determine if they are meeting the needs of their students. In the box next to "Meeting the Standards" choose a number 0-5, with 0 being you don't do this standard at all and 5 being that you implement this standard well. Below the chart reflect on each individual standard and add any evidence to support your claim.

Here is the link to help with the chart and the reflections. 
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2

	Learning and Creativity	Experiences and Assessments	Work and Learning	Digital Citizenship	Growth and Leadership
Teachers	Use knowledge of subject matter, teaching, learning and technology to advance student learning and creativity	Design, develop and evaluate authentic learning experiences incorporating contemporary tools	Exhibit knowledge and skills of an innovative professional in a digital society	Understand global and local societal issues in an evolving digital culture	Continuously improve on professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership
Meeting the Standards

Learning and Creativity:

Experiences and Assessments:

Work and Learning:

Digital Citizenship

Growth and Leadership:

Evidence:

Here is a link to my wiki and critical task

http://netsportfolio.wikispaces.com/

10.1- Measuring NETS Competencies

   I think one of the best ways we can tell if teachers and administrators are meeting the NETS competencies is to use observation after becoming extremely familiar with the competencies themselves.  If I were going to do this, I would have a list of the competencies and focus on one area in particular while observing.  That way I could delve deep into each individual standard and get a really good idea whether or not the teacher or administrator understood what is expected of them.  I would also ask for specific evidence that would support each standard and again show that they understood what was being asked.  Another way to gain information would be to follow up on student assessments and actually ask them questions that would give a different perspective.  It can sometimes be difficult to get a true reading on someone though if they know they will be observed ahead of time.  From time to time our administrators will pop into our classrooms for a few minutes and give us some feedback without even telling us they will come by, which keeps us on our toes because we know we need to be prepared every day, not just the day they choose to come see us.  

   One example of this might be a group of teachers working on standard 2a., which is "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity"(NETS-T. 2008).  It would be pretty easy for someone to tell if a teacher was trying to incorporate digital tools within their lessons and student work or projects would reflect that.  The types of evidence that could be collected might include projects that students complete and submit via the internet.  I think that another good idea would be to ask a few students how they feel about the teachers use of technology and if they felt like it was appropriate for the assignment.  I think there's a lot you can get from asking students simple questions because they are eager to give their opinions if they feel like you want their honesty.  

References:

2008. NETS-T. International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2

    

9.2- Sample Virtual Course

   I looked through the Virtual Learning Academy website to find out a few things about virtual schools and how they can affect different aspects of how we view education.  What I found was interesting as it pertains to New Hampshire.  I also looked at the Arkansas Virtual Academy to compare the two and now  have a different view of virtual schools.

   Anyone in New Hampshire, up to the age of 21, can attend VLACS without a tuition fee.  If you want to attend VLACS and you are not a resident of New Hampshire, you can attend on a tuition basis.  A student from Arkansas can attend the AVA for free also but do not allow anyone from another state to attend.  They must also meet an age requirement which wasn't listed, but am assuming is around 21 also.  When I looked at both websites I wasn't able to find anything that specifically talked about working with local schools.  I did see that both states have implemented the common core standards and work with schools to figure out what will count towards a diploma as well as college courses.  In New Hampshire students can be part time and either accelerate their high school progress, use the virtual learning as an enrichment experience, or finish any incomplete coursework.  Students can also gain college credits while they are attending VLACS.

   Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find anything like that on the Arkansas website.  However, you can ask to receive more information since what is listed is very limited.  I could see myself getting student involved in more enrichment activities through the virtual schools and maybe do more partnering with them.  There are some things that the virtual schools offer, like college credit hours and tours that can be hard to fit into a schedule during traditional school time.  I think this would give students a better idea of what all is out there and allow them to figure it out on their own time.  I think that the New Hampshire site would be easier to use though and I really love the idea of blended learning labs.  They describe them as "a space where students engage in a variety of online learning experiences before, during or after the school day"(Virtual Learning Academy. nd.).  I think this is a great example of how to use virtual learning schools to enhance students experiences.  

