EdTech 592 Rationale Paper

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EdTech 592 Rationale Paper

Denise HolderSecond Grade Teacher Johnson Elementary School Fort Collins, Colorado

February 2015

iiEdTech 592 Rationale Paper

INTRODUCTIONTechnology has always been an interest of mine. Prior to entering this program, I would spend my free time visiting different technology websites and teacher blogs to keep up on the latest technology integration ideas and information. Even though my primary responsibility is teaching second grade, my peers would come to me to me for technology support and ideas for technology integration. There are many more educational technology tools that I have discovered in my journey that I am able to use in my own practice and share with my peers.When a friend of mine suggested that I join her in getting a Master in Educational Technology with her, I looked at the program that Boise State Universitys program and decided it was a great idea. Increasing my knowledge and having the opportunity to share conversations with other like-minded people about a topic that has interested me for years has been an enriching experience. I have learned so much through the Master in Educational Technology program over these past two years. The assignments and experiences have not always been easy, but I am so proud of the products that I have completed in all of my EdTech courses.This rationale paper examines the work I have completed in this program. This paper is divided into five sections that represent the five AECT Standards - content knowledge, content pedagogy, learning environments, professional knowledge and skills, and research. Each section contains indicators, at least one artifact per indicator, and a rationale for selection of that artifact. The artifacts have been selected and placed where evidence of mastery is evident. These artifacts show that technology is a meaningful teaching tool in education.

STANDARD 1: CONTENT KNOWLEDGEIndicatorsCreating - Candidates demonstrate the ability to create instructional materials and learning environments using a variety of systems approaches. (p. 81)The synchronous EdTech 521 - Verbs synchronous lesson was created as a different approach to a learning environment. In a synchronous learning environment, students are able to interact directly with the teacher even if they are not able to travel to the location of the teacher. In this lesson, the student was able to interact directly with the instructor as the content was delivered. Questions are answered, student understanding is assessed, and instruction is adapted in real time based on the immediate feedback received by the instructor.The EdTech 533 - Communities & Christmas Around the World video artifacts highlight one type of instructional material that I created when introducing a unit of study to my students. I have also used these videos when students have required additional instruction on the topic. These educational videos are available for viewing in the classroom as well as at home. Others, outside of my classroom of students and my peers, have also used these videos in their instruction. When linking to the videos on YouTube, you can see that the Communities video has received over 3,500 views, and the Christmas Around the World video has received over 2,100 views.Using - Candidates demonstrate the ability to select and use technological resources and processes to support student learning and to enhance their pedagogy. (p. 141)The EdTech 541 - Relative Advantage Chart was developed for teachers that are selecting and including technological resources as instructional strategies to support student learning in literacy. Roblyer and Doering (2013) believe that technology-based strategies offer many unique benefits to teachers as they look for instructional solutions (p.51). This literacy chart is evidence of understanding how the use of technology can be advantageous for teachers and can enhance their pedagogy by including advantages of each technology and its expected outcomes. Teachers may locate an area of student need and select the technology that would assist students in reaching the desired outcome.Assessing/Evaluating - Candidates demonstrate the ability to assess and evaluate the effective integration of appropriate technologies and instructional materials.In the EdTech 505 - Raz-Kids Evaluation Report, I demonstrated the ability to assess and evaluate the program. Collecting data from various sources strengthened my evaluation of the Raz-Kids program. As I analyzed learner outcomes through data, I was able to determine effectiveness of the Raz-Kids program for second grade students. The data revealed strengths of the program and modifications necessary to improve instructional practice and the learning environment. Using the data presented in this report, recommendations about the future of the Raz-Kids program were shared with stakeholders. Managing - Candidates demonstrate the ability to effectively manage people, processes, physical infrastructures, and financial resources to achieve predetermined goals. (p.178)The EdTech 505 - Request for Proposal (RFP) required decision making as if I was a program evaluator called to submit a proposal for services. In this assignment, a fictional company is seeking an evaluator to help determine the feasibility of implementing their educational product to the market. Even though this proposal was for a fictitious company, I took my role as the program evaluator seriously. This process required selection of an evaluation method, creation of a task schedule, determining staffing needs, including selection of project personnel, and defining a reasonable project budget to evaluate the product. After submission of the RFP, the course instructor commented that he believed the acceptance of my proposal was feasible.Ethics - Candidates demonstrate the contemporary professional ethics of the field as defined and developed by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (p. 284)It is important to make sure that the creator of the work is given proper credit, whether it is an image, song, or article. In the EdTech 541 - Summarizing for Second Graders Slide Presentation artifact, great care was taken in making sure that each image in the presentation has a corresponding source. A small link is included under each image, which directs you to the source, and all images selected are labeled for non-commercial use. As I continue to create public, informative presentations, this practice of citing sources is evident in my final products.STANDARD 2: CONTENT PEDAGOGYIndicatorsCreating - Candidates apply content pedagogy to create appropriate applications of processes and technologies to improve learning and performance outcomes. (p. 1)Inspired by the webquest assignment in EdTech 502, I created a Four Seasons Webquest as part of a weather science unit I designed for second grade students. This webquest was used in my classroom this past year when weather was a topic of study. With guidance from the teacher, students are able to work collaboratively in groups when completing the webquest. Technology is used when participate in learning about the topic of seasons. Even though this webquest is structured, it allows students the flexibility to explore the topic. Students research, collaborate, and synthesize new information they receive when completing this webquest. My students enjoyed working in groups to research seasons and complete the task outlined in the webquest.When creating the EdTech 521 - Severe Weather Asynchronous Lesson, special attention was given to creating materials in the lesson that allowed students to be supported. Directions were given in both written and oral formats. Visual aids were created and academic activities were designed to enhance student learning and increase collaboration. This asynchronous environment is flexible and supportive to students. Creating this lesson allowed me to meld best instructional to improve learning and academic outcomes.

