Prompt #5

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) not only has a set of standards for promoting digital learning for students, but also a set of standards just for teachers. I will try my best to integrate the technology provided to me in my classroom by following these guidelines. I will apply the first standard, which is to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity, by promoting students to be creative when using the classroom technology. I do not want my students to be afraid of things like the SmartBoard or an iPad. Instead, I want them to be comfortable using these tools so that they can enhance their own learning experiences. I will implement the second standard, design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments, by using the pieces of technology in my classroom to their greatest extent. One way I could potentially do this is use school iPads to conduct a quiz or test. I would create the test on a teaching website, like Edmodo for example, then have the iPads in the classroom at the time of the test. This would eliminate wasted paper and allow my students to try a different test-taking method. I have also heard of a program called Class Mojo that allows students to chart and track their daily behavior through a program on the SmartBoard. This would allow students to make use of a piece of technology in the classroom in a way that is outside of the box. The third standard, model digital-age work and learning, could be achieved by me attending different workshops and sessions on new technology and how to apply it in the classroom. I could also ask for my students thoughts on how we could use the technology in our classroom in different ways, which would give me insight on what my students already know about our technology from previous classrooms they have been in. The fourth standard, promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility, is an important idea. Teachers and students are very fortunate to have so much technology available to them, but it is important to also teach students how to be safe and responsible using this technology. Things like plagiarism and copyright issues are becoming more and more common today because of things like the Internet. It is extremely important to emphasize to students that their OWN work and words are the only thing that is acceptable to hand in, and utilizing someone else’s thoughts and ideas without giving proper credit to them is unacceptable. Lastly, the fifth standard, engage in professional growth and leadership, is a responsibility of the teacher to promote digital technology in their classroom. I will strive to encourage the use of technology, and encourage my students to use our technology is new and creative ways every day.