Throughout my internship where I worked to update the technology plan at my school, I have been able to align my work with International Society for Technology in Education Technology Facilitation Standards. This page outlines these alignments.
TF-I. Technology Operations and Concepts. Education technology facilitators demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technology operations and concepts.
TF-I-A
Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology.
Technology is a great tool, but like any tool its value is in knowing what is available and how to use what is available. One part of the technology plan that I felt was important to include was a list of the resources and components available at my school. Often times I will overhear a coworker stating that they were unaware that a resource was available at my school. It was important to me to provide an updated list of resources and components within the Technology Plan because I feel this will help teachers not only identify the technology systems, resources, and services within my school but also become a starting point for conversations among how to best integrate these resources in the classrooms.
The artifact I have included is the updated Technology Component section of the Technology Plan. This is the list of resources that I feel should be given to every teacher and staff member. This list is also a focus of my Technology Plan Presentation and was shared with colleagues and outside stakeholders throughout my internship.
Artifact: Technology Component Section of the Updated Technology Plan
TF-I-B
Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
One of the most important teaching strategies to incorporate into one's classroom is to model, model, model. It is through modeling that learners can understand and visually connect concepts to application. One way I was able to model appropriate strategies essential to continued growth and development of understanding of technology operations and concepts through my internship was to become hands on in the process reviewing other technology plans. I learned from others. I used other models to not only influence the process I used to update the plan but to also demonstrate my own behaviors. I visited a school whose technology plan includes a 1:1 component and has been successful in its implementation. I then came back to my school and used some of the strategies I obtained from my visit in my own classroom, modeling for my colleagues. One of the biggest influences their model provided me was their Acceptable Use Policy. While the technology plan does not include an Acceptable Use Policy at this time, the information I obtained from the models has inspired me while working on this project.
I was also able to model the importance of continuing learn about technology and its ability to create new learning environments for our students. I did this by visiting schools and attending presentations and discussions regarding technology programs at other schools. During these visits, discussions, and presentations I absorbed information and wanted to share the information with my colleagues. For that reason, I always took notes and presented the information to others in meetings and later discussions. These notes provided me reference, inspiration, and information when I was updating various parts of the Technology Plan.
Artifact: Notes from an iPad Presentation
TF-IV. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
TF-IV-A
Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
The goal and mission of the technology plan I updated is to have technology tools become an integral component to student learning. With that said, the goal of the plan is to have student learning be improved with the use of technology tools. It is my hope that the plan will serve as a model for teachers to better understand the mission of technology within my school. I feel that by informing teachers of the plan, something that has not been a focus in the past, I am helping to assist them with bring technology into their instruction. Teachers can in turn begin to use technology to assess student learning of subject matter.
My schools has begun using technology to assess student learning on both small and large scales. For the past three years, I have helped to proctor our standardized assessment online. This process has helped me as an educator receive fast assessment results, and it has helped my students in testing taking format. Online standardized assessments provide students a focused format that has them look at one question at a time and eliminates the need for an answer sheet. This use of technology in assessment has seen very positive results in my school. This is one way my school is fulfilling the mission stated in the updated Technology Plan to “advance a rich, student-centered learning environment integrating technology thru all facets of the educational experience."
As the artifacts to support my fulfillment of this standard I have included the updated Technology Plan's Mission and Goals and the updated Technology Components. I feel this artifact reflects where my school is heading including a focus on providing the back office support needed create a "learning environment integrating technology thru all facets of the educational experience" including assessment.
Artifact 1: Updated Technology Plan Mission and Goals
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Technology Components
TF-IV-B
Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
One of the ways my internship has helped me guide teachers as they use technology is by providing teachers with a resource that they may not have been aware was available. I have worked within my school community for 7 years, and the technology plan was never made a focus or even provided as a guide. My goal was to change that. I wanted to make teachers aware of both the expectations and the benefits of technology resources within my school. The updated Technology Plan can easily become this resource for faculty and staff at my school.
It is also through the PowerPoint Presentation that I used to showcase the main areas of the Technology Plan that affected faculty and staff that I feel I have been able to provide guidance to teachers as they use technology through my internship. This PowerPoint Presentation can provide guidance and be used as a way to communicate technology expectations and ways technology can help to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning to new employees at later times.
Artifact: Technology Plan PowerPoint Presentation
TF-IV-C
Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
One of the areas that was a continual focus during my internship was the implementation of a 1:1 device program. Because this was a main focus, the continual evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity was also a main focus and common element of discussion during my internship.
