Shannan
Muskopf
Master's Degree in Educational Technology
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1.0
Professional studies culminating in the educational computing and technology
literacy endorsement prepare candidates to use computers and related technologies
in educational settings. All candidates seeking initial certification
or endorsements in teacher preparation programs should have opportunities
to meet the educational technology foundations standards.
Reflection:
Technology literacy is a term used to describe a basic knowledge
of computers, which includes how to operate systems and various
programs. I believe Standard 1 ecompasses all the knowledge I have
acquired by having computers in my professional and personal life.
Though courses at the University of Missouri have supplemented my
knowledge and revealed gaps, the majority of these competencies
I have acquired outside course work as a part of my personal and
professional life. I believe I have acquired "technology literacy".
Though most of skills have developed through trial and error, I
am confident that past experience gives me insight into tackling
new technology.
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1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3
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1.1
Basic Computer/Technology Operations and Concepts.
Candidates
will use computer systems-run software; to access, generate, and manipulate
data; and to publish results. They will also evaluate performance of hardware
and software components of computer systems and apply basic troubleshooting
strategies as needed.
1.1.1
operate a multimedia computer system with related peripheral devices to
successfully install and use a variety of software package.
As
a classroom teacher, I have had to install and operate a variety of
software, including applications that are downloadable via websites
and programs that must be installed from a disk. Because the school
computers are networked, some programs are only accessible from the
central server and must be installed by the technology director. Though
it is necessary to be able to access these applications from the server
and not individual computers. I've also had some experience with installing
hardware related to peripheral devices, such as printers and digital
cameras.
1.1.2 use terminology related to computers and technology appropriately
in written and oral communications.
Being
able to communicate effectively is an important component of educational
technology. Both students and staff members often have a limited vocabulary
when it comes to technology. One of the biggest complaints among staff
members is that they don't understand the language of the computer and
it's very hard to troubleshoot computers when they don't understand
the words being used. Though I know technological terms like "universal
resource locater" and "network printing", I also adjust
my vocabulary to meet the needs of the audience.
1.1.3 describe and implement basic troubleshooting techniques for multimedia
computer systems with related peripheral devices.
Due
to many of the computers at the school being networked, many of the
peripheral devices are shared among computers. I have extensive experience
with troubleshooting minor computer problems, including computers that
are networked.
1.1.4 use imaging devices such as scanners, digital cameras, and/or video
cameras with computer systems and software.
In
my classroom, I have both a digital camera and a scanner, which are
used for both the creation of my school-related websites and for student
projects. I have also instructed students and other staff members in
using these devices.
Fetal
Pig Dissection - images recorded with Digital Camera
1.1.5 demonstrate knowledge of uses of computers and technology in business,
industry, and society.
My
extensive experience with the school computers and labs have given me
a very broad knowledge base about computers. My personal experience
with web design, which later developed into a professional experience
as I was asked to create the school website has given me a solid understanding
of the how technology can promote learning and information exchange
between the school and the community.
1.2
Personal and Professional Use of Technology.
Candidates
will apply tools for enhancing their own professional growth and productivity.
They will use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research,
and solving problems. In addition, they will plan and participate in activities
that encourage lifelong learning and will promote equitable, ethical,
and legal use of computer/technology resources.
1.2.1
use productivity tools for word processing, database management, and spreadsheet
applications.
I
use spreadsheets, wordprocessing and databases in the daily planning
and preparation of my classroom. Grades are kept on a gradebook program
and spreadsheets are used by myself and my students to compile and organize
data from experiments performed in class. I have also an interesting
background with word processing because my home computer is a macintosh
and my school computer is a windows based pc. In order to transfer documents
from one to the other, I've learned (mostly by trial and error) what
documents are best suited for both platforms, such a simple text (mac)
and wordpad (windows) or rich text format, which works for both.
Sample
Spreadsheet
1.2.2
apply productivity tools for creating multimedia presentations.
I
have used powerpoint to present topics to my classroom, with the aid
of a projector. Though this method of presentation is not yet practical
in my school distict, which owns only one projector, the use of powerpoint
has also allowed my students to be creative in their own school work.
Some assignments require students to create a power point presentation.
Sample
Power Point Presentation - Technology Uses (.ppt format, click to
advance frame)
1.2.3
use computer-based technologies including telecommunications to access
information and enhance personal and professional productivity.
Accessing
information is a major advantage of using technology to enhance my curriculum.
When I started working at the high school, the internet was just starting
out. I had a computer at home, with a 28.8 modem which I used to research
science related sites, in the eight years I have been teaching, the
number of resources available on the world wide web has grown exponentially.
Sometimes, I cannot imagine how I got along without it. Before each
unit in my class, I'm exploring websites, such as access
excellence, and Ask Eric for supplemental matierals. I post quizzes
on discovery.com
for my students to practice with. Now, I give parents my email address
at the beginning of the year, and find that many parents are more comfortable
with email inquiries than phone calls.