Using - Candidates implement appropriate educational technologies and processes based on appropriate content pedagogy. (p. 141)Giving students access to information through use of the internet is important in a blended learning environment. The EdTech 541 - Using the Internet for Instruction assignment is an example of how using a Blendspace page can guide students through the process of learning the required content. This Blendspace page was set up so that students can independently learn the important information about the Painted Lady Butterfly in a structure and order that is logical for them to follow. I plan to incorporate this lesson this April when we begin studying insects and butterflies.Assessing/Evaluating - Candidates demonstrate an inquiry process that assesses the adequacy of learning and evaluates the instruction and implementation of educational technologies and processes (p. 116-117) grounded in reflective practice.Reflective inquiry occurred after completing each week in EdTech 501. Using the EdTech 501 Learning Log, I was able to reflect upon my learning after each module. This tool guided me each week, as I had to reflect upon the lesson for the week. This inquiry-based process assisted me as I thought about the effectiveness of my instruction, the student learning that occurs, and the tools I use to facilitate learning in projects. Having this opportunity to self-reflect allowed me to understand and improve the methods of incorporating technologies in my current practice. Gary Bingham, Teri Holbrook, and Laura E. Meyers (2010) believe that self-assessment can play a powerful role in the relationship between a childs motivation and academic achievement (p. 59). Hoping to increase student motivation and academic achievement, I incorporated student collaboration and self-reflection in the EdTech 542 Weather Project. Evidence of this reflective practice is found in the EdTech 542 - Weather Reporter Rubric. You can find evidence of this reflective practice when students reflected and evaluated themselves in each area on a rubric before completing a peer evaluation. Managing - Candidates manage appropriate technological processes and resources to provide supportive learning communities, create flexible and diverse learning environments, and develop and demonstrate appropriate content pedagogy. (p. 175-193)EdTech 533 - YouTube playlists are examples of using a technology application to improve learning by providing a flexible learning environment. Prior to taking EdTech 533, I was unaware that playlists could be created. I have found that playlists are a great way to organize content for different topics. They allow me to save and quickly locate videos that I know are valuable to concept understanding. If students need a refresher on a topic, they can find these videos easily through my YouTube channel. I continue to manage and add content to these playlists to support the learners and performance outcomes.Ethics - Candidates design and select media, technology, and processes that emphasize the diversity of our society as a multicultural community. (p. 296)The EdTech 501 - Digital Inequality project identifies the diversity we have when technology is used. The research opened my eyes to problems that occur because of digital inequality. In this presentation, these problems are addressed as well as strategies and processes that can be implemented to close the gaps that are found in access and skills. To close the digital gap in my own school, I have implemented some of these suggestions, specifically keyboarding time and creating a collaborative partnership between second grade and fifth grade students called tech buddies. STANDARD 3: LEARNING ENVIRONMENTSIndicatorsCreating - Candidates create instructional design products based on learning principles and research-based best practices. (pp. 8, 243-245, 246)When developing the EdTech 503 - Instructional Design Project that focused on second grade students creating a Google Slide to put in a shared Google presentation, a great deal of time, thought, and research of best practices went into the planning of the project. Because of the Instructional Design methods taught throughout the course, I was able to design, develop, and implement instruction to all students on how best to teach the process of creating a Google Slide to second grade students. I consulted a subject matter expert to make certain that the process for this project was appropriate. This project was implemented in my classroom this year with great success. Students completed the task using the design I created. Because of my efforts, my instructor chose this project to stand as an example for future students.Using - Candidates make professionally sound decisions in selecting appropriate processes and resources to provide optimal conditions for learning (pp. 122, 169) based on principles, theories, and effective practices. (pp. 8-9, 168-169, 246)Deciding on resources that will guide the learning of students is important. Based on best practices, the activities listed in the EdTech 521- Weather Asynchronous Lesson Tools and Resources assignment will aid student learning by providing resources that encourage cooperation, literacy skills, and weather information in kid-friendly formats. Students will be able to work independently on most of these resources, which will encourage student confidence and build subject knowledge. This asynchronous environment allows students to access educational materials at any time, at their own pace, and as many times as they need to achieve understanding. Assessing/Evaluating - Candidates use multiple assessment strategies (p. 53) to collect data for informing decisions to improve instructional practice, learner outcomes, and the learning environment. (pp. 5-6)One artifact that shows evidence of mastery of this standard is the EdTech 542 - Weather Assessments page from my weather project. A variety of assessment strategies determined student understanding. Formative assessments inform decisions about the effects of our daily practice and guide the course of future instruction. Without these quick checks for understanding, we would not know depth of learning until after the project was completed. Summative assessments of students determine if learner outcomes were achieved. When teaching this weather unit, the data collected via these assessments guided my practice and identified areas of improvement to solidify learner outcomes.Managing - Candidates establish mechanisms (p. 190) for maintaining the technology infrastructure (p. 234) to improve learning and performance. (p. 238)Keeping all resources in one location for primary students is important for