One of the main topics of evaluation was what device my school should use when moving to a 1:1 device program. Since I joined the Technology Committee and become a teacher representative for several other meetings, presentations, and school visitations, to better fulfill my role during my internship, I was present and a part of evaluation processes and discussions in regards to what would be the best technology resource for my school's students. The methods of evaluation included visiting other schools, meeting with administrators, teachers, and students who are already using devices, reviewing presented researching during meetings, reviewing both budget and infrastructures, and reviewing and discussing the use of an iPad cart my school purchased as a pilot program.
It was through a thorough evaluation process that my school decided to move forward and include in the technology plan a 1:1 device program using iPads as the technology resource that will begin in August 2015 with the incoming 6th graders.
The three artifacts I have chosen to showcase that I have met this standards are my notes on outside research I found to help better understand technology programs and plans, notes from a presentation and discussion I attended on the iPad, and a sample of a Technology Committee agenda where evaluations of programs and resources would take place.
Artifact 1: Technology Plan Outside Research
Artifact 2: iPad Presentation/Discussion Notes
Artifact 3: Technology Committee Agenda
TF-V. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to enhance and improve personal productivity and professional practice.
TF-V-A
Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
Technology updates and changes occur at such a rapid pace that it would be impossible to both keep up with the trends and develop understandings of all the resources available. Technology has now become such an integral element in education that in order for a teacher to create a learning environment that supports the preparation students need to be successful in the 21st century a teacher needs to be willing to participate opportunities that allow for them to professional grow in the area of technology.
One way I ensure my professional development and growth in the area of technology is through my membership in the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). It was through a course within the Loyola University Educational Technology program that it was recommended to become a member of ISTE. Since that course, I have renewed my personal membership and used the resources to help guide me as an educator and life longer learner. I continually use the standards and resources my membership provides me through lessons, as well as discussions with administrators or colleagues. I have included a screen shot that includes my membership ID number as proof of my ISTE membership.
My ISTE membership also allows me to better understand the strategies used within my school to integrate the
technology plan because as it is stated in the technology plan, my school uses ISTE Standards within our curriculum development and implementation.
Artifact: ISTE Member ID
TF-V-B
Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.
Every good teacher evaluates and reflects after a lesson, a unit, a trimester, a school year. They ask themselves what worked and what did not work. The evaluate the approaches they took and the resources they used. Their goal is to improve the learning experiences they provide in support of student learning. When it comes to bringing technology into one's classroom, a teacher needs to use the same process they would any other lesson and additionally they need evaluate a resource prior to its use.
Throughout the time I have devoted to working towards the completion of my internship I have had many opportunities to continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice with the goal of making informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning. One of the main areas I have evaluated and reflected on my professional practice during this time was in reference to the use of the iPad cart. Upon joining my school's Technology Committee to help fulfill my goal of assisting in the updating of my school's technology plan, it became a responsibility of mine to evaluate and reflect any time I integrated the use of iPads in my classroom. I was then responsible for sharing my reflections and findings when I met with the committee. These reflections and evaluations not only helped me make informed decisions regarding the use of technology to support student learning within my own classroom, but to help make informed decisions regarding the implementation of a 1:1 device program to support student learning.
Another way I have reflected personally and professional throughout this internship has been through my Internship Reflection Blog. This blog allowed me to explain in a different format the process I took while updating my school's Technology Plan and ultimately become a technology leader.
Artifact: Internship Reflection Blog
TF-V-C
Apply technology to increase productivity.
One of the goals stated in the updated technology plan is to "use effective communications to convey information to [my school's] community." To meet this goal my school implements the use of a distance learning system, eChalk. This is software platform that closes the gap between the classroom and anyway else a student may be. It is the responsibility of a teacher to keep their personal eChalk page updated and clear for both student and parent use. This is a distance learning system I actively use professionally. The use of distance learning platforms is also clearly stated in the update Technology Plan I created through my internship.
Another web-based application we use within my school where technology is used to increase productivity is Rubicon. This is a web-based application that allows for collaborative curriculum mapping and development. This program allows my school to connect and form relationships with other schools in regards to curriculum, standards, and resources. Teachers and administrators are able to share independently created curriculum maps, as well as develop curriculum maps together without the limitation of only using on-site resources.
A distance learning system I use to help support my journey as a life long learner personally is a Ning network hosted by two Loyola University professors in support of professional development in the areas of UbD and PLC, Learning and Leading by Design. My participation in this distance learning system has allowed me to communicate and collaborate with teachers from other schools and in different areas. We have been able to learn from each other, discuss, and reflect even though we are separated by distance and time. This distance learning system also supports the strategy of creating relationships with other schools and organizations stated in the updated Technology Plan. The relationship created between my school and Loyola University has allowed for opportunities to create relationships with other schools and ultimately learn from each other and collaborate in new ways.
