Author Archive: Ashley Eivins: EDTECH Portfolio

Hardware Presentation

This presentation was created for educators wishing to learn more about computer hardware. The goal is for educators to gain an understanding of computer hardware and ideas for using hardware to enhance classroom instruction.

Computer Hardware Presentation Lesson Plan

Hardware Presentation Handout

Acceptable Use Policy

In a world driven by technology, school districts must be aware of the internet and its capabilities. It is also important for them to develop a plan regarding internet usage by students and staff. This is where an Acceptable Use Policy comes in.

“The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Internet Use is one of the most important documents a school will produce” (Education World, 2011).  The Media Awareness Network (2010) refers to an AUP as a written contract between administrators, teachers, parents and students. It should be seen as a legal document that is unique to your school or district, which protects the school and students, and provides information to parents.

Education World (2011) recommends incorporating the following properties in an AUP:

1. Preamble– states the purpose, goals, and procedures used in developing the plan.

2. Definitions– key words and terms present in the policy are defined to ensure student and parent understanding.

3. Policy Statement– a description of what the policy includes and under what circumstances students will be using the internet.

4. Acceptable Use Section– defines appropriate use of computers by students and employees.

5. Unacceptable Use Section– clearly defines inappropriate use of computers by students and employees. This section includes any websites deemed inappropriate, as well as unacceptable student behavior.

6. Violations/ Sanctions Section- provides information about how to report violations and where to find additional information.  Disciplinary actions may be specific or align with other actions indicated in the school’s rules and regulations.

It is important to keep in mind that each school or district’s policy will like differ. In addition, it’s not enough to simply have an AUP. It is the districts job to teach what is appropriate and why, and for teachers to faithfully reinforce the policies.

Examples of Acceptable Use Policies:

Campbell County School District- Gillette, Wyoming

Lake Washington School District

School District of Osceola, Florida

Carlisle Local School District- Carlisle, Florida

References:

EducationWorld. (2011).  Getting Started on the Internet:  Developing an acceptable use policy (AUP).  Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml

Media Awareness Network. (2010). Acceptable use policies for internet use. Retrieved from http://209.29.148.33/english/resources/special_initiatives/wa_resources/wa_teachers/backgrounders/acceptable_use.cfm

Relative Advantage Chart

Here is my Relative Advantage Chart. Creating it was simple, however, posting it was not!

AECT Standards

STANDARD 1 DESIGN Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to design conditions for learning by applying principles of instructional systems design, message design, instructional strategies, and learner characteristics.

 

1.1 Instructional Systems Design
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is an organized procedure that includes the steps of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instruction.
1.2 Message Design
Message design involves planning for the manipulation of the physical form of the message.
1.3 Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies are specifications for selecting and sequencing events and activities within a lesson.
1.4 Learner Characteristics
Learner characteristics are those facets of the learner’s experiential background that impact the effectiveness of a learning process.

 

 

STANDARD 2 DEVELOPMENT Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to develop instructional materials and experiences using print, audiovisual, computer-based, and integrated technologies. 
2.1 Print Technologies
Print technologies are ways to produce or deliver materials, such as books and static visual materials, primarily through mechanical or photographic printing processes.
2.2 Audiovisual Technologies
Audiovisual technologies are ways to produce or deliver materials by using mechanical devices or electronic machines to present auditory and visual messages.
2.3 Computer-Based Technologies
Computer-based technologies are ways to produce or deliver materials using microprocessor-based resources.
2.4 Integrated Technologies
Integrated technologies are ways to produce and deliver materials which encompass several forms of media under the control of a computer.

 

 

STANDARD 3 UTILIZATION Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to use processes and resources for learning by applying principles and theories of media utilization, diffusion, implementation, and policy-making. 
3.1 Media Utilization
Media utilization is the systematic use of resources for learning.
3.2 Diffusion of Innovations
Diffusion of innovations is the process of communicating through planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption.
3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization
Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated) settings. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation in the structure and culture of an organization.
3.4 Policies and Regulations
Policies and regulations are the rules and actions of society (or its surrogates) that affect the diffusion and use of Instructional Technology.