References:

Arkansas Virtual Academy. 2013. Retrieved from http://www.k12.com/arva/home#.UpEX3cQ3u9M

Virtual Learning Academy. n.d. Retrieved from http://vlacs.org/

9.1- Educational Value of Virtual Schools

   Quite honestly, when I think of virtual schools I go back and forth about whether I believe them to be of educational value.  It may be something that works well for a few and not for the majority of people out there.  I think that the reason I can't make up my mind is because there is not enough data yet to determine whether or not virtual schools are actually as effective or more so than regular brick and mortar schools.  I know that some data has been collected, but as far as data from K-8 students goes, there really isn't much out there.  That being said, I do believe that there are some great benefits to virtual schools that cannot be ignored.  One of the first things that comes to mind is how convenient virtual schools could be for those who may have a hard time in a regular school setting or have extremely busy schedules.  The virtual learning academy makes the statement that "Students need to work outside of the classroom because of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and travel. The independent schedule of an online course provides a student with flexibility to learn at any time of the day. There are also students dealing with an illness or injury that prevents them from physically being in the classroom"(Virtual Learning Academy. n.d.).  The flexibility of the classes are nice and could help with specific situations where a student is hurt and can't go to class or may learn better at different times of the day.  

   While the flexibility of online learning is great, I think one huge thing to keep in mind is that it takes away from social experiences.  I realize that not all social experiences are good ones, but isn't that how we learn about others and ourselves?  There are times that I wish I could have missed out on some embarrassing or hard situations with other people at school, but I learned something from each one and it made me the strong person I am today.  I know that some social connections are made via internet, but I don't think it can replace actual human contact and close interaction.  One woman exclaimed "kindergarten kids learning in front of a monitor — that’s just wrong"(Brown & Layton. 2011).  I must say that I am inclined to agree because I think that kids need to be around other children their age and have time to explore outside and learn how to get along with others.  Since collaboration is such a vital skill that students need to have in order to really thrive in today's economy, I feel like sticking kids in front of a computer from the time their 5 until they graduate high school is setting them up for failure.  There's still not a lot of research in the K-8 area of virtual schools, but I don't see it doing much good for younger students, but I think older students would do alright if they chose it for the right reasons.  

References:

Brown, E., Layton, L. 2011. Virtual Schools are Multiplying, but Some Question Their Educational Value. Washington Post.com. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virtual-schools-are-multiplying-but-some-question-their-educational-value/2011/11/22/gIQANUzkzN_story.html

Virtual Learning Academy. n.d. retrieved from http://vlacs.org/

   

Discussion 8.1- Debriefing

Argument For Keeping Brick and Mortar Libraries:

Growing up I remember going to the library and feeling relaxed because it was a safe and quiet place where my mind could wander.  Most of the way I felt was because the atmosphere provided a safe haven of escape and it would be really sad to deprive kids of that today just because we can access books online.  Libraries provide certain needs for people and can become a social learning space, a presentation space, or a teaching space.  Doug Johnson came up with these different ways of helping libraries to adapt to a digital age without getting rid of them completely (Johnson. 2010).  Even though we can use technology for many things today, it still doesn’t give kids the social aspect that all human beings crave and need in their lives.  Libraries allow people to connect in ways that other places may not.  Another great thing about libraries is the presentation or teaching space that is provided.  Our library is used for both and since it is tucked away from other parts of the school, it’s a great place for students or faculty to just focus on what’s going on at the moment without distraction. 

   Another reason we need to keep libraries around is because there is actual staff around to help when you have questions.  One newspaper says it like this “Everything said and done, the library experience of sitting on those low wooden stools, perusing through the back covers of books to finally land upon something that has really interested you and the small-talk with librarians with whom you've grown up with is lost with online libraries”(Virtual. 2011).  I love the imagery this brings to mind and it really hits home with me because of how I feel when I walk into a library.  Safe and sound.

Resources:

Johnson, D. 2010. Changed but Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age. Retrieved from http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/changed-but-still-critical-bricks-and-mortar-libraries-in-th.html#comments

2011. Virtual vs. Traditional Libraries Battle Heats Up. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/docview/880986350

Argument for Only Using Virtual Libraries:

   Virtual libraries are extremely convenient and in this day and age it’s all about what can be accessed at the click of a button.  This can be really great for students who may be out of town or away from a library and can just access it online to complete an assignment.  I also like the fact that it’s a free and open access.  There may be some resources that aren’t available at the time, but the beauty of a virtual library is that you can request for something to be mailed or sent online to you later.  When I was thinking of the benefits to this type of library I thought about people who live in the smaller towns around Batesville and I can see this being very beneficial to them because they don’t have access to a great library. The New Indian Express newspaper states that “these days, with home work and numerous extra-curricular activities, kids seldom have the time to read books, let alone visit a library”(Virtual. 2011).  This statement rings very true of this younger and technologically plugged in generation because it seems that everyone is so rushed and it just saves time to be able to instantly pull up a resource instead of seeking it out. 

Resources:

2011. Virtual vs. Traditional Libraries Battle Heats Up. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/docview/880986350

Keeping Our Libraries