Another use of technology that my school has began to use this past spring is Google Accounts and Google Docs. The use of these applications have allowed both students and teachers to collaborate outside of the walls of the classroom and support their personal growth in the use of technology.
As an artifact, I have included screen shots of both of eChalk and the LLBD Ning distance learning systems as validation of my participation in them. Due to the confidential nature of the information posted use the Rubicon application it would not be appropriate to post. I also as a second artifact I have included a screenshot of showcasing an example of a student-teacher collaboration product using Google Docs. As the moderator of the Student Government Association, I have worked with the student president to collaborate to organize events and meetings using Google Docs. This has been a great resource because I do not have an opportunity within a classroom setting to work with members of the SGA.
Artifact 1: Professional and Personal Distance Learning Systems
Artifact 2: Google Doc Example of Student-Teacher Collaboration
TF-V-D
Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
It is through my personal use of the distance learning systems stated in the standard TF-V-C that I demonstrate the use of technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning. eChalk requires me to maintain my personal webpage to support communicate with students and parents. My participating the Leading and Learning by Design online platform hosted by Ning showcases my participation in online collaborative curricular projects.
As an artifact to showcase my fulfillment of this standard I have chosen to provide a screenshot of my personal eChalk webpage. eChalk is something that I found through my internship to be a key communication resource supported by our technology program and stated frequently in the Technology Plan. Before working through my internship, I never fully understood the importance eChalk. Now I better understand how technology plays a major role in the employment of communication within an organization.
Artifact: eChalk - Communication Resource
TF-VIII. Educational technology facilitators will contribute to the shared vision for campus integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the realization of the vision.
TF-VIII-A
Utilize school technology facilities and resources to implement classroom instruction.
One of the ways I ensured that the updates I made within my school's technology plan were current and appropriate was by researching other technology plans, as well as continually emerging myself in opportunities that pertained to the area of 1:1 device implementation.
I often met with my administrator or Technology Manager/Director after visiting a school or participating in a presentation or information session. Together we would discuss what we observed and learned from these events and then evaluate any resources, programs, or strategies for their appropriateness within our school. These types of discussions and evaluations also took place during Technology Committee meetings. I specifically facilitated a discussion and evaluation of educational technology in regards to research when I brought my researched findings to a Technology Committee meeting as a meeting's focus.
As my artifacts for this standard the first artifact I am including samples of notes I took throughout my internship. The second artifact is the key points I provided for the discussion I facilitated and led regarding the evaluation of educational technology in regards to research during a Technology Committee meeting. The third artifact are the key points I provided for the Technology Committee meeting I led with the inclusion of after-discussion notes/ideas. These notes are in red font.
Artifact 1: Internship Note Samples
Artifact 2: Technology Committee Outside Research Key Points for Discussion
Artifact 3: After-Discussion Technology Committee Outside Research Notes
TF-VIII-B
Apply strategies for and knowledge of issues related to managing the change process in schools.
One of the key components of my internship was to update an outdated technology plan. By nature, this included lots of discussion regarding the history of technology use in schools, especially within mine.
It was during meetings with my principal that I found out she was one of the original technology plan writers. It was from her that I gained an understanding of why certain components were included in the original plan and what was the intention behind specific goals and strategies. Her insight allowed me to understand the growth that has taken place within the area of technology not just within my school but within our world. Her insight also allowed me to gain knowledge on how change has occurred within my school in relation to technology and how we can help support others in the continuance of the change process needed to meet the needs of technology in education today.
One of the of things that my principal said that I felt expressed in the most clear way my school's philosophy on change was when she said she believes as a school we need to "challenge ourselves to look past what we are currently doing and look for the best parts of what is available and use them to support student learning in the 21st century." This became a view of change I kept in mind as I worked through my internship.
Throughout my participation within the Educational Technology Program I have come to understand the importance of the change process and how all changes need to be evaluated and should be approached with an open mind. As a result of my internship created a section within the Technology Plan focused on the evaluation process that can be taken in order to evaluate and/or modify any change that is made within the my school as a result or reflection of the updated Technology Plan. This section showcases my understanding of the value of evaluating change.
The first artifact I am including to showcase how I have met this standard are the notes from a meeting I had with my administration during my internship that include these inspirational words from my principal. I feel that these words support my school's strategy to support the change process. The second artifact I am including is the Evaluation Process section from the updated Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: Notes with Strategy to Support the Change Process Administration Quote
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Evaluation Process
TF-VIII-C
Apply effective group skills.