ease of research. Content-specific websites were curated using Symbaloo for assignments in EdTech 521 and EdTech 541. The Insect/butterfly Symbaloo & Weather Symbaloo resources were created to manage web-based content that students can access easily. The simplicity of the Symbaloo layout makes use of these visually appealing resources easy for primary students. Each Symbaloo is used for support as students research topics. As students work with these digital curation tools, they enhance their learning through research, which increases their academic performance on second grade research projects.Ethics - Candidates foster a learning environment in which ethics guide practice that promotes health, safety, best practice (p. 246), and respect for copyright, Fair Use, and appropriate open access to resources. (p. 3)The US Department of Education (2010) reports that teachers or their students used computers in the classroom during instructional time often (40 percent) or sometimes (29 percent). Internet use in schools is increasing as it becomes more involved as an educational tool. Due to increased student academic use of the Internet, we must make certain that student online safety is paramount. The projects that were designed to make certain students understand the rules when navigating this online world are EdTech 502 - Copyright and Plagiarism Scavenger Hunt, EdTech 521 - Netiquette for Elementary Students guide, and EdTech 521 - Netiquette and You website. Fostering good digital citizenship through utilization of these resources is best practice when students are working within an online environment. I share these resources with students at the beginning of the year to solidify the foundation for good digital citizenship, and they are always available if the need arises for reteaching these rules.Diversity of Learners - Candidates foster a learning community that empowers learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities. (p. 10)Assistive technologies are necessary tools for students with special needs. These technologies enable them to be as independent and productive as their peers without the same needs. Challenges for children with special needs can be overcome with use of assistive technology and accessibility features. Judge (2000) states that all individuals must be better prepared to access, manipulate, and control information and their environments using technology. We can create a community of learners when using tools such as the EdTech 541 - Adaptive/Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs resource. This resource lists technologies that are available for teachers to use with learners of various backgrounds and abilities. STANDARD 4: PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSIndicatorsCollaborative Practice - Candidates collaborate with their peers and subject matter experts to analyze learners, develop and design instruction, and evaluate its impact on learners.In the creation of the EdTech 503 - Instructional Design Project, collaboration with my buildings subject matter expert (SME) was important. The SME reviewed the design of the Instructor Guide and evaluated the process to determine if learners would be successful. The SMEs suggestions can easily be incorporated into future iterations of this project. I analyzed the instructions and adapted some materials to achieve learner outcomes. I felt confident that I designed a project that would be effective for my second grade audience. I was correct as each of my students completed a Google Slide. These slides were printed and used in a class book that each student received. The EdTech 533 - Video Use in an Elementary Setting video is a collaboration of my colleagues sharing their personal views on the incorporation of videos in their instruction. Because I wanted to get opinions from teachers in different content areas, I chose one primary teacher, two intermediate teachers, a "specials" teacher, and an integrated services (special education) teacher. All of these teachers shared how video use affects students in an elementary setting. Each teacher believes that videos influence learning by enhancing the learning experience and reinforcing content or concepts taught in their classrooms.Leadership - Candidates lead their peers in designing and implementing technology-supported learning.The EdTech 541 - Instructional Software Prezi guides teachers in the selection and implementation of technology-supported resources to enhance student learning. The use of computers helps teachers perform various tasks in ways that are transforming the teaching process (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). This resource for teachers, grounded in research, shows that instructional software can enhance instruction and delivery of content to students can be more engaging. Instructional software has allowed me to individualize instruction for each student and provide resources for remediation, if necessary. Reflection on Practice - Candidates analyze and interpret data and artifacts and reflect on the effectiveness of the design, development and implementation of technology-supported instruction and learning to enhance their professional growth.Reflection on practice leads to greater learning. The EdTech 501 - Learning Log, EdTech 521 - Reflective Journal, EdTech 533 Final Reflection Video, and EdTech 541 Blog were tools created in each course for personal reflection about improving my practice. Through use of these tools, I was able to take the time to analyze the artifacts and interpret the data to determine the effectiveness of the design of the lesson, the materials, and/or my instruction. These opportunities for self-reflection allowed me the opportunity to deepen my learning about educational technology theories, tools, and practices and make connections to my current instructional practice.Assessing/Evaluating - Candidates design and implement assessment and evaluation plans that align with learning goals and instructional activities.Research by Hattie (2009) shows that self-reporting of grades has the most positive effect on student achievement. Because I shared the EdTech 541 - Spreadsheet Integration in Literacy project with teachers in my building, second grade students are able to input data into spreadsheets instead of filling in paper graphs to report their grades in our weekly programs such as Rocket Math, Accelerated Reader, Mastering Math, spelling tests, and more. This graph or chart gives second graders a very clear picture as to their success and progress throughout each quarter. It connects to a Common Core math standard for second grade. These products are wonderful for self-reflection