When I began this program, I had very little knowledge of the use of technology outside of word processing and the internet. From the first day, I have found this class to be intimidating and frustrating, not to mention physically uncomfortable due to the layout of the computer lab. However, throughout this fall, I have had the opportunity to learn about many programs and have achieved some level of comfort in using them. Some of the programs I've learned about are, Nvu, GoLive, iMovie, and Garage Band to name a few. Furthermore, I have had to use an Apple to work with these programs, which was also new to me. In the end, despite the frustrations, I have produced several projects that I feel proud of. Although it is quite simple in structure, I feel most proud of my web site because I never thought I would be able to produce something like this that actually functions!

In addition to learning about new programs, I also became a member of ISTE. I subscribe to a monthly magazine called Learning and Leading with Technology. This magazine is quite interesting, providing a great deal of valuable information and ideas that I hope to use in my own teaching in the future.

Exhibit 2 Tech magazine subscription: ISTE Learning and Leading With Technology (ISTE web site)

I plan to incorporate technology into my classroom in a variety of ways. The first is to use a WebQuest that I designed in my 4th grade placement in the spring. The students will be covering a unit on the United States at that time. The webquest is about the 50 states and will provide students the opportunity to access web sites and learn about the value of the internet for gathering information. This is particularly important in this placement because of the high poverty level and the low probability that most students have computers in their own homes.

Other types of technology I intend to incorporate are cameras and video equipment. I have seen first hand the power that a camera can have in the hands of a child. I will provide as many teaching and learning opportunities that I can which allow students the use of a camera or video equipment. I believe the value of self-expression is just as important as learning about technology. In addition, I will try using various programs, such as Inspiration, which I personally love using. I purchased my own copy and have used it many times in my classes this fall to organize my thoughts as well as prepare a concept map, and organize the layout for my web site.

Exhibit 2: Inspiration Software

This fall I worked on a couple projects that I hope will be implemented in some way into my student teaching. The first is my iMovie. I was able to design a lesson for my 4th graders, have it videotaped, and make a movie using iMovie. I faced some challenges with the editing process due to an older version of the program and an older laptop. However, I got the hang of it fairly easily and hope to use video taping and movie-making in my classroom in the spring. I can see this used in many different ways, such as video taping a poetry slam during the poetry unit in May, or even preparing a newscast of whales during that particular science unit. Either way, I feel comfortable enough to use the technology myself as well as introduce it to my students for their benefit.

Again, the WebQuest I designed on the United States will require the students to use the internet to research and gather information. The learning experience with a WebQuest is really two-fold, teaching students about their topic of study and how to use a computer and the internet.

With both videotaping and completing a WebQuest, students would have a finished product in the end that they can feel proud of.

Exhibit 2: Project TEAM movie

One of the assessment tools that I will use with my students is connected to my WebQuest. One requirement for this assignment was to create a rubric to assess student's knowledge. Although the rubric framework was provided, I found a web site, called Rubistar, that was very useful for designing rubrics. I can see myself using this valuable tool to design rubrics for numerous student projects in the future.

Another tool I could use is a concept map using Inspiration software. Students could demonstrate their understanding of a particular concept by creating a map of how the information of the subject is connected. This was particularly useful to me last summer in Educational Psychology and I believe students would benefit from it as well.

I believe my Project TEAM movie was a valuable assessment tool for myself. I was able to watch myself teaching a lesson and was able to reflect on what I did well and what I need to improve upon. Although I have not had an opportunity to view the movie with my mentor teacher yet, she has agreed to provide feedback as well. I plan to video myself in the future in both of my placements so I have more opportunities to watch myself and reflect on how I have improved as a teacher and how I can continue to improve.

Exhibit 2: Rubistar web site

Exhibit 2: Project TEAM movie

I have already been involved in continuing my professional development. This fall, I attended the OTEN technology conference where I learned about many ways that technology can be implemented into my classroom. If I begin small, I believe I can incorporate technology into my classroom with ease. Furthermore, I am a member of ISTE, which provides the benefits of their web site as well as a subscription to the magazine Learning and Leading With Technology.

Through resources listed for technology class and in talking with other teachers at my placement school, I have learned of several different professional teaching web sites that include discussion areas and message boards to communicate and collaborate with peers. These sites provide an opportunity to share ideas and problems with other professionals in the field. Furthermore, I have also learned about various ways of networking with other teachers and their classrooms for our students to work on projects "together."

I will include my own web site again as an example of my ability to use technology to communicate with parents and the community. Although I will not be building on this particular web site, I would like to design a class web site when I have my own classroom one day as a way of communicating with parents and other family members about my students and the events occurring in our room.

Exhibit 2: ISTE web site

Exhibit 3: Angela Walsh web site

Most of what I learned in this area came from the extensive resources made available on the course web site. One of the first classes covering web design provided a link to a web site about analyzing web sites for their authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, and value. I found this extremely valuable for educating myself in order to be able to educate my students and to keep them safe on the internet.

Again, I believe my WebQuest provides an example of how I can promote safe and healthy use of technology resources by providing a framework for students to work on the internet. By providing prescreened web sites on the WebQuest, I can feel comfortable allowing students to explore safely within that framework.