One of the strategies stated in the updated technology plan I created as a product during my internship is to create relationships with other schools and organizations to better support student learning and teacher development and collaboration. Partnerships with other schools and organizations can not only provide individuals and schools with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of a particular resource but also allow for all parties involved to create and support the use of new ideas or resources. As stated in the updated technology plan "it has become a continual focus to challenge ourselves as a school community to look past what we are doing and create relationships with others and other schools and organizations. It is through these relationships that both faculty and administration can better understand available resources, collaborate with others, and create new ideas and new resources. The strategy of creating relationships with others will help to not limit our learning opportunities and strengthen areas within our community."
As stated in the above standard TF-V-C, my school already does have in place partnerships with outside schools and organizations. It can be understood through the updated Professional Development section of the updated Technology Plan that my school's continuance with these partnerships will only grow and strengthen moving forward. These partnerships have allowed for administration, faculty, and staff to no longer be limited to the resources, physical and creative, within my school's building's walls. These partnerships showcase the use of technology within the development of relationships with outside schools and organizations.
The artifact I have included to showcase my fulfillment of these standard is the updated Professional Development section of the Technology Plan with the areas focused on the creation of relationships with others and the goal of more collaboration and partnerships highlighted.
Artifact: Professional Development Section of Technology Plan with Highlighted Areas of Collaboration and Partnerships- Importance of Group Skills
TF-VIII-D
Lead development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation.
One of the technology resources in which my school has stated within the Technology Plan as an essential resource to teachers and will provide necessary professional development and support is Rubicon curriculum mapping. During the summer of 2014 I was asked to join a group of ELA teachers to help develop the Archdiocese of Baltimore ELA Curriculum. We used Rubicon as the tool to develop, manage, and share the curriculum we created. This was my first participation in a cooperative group process. The curriculum we created reflects both national and local standards. Because of this, I was able to identify and discuss the use of technology in terms of national and local standards. I was discuss curriculum activities that meet both national and local standards. After discussions, I was able to collaborate with others to eventually publish descriptions of curriculum activities that meet both national and local standards. My participation in this cooperative group reflects my Technology Plan's integration and support of Rubicon curriculum mapping.
Another way this standard is met through my internship is through the process I have taken and discussions I have had during the development of the technology plan updates. Over the course of my internship, I have discussed and overcame issues that one who is tasked with the updating or creating of a technology plan may face. I have found that a stress on professional development and strategies is helpful if faculty and staff are made aware of its connection to both a plan's mission and goals. I have discovered that a technology plan needs to reflect and support other plans and goals that have been put in place within a school. I have learned that a school is composed of many other people than just its daily faculty and staff; its stakeholders are more involved than I had original thought. It was through these discoveries that I feel I now have a better understanding of what I means to be a leader.
As a result of my internship I also created a section within the Technology Plan focused on the evaluation process that can be taken in order to evaluate and/or modify any change that is made within the my school as a result or reflection of the updated Technology Plan. This section showcases my understanding of the value of evaluating change. I also provide my personal reflection of this section in my Internship Reflection Blog.
The first artifact for this standard I have included sections that are within the updated Technology Plan that directly correlate to my school's focus on technology incorporation to support development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation specifically using Rubicon and cloud-based technologies. The second artifact is the updated Evaluation Process section of the Technology Plan. The third artifact I have included is a link to "If we change, what will we notice," blog post. This post discusses my personal reflection of the Evaluation Process section of the Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: Showcase of Rubicon and Cloud-Based Technologies Incorporation within the Technology Plan to Support Development and Evaluation of District Technology Planning and Implementation
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Evaluation Process
Artifact 3: If we change, what will we notice? Blog Post
TF-VIII-E
Engage in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors.
As one of the aspects of my internship I was able to attend presentations and school visits that pertained to the implementation of programs that focused on the use of technology resources. These field-based experiences, which I attended with my Technology Manager/Director, allowed me to meet with other accomplished technology facilitators and directors to discuss and evaluate their programs. I was able to see both the employment of technology programs within classrooms and with staff members, as well as see the back offices they have established to successful run their programs. These experiences allowed me to examine components in action that I would not have been able to truly understand had I been limited to only research-based information. These experiences helped me to better understand what would be appropriate and necessary to include in the updated technology plan for my school.
As artifacts to support my fulfillment of this standard, I have included links to both my School Visit Reflection and An iPad Dinner blog posts. These two reflections that I wrote during my internship showcase my participation in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors. I also included sample notes from a variety of meetings I had with my Technology Manager/Director. These artifacts show how I was able to examine and determine components needed for future effective field-based experiences in instructional program development, professional development, facility and resource management, and managing change related to technology use in school-based setting. They show how I have not only gained an awareness of what is needed for the successful implementation of a Technology Plan, but also show that I can use the information I gained to determine what is needed in order for the deployment of the implementation of the sections of the Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: School Reflection Blog Post
Artifact 2: An iPad Dinner Blog Post
Artifact 3: Internship Note Samples
TF-I. Technology Operations and Concepts. Education technology facilitators demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technology operations and concepts.