and ideal for use in student/teacher conferences, parent/teacher conferences, and student/parent discussions. Assessments, both formative and summative, are important components in the Weather Unit created for EdTech 542. The EdTech 542 Wild and Wonderful Weather! Assessments align with the learning goals based on Common Core standards. Students view rubrics prior to the lessons and are given the opportunity to reflect on their achievement and participation in groups after the lesson using tools created for this unit. Ethics - Candidates demonstrate ethical behavior within the applicable cultural context during all aspects of their work and with respect for the diversity of learners in each setting.By researching best practices in the field of education to determine which strategies would work best for students, the EdTech 504 - Influences of Constructivism on Student Engagement and Learning in the Elementary Classroom project is a clear indicator of application of this ethics indicator. Because of this artifact, I was able to assist students with differing backgrounds reach their potential in spite of their diversity. I concluded that, if teachers purposefully set up a constructivist environment in their classrooms, all students could demonstrate the 21st century skills of communication, collaboration, and creativity. STANDARD 5: RESEARCHIndicatorsTheoretical Foundations - Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge of the contribution of research to the past and current theory of educational communications and technology. (p. 242)The EdTech 504 - Annotated Bibliography involved researching the past and present practices regarding constructivism. This research defined what constructivist approaches look like, the use of a constructivist approach in elementary instruction, and the effectiveness of constructivist practices when working with students. The knowledge gained in these articles guided and supported my research to prove that, coupled with constructivist practices, integration of educational technology can increase student engagement, allow the locus of control to be with the students, and improve student achievement (Shin et al., 2012; Strommen & Lincoln, 1992; Hickey, Moore, & Pellegrino, 2001).Method - Candidates apply research methodologies to solve problems and enhance practice. (p. 243)Few students show automaticity in addition and subtraction math facts at the beginning of second grade and do not achieve mastery of these facts by the end of second grade. To combat this problem, I looked for solutions through the research for the EdTech 501 - EdTech Research Assignment. The focus of the research was trying to decide if educational technology used to practice math facts, in addition to the traditional method of paper/pencil or repetitive practice with flash cards, would increase of math facts automaticity. I found that using educational technology as an intervention is appropriate for my students, and immediate feedback that students receive would be helpful and motivating to them. Based on the positive results of using educational technology to improve math fluency and math fact automaticity, I created a webpage on my grade level website for my students to visit so that they may strengthen and improve their math skills. Another artifact used as evidence for mastery of this indicator is the EdTech 503 - Instructional Design Project. In Part 2- Analysis Report, students were administered a two-part survey (Part 1 and Part 2). This research provided data that determined learner attitudes and experience with technology. The results also informed and guided instruction when creating the Learning Task Analysis, utilizing instructional design research to ensure that the content is aligned with capabilities of the current group of second graders. Assessing/Evaluating - Candidates apply formal inquiry strategies in assessing and evaluating processes and resources for learning and performance. (p. 203)With the EdTech 501 Maturity Benchmarks Survey Sheet, I was able to assess and evaluate the technology processes and resources in my district and at my school. I discovered that my district has quite a comprehensive technology plan. At the school level, I discovered that we have to adhere to the district technology plan but we do not have one of our own. The EdTech 501 School Evaluation Summary allowed me to make recommendations to school administrators for improved student learning and performance in each of the five areas listed in the summary. Ethics - Candidates conduct research and practice using accepted professional (p. 296) and institutional (p. 297) guidelines and procedures.When you have read something and wish to share the information learned with others, there is an ethical responsibility to give credit to the author. Research was conducted for the EdTech 504 - Influences of Constructivism on Student Engagement and Learning in the Elementary Classroom paper to define constructivism and demonstrate how a constructivist approach, along with the use of educational technology in an elementary classroom, can enhance student learning, increase student motivation, and positively affect student achievement. Using the American Psychological Association (APA) style when citing sources made certain that the author(s) received the proper credit for the information used to support the ideas in this artifact.CONCLUSIONAs I conclude this paper and this program, I am able to reflect back on the journey to receiving this Master in Educational Technology degree. It has taken a great deal of my time, but I am so thankful for the experience. I create many quality projects due to the well-structured assignments from my professors, and I have used the majority of the projects I created with my second grade students. This experience has also allowed me the time to explore various web-based technologies that I might not have been exposed to if it were not for this program. I have so many educational technology tools in my toolbox now, and I am so grateful for that. My second graders have had the opportunity to be part of an enriching, blended learning classroom because of my education at Boise State University. They have used Google Classroom, Blendspace, Padlet, Wordle, and so many other tools that make their learning engaging and fun. While I still love the experience of teaching second graders every day, I do feel much more competent to expand my horizons with great thanks to this degree, as well as the Technology Integration Specialist and Online Teaching K-12 certificates I have received. I look forward to continuing to blend educational technology into my daily practice, whatever that practice may be.

