Technology+Standard+2+reflection

Technology Standard 2: Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences

Favorite quote (Williamson & Redish, 2009):

"Fundamental change is more likely to occur by a process of shifting ... a series of small sustainable steps rather than a rapid conversion to a new order." - Rogers, 1995

I believe the above quote characterizes technology standard two. As a technology facilitator or leader, I feel called to "challenge teachers' long-standing beliefs about teaching and learning" (Williamson & Redish, 2009). This standard covers areas such as creating developmentally appropriate curriculum units/lessons, supporting the needs of learners, and modeling technology integration. I have been allowed to cover all three of these examples throughout the past couple of weeks. I worked with an English teacher to create lessons that allowed students to show comprehension of a literature story by creating storyboards, a script and filming a play of the story. During this unit, students' needs/accommodations were met while still challenging their abilities. The students are still in the process of filming and editing. The English department is excited to see the outcome of the unit and I am personally excited to see the results. I believe that I have given the teacher confidence that technology can be added to lessons/units and that students can achieve when interested in the activity.

Solomon and Schrum (2007) state that "the role of teachers will be to guide students in using the new tools for academically rigorous investigations and presentations.... students will be able to create a serious paper or video of robust content, great sophistication, and real depth". The above example is just the beginning of where we can guide students. The key for teachers will be planning and designing ahead of time. As a facilitator, I will be able to co-teach, plan, or design with teachers to ensure that content standards are met and technology integration occurs as easily as possible.

I am starting an online class for an elementary faculty that focuses on creating developmentally appropriate lessons that integrate technology. This is a challenge for me to be able to facilitate and lead in an online setting. The main focus will be lesson creation utilizing Universal Design for Learning. I want teachers to understand the basis for UDL and be able to then add technology into their activities. Wiggins and McTighe (2005) state that "we show understanding of something by using it, adapting it, and customizing it" (p. 93). This statement will guide me in the creation of the class and I hope that teachers will let this guide lesson creation. If teachers are able to understand how to integrate technology while meeting content standards then students will be able to show understanding by utilizing technology. The outcome of this class and the resulting lessons will determine my success in implementing technology standard two.

Solomon, G. & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, new schools//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). //Understanding by design.// Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009//). Technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every k-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Sociey for Technology in Education.