TF-I-A
Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology.
Technology is a great tool, but like any tool its value is in knowing what is available and how to use what is available. One part of the technology plan that I felt was important to include was a list of the resources and components available at my school. Often times I will overhear a coworker stating that they were unaware that a resource was available at my school. It was important to me to provide an updated list of resources and components within the Technology Plan because I feel this will help teachers not only identify the technology systems, resources, and services within my school but also become a starting point for conversations among how to best integrate these resources in the classrooms.
The artifact I have included is the updated Technology Component section of the Technology Plan. This is the list of resources that I feel should be given to every teacher and staff member. This list is also a focus of my Technology Plan Presentation and was shared with colleagues and outside stakeholders throughout my internship.
Artifact: Technology Component Section of the Updated Technology Plan
TF-I-B
Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
One of the most important teaching strategies to incorporate into one's classroom is to model, model, model. It is through modeling that learners can understand and visually connect concepts to application. One way I was able to model appropriate strategies essential to continued growth and development of understanding of technology operations and concepts through my internship was to become hands on in the process reviewing other technology plans. I learned from others. I used other models to not only influence the process I used to update the plan but to also demonstrate my own behaviors. I visited a school whose technology plan includes a 1:1 component and has been successful in its implementation. I then came back to my school and used some of the strategies I obtained from my visit in my own classroom, modeling for my colleagues. One of the biggest influences their model provided me was their Acceptable Use Policy. While the technology plan does not include an Acceptable Use Policy at this time, the information I obtained from the models has inspired me while working on this project.
I was also able to model the importance of continuing learn about technology and its ability to create new learning environments for our students. I did this by visiting schools and attending presentations and discussions regarding technology programs at other schools. During these visits, discussions, and presentations I absorbed information and wanted to share the information with my colleagues. For that reason, I always took notes and presented the information to others in meetings and later discussions. These notes provided me reference, inspiration, and information when I was updating various parts of the Technology Plan.
Artifact: Notes from an iPad Presentation
TF-IV. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
TF-IV-A
Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
The goal and mission of the technology plan I updated is to have technology tools become an integral component to student learning. With that said, the goal of the plan is to have student learning be improved with the use of technology tools. It is my hope that the plan will serve as a model for teachers to better understand the mission of technology within my school. I feel that by informing teachers of the plan, something that has not been a focus in the past, I am helping to assist them with bring technology into their instruction. Teachers can in turn begin to use technology to assess student learning of subject matter.
My schools has begun using technology to assess student learning on both small and large scales. For the past three years, I have helped to proctor our standardized assessment online. This process has helped me as an educator receive fast assessment results, and it has helped my students in testing taking format. Online standardized assessments provide students a focused format that has them look at one question at a time and eliminates the need for an answer sheet. This use of technology in assessment has seen very positive results in my school. This is one way my school is fulfilling the mission stated in the updated Technology Plan to “advance a rich, student-centered learning environment integrating technology thru all facets of the educational experience."
As the artifacts to support my fulfillment of this standard I have included the updated Technology Plan's Mission and Goals and the updated Technology Components. I feel this artifact reflects where my school is heading including a focus on providing the back office support needed create a "learning environment integrating technology thru all facets of the educational experience" including assessment.
Artifact 1: Updated Technology Plan Mission and Goals
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Technology Components
TF-IV-B
Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
One of the ways my internship has helped me guide teachers as they use technology is by providing teachers with a resource that they may not have been aware was available. I have worked within my school community for 7 years, and the technology plan was never made a focus or even provided as a guide. My goal was to change that. I wanted to make teachers aware of both the expectations and the benefits of technology resources within my school. The updated Technology Plan can easily become this resource for faculty and staff at my school.
It is also through the PowerPoint Presentation that I used to showcase the main areas of the Technology Plan that affected faculty and staff that I feel I have been able to provide guidance to teachers as they use technology through my internship. This PowerPoint Presentation can provide guidance and be used as a way to communicate technology expectations and ways technology can help to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning to new employees at later times.
Artifact: Technology Plan PowerPoint Presentation
TF-IV-C
Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
One of the areas that was a continual focus during my internship was the implementation of a 1:1 device program. Because this was a main focus, the continual evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity was also a main focus and common element of discussion during my internship.
One of the main topics of evaluation was what device my school should use when moving to a 1:1 device program. Since I joined the Technology Committee and become a teacher representative for several other meetings, presentations, and school visitations, to better fulfill my role during my internship, I was present and a part of evaluation processes and discussions in regards to what would be the best technology resource for my school's students. The methods of evaluation included visiting other schools, meeting with administrators, teachers, and students who are already using devices, reviewing presented researching during meetings, reviewing both budget and infrastructures, and reviewing and discussing the use of an iPad cart my school purchased as a pilot program.