REFERENCESBingham, G., Holbrook, T., and Meyers, L. (2010) Using self-assessments in elementary classrooms. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(5), 59-61. doi:10.1177/003172171009100515Hattie, J. (2013). Hattie ranking: Influences and effect sizes related to student achievement. Retrieved from http://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/Hickey, D. T., Moore, A. L., & Pellegrino, J. W. (2001). The motivational and academic consequences of elementary mathematics environments: Do constructivist innovations and reforms make a difference? American Educational Research Journal, 38(3), 611-652. doi:10.3102/00028312038003611 Judge, S.L. (2000). Accessing and funding assistive technology for young children with disabilities. Early Childhood Education Journal, 28(2), 125-131. Roblyer, M.D. and Doerling, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.Shin, N., Sutherland, L. M., Norris, C. A., & Soloway, E. (2012). Effects of game technology on elementary student learning in mathematics. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 540-560. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01197.xStrommen, E. F., & Lincoln, B. (1992). Constructivism, technology, and the future of classroom learning. Education and Urban Society, 24(4), 466-476. doi:10.1177/0013124592024004004U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2010). Teacher's use of educational technology in U.S. public schools: 2009 (NCES 2010-040). Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010040.pdf

NOTE: Parenthetical page references are to Educational Technology: A Definition with Commentary (2008, A. Januszewski & M. Molenda, Eds., Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc.)

Link to AECT standards: https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/aect.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/AECT_Documents/AECT_Standards_adopted7_16_2.pdf

EdTech 592 Rationale Paper

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EdTech 592 Rationale Paper

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