1.2.4
use computers to support problem solving, data collection, information
management, communications, presentations, and decision making.
As
part of my coursework at the University of Missouri, I have had to conduct
research and surveys to determine the needs of staff and students with
regards to technology. Following that, my service on the school's technology
committee has allowed me to give my input on how technology can be used
within the school system and how resources can be shared. The Technology
Committee is also responsible for suggesting workshops that would be
a benefit to the staff members. Computer-aided surveys has been a great
advantage for compiling information and attitudes of the staff members.
Science
Department Technology Survey
1.2.5
demonstrate awareness of resources for adaptive assistive devices for
student with special needs.
The
school where I work has resources available for students with special
needs. In my own classroom I have had to make adjustments for students
who have had disabilities ranging from sight impairment to schizophrenia.
The library is equipped with a keyboard designed for students with vision
problems and two computer desks that are wheelchair accessible.
1.2.6
demonstrate knowledge of equity, ethics, legal, and human issues concerning
use of computers and technology.
I
was allowed input in creating my school's acceptable use policy. A major
issue that developed this year with regards to students and the internet
was students bypassing the school's filter and downloading objectionably
material. The technology committee voiced their concerns that the administration
did not follow the school's AUP by removing the students access from
the network. The reasons stated for not doing this was because the students
were in a drafting class that required them to have access to the network
to do assignment. In limiting access, the students would have failed
the class. This is only one of the ethical issues that have come up
in the past two years at the high school I work at, and as a member
of the technology committee, it is my job to suggest improvements to
the school's technology plan and acceptable use policy.
1.2.7 identify computer and related technology resources for facilitating
lifelong learning and emerging roles of the learner and the educator.
Much
of my coursework at the University of Missouri has focused on identifying
learning philosophies and how technology can shift the the roles of
teacher and learner. I have discussed in depth the difference between
constructivist learning and direct instruction. Technology can be a
vehicle for preparing students for life after high school, they can
now become responsible for their own learning and use technology to
become an active participant in their learning process rather than a
passive listener. Technology also serves the educator in provided a
wealth of resources related to their subjects and to teaching in general.
I am constantly adding to my web site new sites related to education
that can improve instruction and learning.
1.2.8
observe demonstrations or uses of broadcast instruction, audio/video conferencing,
and other distant learning applications.
1.3
Application of Technology in Instruction.
Candidates will apply computers and related technologies to support instruction
in their grade level and subject areas. They must plan and deliver instructional
units that integrate a variety of software, applications, and learning
tools. Lessons developed must reflect effective grouping and assessment
strategies for diverse populations.
1.3.1
explore, evaluate, and use computer/technology resources including applications,
tools, educational software and associated documentation.
I
am on the Technology Committe at my school, as a representative for
the science department. Part of my duties include previewing software
and filing requisition forms to obtain software and other components
of technology. The Technology Committee also makes decisions about where
technology will be placed in the building, like networked printers and
computer labs. We make recommendations for replacing outdated computers,
and improving the overall management of the school's network and resources.
Software
Evaluation
1.3.2
describe current instructional principles, research, and appropriate assessment
practices as related to the use of computers and technology resources
in the curriculum.
As
part of my coursework in Educational Technology, I completed many assignments
that described instructional principles, as well as many self reflection
essays that describe my personal philosophy and vision on the use of
technology in schools. I learned to assess the needs and of all learners
in an educatonal environment as it related to technology and resources.
In addition have have assessed my own learning styles and instructional
paradigms in how they relate to the use of technology in schools.
Needs
Assessment
Self Assessment
1.3.3
design, deliver, and assess student learning activities that integrate
computers and other technology for a variety of student grouping strategies
and for diverse student populations.
I
have developed several lesson plans and web quests that integrate technology
into my science curriculum. Plans to integrate technology have included
steps to ensure that students of varying backgrounds are considered
during the instruction. Web quests often involve team presentations
which involve group work and communicaton.
Technology
Integration Plan (Evolution)
Technology
Integration Plan (Bioethics)
Evolution Webquest
Donate Blood
Webquest
Insect Webquest
Epidemics Webquest
Australia's Animals
Webquest
Ecology Project
1.3.4
design student learning activities that foster equitable, ethical, and
legal use of technology by students.
Before
using technology in my classroom, students are required to sign the
school's "Acceptable Use Policy". In addition, my students
are required to sign a contract with me regarding classroom rules, which
include rules regarding the legal use of technology.
Classroom
Rules
Sample Power
Point Presentation - Technology Uses (.ppt format, click to advance
frame)
1.3.5
practice responsible, ethical and legal use of technology, information,
and software resources.
I
have always practiced responsible, ethical, and legal use of technology
and resources at home and at school. Internet filters do not always
protect students from viewing objectionable material, and as part of
my classroom policy, students are only allowed to use the computer for
school related activities. Software on the computers is always licensed
and never shared among individuals unless it is freeware or shareware.
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