It was through a thorough evaluation process that my school decided to move forward and include in the technology plan a 1:1 device program using iPads as the technology resource that will begin in August 2015 with the incoming 6th graders.
The three artifacts I have chosen to showcase that I have met this standards are my notes on outside research I found to help better understand technology programs and plans, notes from a presentation and discussion I attended on the iPad, and a sample of a Technology Committee agenda where evaluations of programs and resources would take place.
Artifact 1: Technology Plan Outside Research
Artifact 2: iPad Presentation/Discussion Notes
Artifact 3: Technology Committee Agenda
TF-V. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to enhance and improve personal productivity and professional practice.
TF-V-A
Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
Technology updates and changes occur at such a rapid pace that it would be impossible to both keep up with the trends and develop understandings of all the resources available. Technology has now become such an integral element in education that in order for a teacher to create a learning environment that supports the preparation students need to be successful in the 21st century a teacher needs to be willing to participate opportunities that allow for them to professional grow in the area of technology.
One way I ensure my professional development and growth in the area of technology is through my membership in the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). It was through a course within the Loyola University Educational Technology program that it was recommended to become a member of ISTE. Since that course, I have renewed my personal membership and used the resources to help guide me as an educator and life longer learner. I continually use the standards and resources my membership provides me through lessons, as well as discussions with administrators or colleagues. I have included a screen shot that includes my membership ID number as proof of my ISTE membership.
My ISTE membership also allows me to better understand the strategies used within my school to integrate the
technology plan because as it is stated in the technology plan, my school uses ISTE Standards within our curriculum development and implementation.
Artifact: ISTE Member ID
TF-V-B
Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.
Every good teacher evaluates and reflects after a lesson, a unit, a trimester, a school year. They ask themselves what worked and what did not work. The evaluate the approaches they took and the resources they used. Their goal is to improve the learning experiences they provide in support of student learning. When it comes to bringing technology into one's classroom, a teacher needs to use the same process they would any other lesson and additionally they need evaluate a resource prior to its use.
Throughout the time I have devoted to working towards the completion of my internship I have had many opportunities to continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice with the goal of making informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning. One of the main areas I have evaluated and reflected on my professional practice during this time was in reference to the use of the iPad cart. Upon joining my school's Technology Committee to help fulfill my goal of assisting in the updating of my school's technology plan, it became a responsibility of mine to evaluate and reflect any time I integrated the use of iPads in my classroom. I was then responsible for sharing my reflections and findings when I met with the committee. These reflections and evaluations not only helped me make informed decisions regarding the use of technology to support student learning within my own classroom, but to help make informed decisions regarding the implementation of a 1:1 device program to support student learning.
Another way I have reflected personally and professional throughout this internship has been through my Internship Reflection Blog. This blog allowed me to explain in a different format the process I took while updating my school's Technology Plan and ultimately become a technology leader.
Artifact: Internship Reflection Blog
TF-V-C
Apply technology to increase productivity.
One of the goals stated in the updated technology plan is to "use effective communications to convey information to [my school's] community." To meet this goal my school implements the use of a distance learning system, eChalk. This is software platform that closes the gap between the classroom and anyway else a student may be. It is the responsibility of a teacher to keep their personal eChalk page updated and clear for both student and parent use. This is a distance learning system I actively use professionally. The use of distance learning platforms is also clearly stated in the update Technology Plan I created through my internship.
Another web-based application we use within my school where technology is used to increase productivity is Rubicon. This is a web-based application that allows for collaborative curriculum mapping and development. This program allows my school to connect and form relationships with other schools in regards to curriculum, standards, and resources. Teachers and administrators are able to share independently created curriculum maps, as well as develop curriculum maps together without the limitation of only using on-site resources.
A distance learning system I use to help support my journey as a life long learner personally is a Ning network hosted by two Loyola University professors in support of professional development in the areas of UbD and PLC, Learning and Leading by Design. My participation in this distance learning system has allowed me to communicate and collaborate with teachers from other schools and in different areas. We have been able to learn from each other, discuss, and reflect even though we are separated by distance and time. This distance learning system also supports the strategy of creating relationships with other schools and organizations stated in the updated Technology Plan. The relationship created between my school and Loyola University has allowed for opportunities to create relationships with other schools and ultimately learn from each other and collaborate in new ways.
Another use of technology that my school has began to use this past spring is Google Accounts and Google Docs. The use of these applications have allowed both students and teachers to collaborate outside of the walls of the classroom and support their personal growth in the use of technology.