 

 

STANDARD 4 MANAGEMENT Candidates demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions to plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise instructional technology by applying principles of project, resource, delivery system, and information management. 
4.1 Project Management
Project management involves planning, monitoring, and controlling instructional design and development projects.
4.2 Resource Management
Resource management involves planning, monitoring, and controlling resource support systems and services.
4.3 Delivery System Management
Delivery system management involves planning, monitoring and controlling ‘the method by which distribution of instructional materials is organized’ . . . [It is] a combination of medium and method of usage that is employed to present instructional information to a learner.
4.4 Information Management
Information management involves planning, monitoring, and controlling the storage, transfer, or processing of information in order to provide resources for learning.

 

 

STANDARD 5 EVALUATION Candidates demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions to evaluate the adequacy of instruction and learning by applying principles of problem analysis, criterion-referenced measurement, formative and summative evaluation, and long-range planning. 
5.1 Problem Analysis
Problem analysis involves determining the nature and parameters of the problem by using information-gathering and decision-making strategies.
5.2 Criterion-Referenced Measurement
Criterion-referenced measurement involves techniques for determining learner mastery of pre-specified content.
5.3 Formative and Summative Evaluation
Formative evaluation involves gathering information on adequacy and using this information as a basis for further development. Summative evaluation involves gathering information on adequacy and using this information to make decisions about utilization.
5.4 Long-Range Planning
Long-range planning that focuses on the organization as a whole is strategic planning….Long-range is usually defined as a future period of about three to five years or longer. During strategic planning, managers are trying to decide in the present what must be done to ensure organizational success in the future.

Vision Statement

Why not integrate technology into education?!

Technology is a powerful tool that, when appropriately and effectively integrated into education, can and will guide 21st Century Learners to a life of endless possibility and success. The use of technology in the classroom motivates and engages students, supports their learning needs, and prepares them for future learning.

What are the benefits?

The integration of technology has many benefits. “Properly used, technology will help students acquire skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy.”(edutopia) Without being exposed to technology at school, many students, especially those of lower socially economic status, will struggle to compete for jobs because technology drives our economy. It is our job, as educators, to provide the best opportunities for our students’ success.

It’s up to YOU!

In order for technology to be beneficial to students and staff, teachers and administration need to be fully committed to its integration. “Effective technology integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process.” (edutopia) Whether it is further education or district-wide action, technology needs to be discovered, adopted, and used faithfully.

In the world of education, accountability can be a scary word, and some teachers would still rather avoid technology than believe in its efficiency. However, it is worth the risk! In fact, many programs, including Campbell County’s newly adopted Math In Focus and Everyday Counts programs, are designed with easy to use technology already integrated into them. Such technologies engage and motivate students by using interactive whiteboards and hands-on manipulatives. Students enjoy being able to actively manipulate tools, such as clocks and protractors.

Integration does require work though… you have to be willing to adjust. “Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means.” (edutopia) Classrooms today are overflowing with students from different backgrounds and with a variety of needs. Technology gives you the ability to differentiate instruction, allows students to work at their own pace, and allows you to assess individuals based on their unique abilities. All three factors help to provide the best possible education for every child.

The integration of technology may seem like a lot of work, but it will be quite rewarding. Technology can benefit both teachers and students if it is used effectively. Integrate it!

The video below supplements my vision of technology integration in education:

References:

“Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons are Many.” edutopia. The George Lucas Educational Foundation. 2012. Web. 7 June 2012.

Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013) Educational technology into teaching 6th edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Introduction

Hi All! My name is Ashley and I teach 4th grade in Gillette, Wyoming. I love my job, but feel as though I need to challenge myself and my students. This is why I am pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology from Boise State University. I’ve only taken 502 so far, but thoroughly enjoyed my experience and the webpages I was able to create. My goal is to effectively integrate technology into my instruction to enhance the education of my 21st Century Learners. I look forward to the rest of my masters and the world of technology I am bound to discover throughout the process.