ISTE bitsy blogger

This week’s blog assignment is to compare the EdTech to which our colleagues have introduced to our cohort class, the technology each of us uses in our own classes, and if all of the above are in compliance with ISTE (international Society for Technology in Education, http://www.iste.org/) . I have spent some time this week reading about ISTE standards and trying to familiarize myself with the standards for both students and teachers. I have mainly focused on the student standards, as that was the intent of this blog.

There are 6 standards for students, with regard to ISTE, and they are listed below:

1.     Creativity and Innovation

2.     Communication and collaboration

3.     Research and Information Fluency

4.     Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making

5.     Digital Citizenship

6.     Technology operations and concepts

I happen to believe that the Education Technology that our colleagues/classmates have introduced are in alignment with student standards. There may have been some presentations that were focused on one or a few of the standards rather than all of the six, but they all comply with at least one standard, in my opinion. I think that some of the EdTech presentations were very innovative and interesting, while others provided a way to enhance learning using digital technology (instead of old school paper and pencil). I saw presentations from writing papers and the cool add-ons that one can use to enhance their final product to flipping one’s classroom. I think that there are so many options for teachers, in terms of EdTech, and that we are in a digital boom, so to speak. I am committed to using much of what I’ve learned and to expand on that knowledge. Another thing that has been very apparent is the plethora of EdTech that is out there!! I am simply amazed at all that is available. I need to start with what I feel will truly benefit my students, and move on from there, so that I’m not overwhelmed. I do believe that we have provided our classmates with a good foundation of information from which to begin. 

In regard to my own classroom, I feel that I access digital technology more than I thought I did. I have reflected and realize that I do use a fair amount of tech in my classroom with my students. I tell them to ALWAYS bring their phones to my classroom, because we may access information this way. I also encourage my students to be active participants on my (and their other teachers’) Edmodo accounts and to sign up for my Remind, so they are able to access lessons on the website, should they be absent. I allow students to access Google for questions it they may have, after brainstorming first. I also show TeacherTube, appropriate YouTube and DiscoveryEd video clips when I feel that will provide a better delivery of information than simply reading about it or discussing it. I often use my SMART Board for putting up a notebook for taking notes, students are able to write answers on SMART Board, for my Bell Ringer daily, PowerPoint presentations, and other bits of information I want to share with my students. I have also been known to access Jeopardy games for test review using technology. I am trying to learn more and more and to use more technology in my classroom. One thing I am working on now is creating an answer sheet that can be graded using ZipGrade for an upcoming quiz. My PLC is on board with this, and will all try it on the same day. We will be able to quickly compare our data, record it and then see what misconceptions our students have, and where we need to reteach.

I will be asking students to use their own technology (or check out our set of iPads or Chromebook) to create projects as a group of two. I think that this would provide collaboration and innovation, as they are in charge of their own digital projects and must work together. I would LOVE to have my own set of iPads or Chromebook that stayed in my classroom, so my students could have access daily to this type of technology. Not all of my students have access to internet or to a device, so I have several that are left out when I speak of flipping my classroom (that will occur in a future unit of Genetics). Of course, these students are able to access computers in media center or I can see about checking out a laptop for my classroom, but it’s not the same as having access at home. However, we will do what we need so that ALL students have access.

I have learned so much in the five weeks we have been in our technology class! I believe that I am using a fair amount of technology in my class, and am only yearning to use more all of the time! One thing I really want is to have an Apple TV and a document camera in my classroom! I am planning on writing a grant for the document camera (for all 7^th grade science teachers), as I believe that this will positively impact the learning of all 7^th grade students. I was not as aware of this technology before, but have become very interested and feel that this is absolutely going to help all of my students. I feel the same about the Apple TV.

On a final note, I found something very helpful on ISTE. This site is called 21things3teachers (21t4t). There are literally 21 different aspects of EdTech. I suggest educators check out this website (along with ISTE) to have an understanding of what is expected of teachers and students in our digital age. These websites give you practical and helpful information about the digital age of teaching. The link for 21 things for teachers is: http://www.21things4students.net/

Have a great week and here’s to Fall Break!