As an artifact, I have included screen shots of both of eChalk and the LLBD Ning distance learning systems as validation of my participation in them. Due to the confidential nature of the information posted use the Rubicon application it would not be appropriate to post. I also as a second artifact I have included a screenshot of showcasing an example of a student-teacher collaboration product using Google Docs. As the moderator of the Student Government Association, I have worked with the student president to collaborate to organize events and meetings using Google Docs. This has been a great resource because I do not have an opportunity within a classroom setting to work with members of the SGA.
Artifact 1: Professional and Personal Distance Learning Systems
Artifact 2: Google Doc Example of Student-Teacher Collaboration
TF-V-D
Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
It is through my personal use of the distance learning systems stated in the standard TF-V-C that I demonstrate the use of technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning. eChalk requires me to maintain my personal webpage to support communicate with students and parents. My participating the Leading and Learning by Design online platform hosted by Ning showcases my participation in online collaborative curricular projects.
As an artifact to showcase my fulfillment of this standard I have chosen to provide a screenshot of my personal eChalk webpage. eChalk is something that I found through my internship to be a key communication resource supported by our technology program and stated frequently in the Technology Plan. Before working through my internship, I never fully understood the importance eChalk. Now I better understand how technology plays a major role in the employment of communication within an organization.
Artifact: eChalk - Communication Resource
TF-VIII. Educational technology facilitators will contribute to the shared vision for campus integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the realization of the vision.
TF-VIII-A
Utilize school technology facilities and resources to implement classroom instruction.
One of the ways I ensured that the updates I made within my school's technology plan were current and appropriate was by researching other technology plans, as well as continually emerging myself in opportunities that pertained to the area of 1:1 device implementation.
I often met with my administrator or Technology Manager/Director after visiting a school or participating in a presentation or information session. Together we would discuss what we observed and learned from these events and then evaluate any resources, programs, or strategies for their appropriateness within our school. These types of discussions and evaluations also took place during Technology Committee meetings. I specifically facilitated a discussion and evaluation of educational technology in regards to research when I brought my researched findings to a Technology Committee meeting as a meeting's focus.
As my artifacts for this standard the first artifact I am including samples of notes I took throughout my internship. The second artifact is the key points I provided for the discussion I facilitated and led regarding the evaluation of educational technology in regards to research during a Technology Committee meeting. The third artifact are the key points I provided for the Technology Committee meeting I led with the inclusion of after-discussion notes/ideas. These notes are in red font.
Artifact 1: Internship Note Samples
Artifact 2: Technology Committee Outside Research Key Points for Discussion
Artifact 3: After-Discussion Technology Committee Outside Research Notes
TF-VIII-B
Apply strategies for and knowledge of issues related to managing the change process in schools.
One of the key components of my internship was to update an outdated technology plan. By nature, this included lots of discussion regarding the history of technology use in schools, especially within mine.
It was during meetings with my principal that I found out she was one of the original technology plan writers. It was from her that I gained an understanding of why certain components were included in the original plan and what was the intention behind specific goals and strategies. Her insight allowed me to understand the growth that has taken place within the area of technology not just within my school but within our world. Her insight also allowed me to gain knowledge on how change has occurred within my school in relation to technology and how we can help support others in the continuance of the change process needed to meet the needs of technology in education today.
One of the of things that my principal said that I felt expressed in the most clear way my school's philosophy on change was when she said she believes as a school we need to "challenge ourselves to look past what we are currently doing and look for the best parts of what is available and use them to support student learning in the 21st century." This became a view of change I kept in mind as I worked through my internship.
Throughout my participation within the Educational Technology Program I have come to understand the importance of the change process and how all changes need to be evaluated and should be approached with an open mind. As a result of my internship created a section within the Technology Plan focused on the evaluation process that can be taken in order to evaluate and/or modify any change that is made within the my school as a result or reflection of the updated Technology Plan. This section showcases my understanding of the value of evaluating change.
The first artifact I am including to showcase how I have met this standard are the notes from a meeting I had with my administration during my internship that include these inspirational words from my principal. I feel that these words support my school's strategy to support the change process. The second artifact I am including is the Evaluation Process section from the updated Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: Notes with Strategy to Support the Change Process Administration Quote
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Evaluation Process
TF-VIII-C
Apply effective group skills.
One of the strategies stated in the updated technology plan I created as a product during my internship is to create relationships with other schools and organizations to better support student learning and teacher development and collaboration. Partnerships with other schools and organizations can not only provide individuals and schools with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of a particular resource but also allow for all parties involved to create and support the use of new ideas or resources. As stated in the updated technology plan "it has become a continual focus to challenge ourselves as a school community to look past what we are doing and create relationships with others and other schools and organizations. It is through these relationships that both faculty and administration can better understand available resources, collaborate with others, and create new ideas and new resources. The strategy of creating relationships with others will help to not limit our learning opportunities and strengthen areas within our community."
As stated in the above standard TF-V-C, my school already does have in place partnerships with outside schools and organizations. It can be understood through the updated Professional Development section of the updated Technology Plan that my school's continuance with these partnerships will only grow and strengthen moving forward. These partnerships have allowed for administration, faculty, and staff to no longer be limited to the resources, physical and creative, within my school's building's walls. These partnerships showcase the use of technology within the development of relationships with outside schools and organizations.
The artifact I have included to showcase my fulfillment of these standard is the updated Professional Development section of the Technology Plan with the areas focused on the creation of relationships with others and the goal of more collaboration and partnerships highlighted.
Artifact: Professional Development Section of Technology Plan with Highlighted Areas of Collaboration and Partnerships- Importance of Group Skills
TF-VIII-D
Lead development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation.
One of the technology resources in which my school has stated within the Technology Plan as an essential resource to teachers and will provide necessary professional development and support is Rubicon curriculum mapping. During the summer of 2014 I was asked to join a group of ELA teachers to help develop the Archdiocese of Baltimore ELA Curriculum. We used Rubicon as the tool to develop, manage, and share the curriculum we created. This was my first participation in a cooperative group process. The curriculum we created reflects both national and local standards. Because of this, I was able to identify and discuss the use of technology in terms of national and local standards. I was discuss curriculum activities that meet both national and local standards. After discussions, I was able to collaborate with others to eventually publish descriptions of curriculum activities that meet both national and local standards. My participation in this cooperative group reflects my Technology Plan's integration and support of Rubicon curriculum mapping.
Another way this standard is met through my internship is through the process I have taken and discussions I have had during the development of the technology plan updates. Over the course of my internship, I have discussed and overcame issues that one who is tasked with the updating or creating of a technology plan may face. I have found that a stress on professional development and strategies is helpful if faculty and staff are made aware of its connection to both a plan's mission and goals. I have discovered that a technology plan needs to reflect and support other plans and goals that have been put in place within a school. I have learned that a school is composed of many other people than just its daily faculty and staff; its stakeholders are more involved than I had original thought. It was through these discoveries that I feel I now have a better understanding of what I means to be a leader.
As a result of my internship I also created a section within the Technology Plan focused on the evaluation process that can be taken in order to evaluate and/or modify any change that is made within the my school as a result or reflection of the updated Technology Plan. This section showcases my understanding of the value of evaluating change. I also provide my personal reflection of this section in my Internship Reflection Blog.
The first artifact for this standard I have included sections that are within the updated Technology Plan that directly correlate to my school's focus on technology incorporation to support development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation specifically using Rubicon and cloud-based technologies. The second artifact is the updated Evaluation Process section of the Technology Plan. The third artifact I have included is a link to "If we change, what will we notice," blog post. This post discusses my personal reflection of the Evaluation Process section of the Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: Showcase of Rubicon and Cloud-Based Technologies Incorporation within the Technology Plan to Support Development and Evaluation of District Technology Planning and Implementation
Artifact 2: Updated Technology Plan Evaluation Process
Artifact 3: If we change, what will we notice? Blog Post
TF-VIII-E
Engage in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors.
As one of the aspects of my internship I was able to attend presentations and school visits that pertained to the implementation of programs that focused on the use of technology resources. These field-based experiences, which I attended with my Technology Manager/Director, allowed me to meet with other accomplished technology facilitators and directors to discuss and evaluate their programs. I was able to see both the employment of technology programs within classrooms and with staff members, as well as see the back offices they have established to successful run their programs. These experiences allowed me to examine components in action that I would not have been able to truly understand had I been limited to only research-based information. These experiences helped me to better understand what would be appropriate and necessary to include in the updated technology plan for my school.
As artifacts to support my fulfillment of this standard, I have included links to both my School Visit Reflection and An iPad Dinner blog posts. These two reflections that I wrote during my internship showcase my participation in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors. I also included sample notes from a variety of meetings I had with my Technology Manager/Director. These artifacts show how I was able to examine and determine components needed for future effective field-based experiences in instructional program development, professional development, facility and resource management, and managing change related to technology use in school-based setting. They show how I have not only gained an awareness of what is needed for the successful implementation of a Technology Plan, but also show that I can use the information I gained to determine what is needed in order for the deployment of the implementation of the sections of the Technology Plan.
Artifact 1: School Reflection Blog Post
Artifact 2: An iPad Dinner Blog Post
Artifact 3: Internship Note Samples