Goal 3: Demonstrates skills with various media and other tools typically used in the development and deployment of learning and/or performance improvement technologies.
Throughout my course work in the Instructional Technology Program I have been exposed to a multitude of technologies. I am aware that technology is constantly evolving. It is extremely important, as a future instructional technologist, to constantly be aware of the newest technologies and ways to integrate them into the classroom.
My first semester in the program, as part of a requirement for EPFR 501, I submitted my final as a blog created in Blogspot. This was my first experience using a blog. This blog was used to share our final projects with each other. We were asked to read other students' blogs, evaluate them, and share ideas of improvement through the use of comments.
Blogspot
In IT 435, I was given the opportunity to work with different features available in familiar programs, such as Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. We used filtering techniques to create a gradebook in Excel. We learned to build a quiz in Power Point using action buttons to link slides together. We also learned to create a brochure in Publisher.
Gradebook
Math Quiz
Science Quiz
Brochure
This was the first course that I experienced Adobe Photoshop. We learned to use basic layering tools in order to create one image from multiple photos. I was also first introduced to creating web pages. We created them using Microsoft Word and uploaded them using WS_FTP software. In the process we learned to link several web pages together.
In IT 481, due to research discussed earlier, I learned to create a hotlist. The hotlist served as a convenient organizer of student-friendly websites.
Hotlist
While a student in IT 486, I created a website for my fourth grade students using Macromedia Dreamweaver. This website features homework assignments, events, information about me, helpful links, and part serves as my jury portfolio.
Website Home
In IT 486 we were also exposed to Second Life. Although I cannot attach here, I feel it is important to discuss my experience with this technology. Our class met through this social network to discuss course material and experiment with many of its features. As part of our course assignment, we created an avatar and build a 3D object.
I was also exposed to more features in Adobe Photoshop. The attached photo is a photo of my daughter that I enhanced using many tools available within the program: layering, text, and enhancing effects.
Photo
I have created a classroom blog through Edublog. My students use it frequently to reflect upon class material or other topics that interest us. I have also created a classroom wiki in Wikispaces. Each student has a username and password in order to ensure safety and privacy. Each of my students has a page within the wiki. We participate in class discussions, collaborate on story maps, collaborate on documents, and communicate through email.
Edublog
In IT 560 I was required to create a podcast. Our assignment was to act as the technology coordinator for Twin Echo Elementary School in Collinsville, Illinois. As the technology coordinator we were to inform parents and community members of the latest technology programs implemented in the district to meet the needs of students in the 21st century.
For IT 571, my first field study, I used a wiki and Google Docs to collaborate with a fellow colleague. I assisted my colleague in the creation and use of a classroom wiki with her own fourth grade class. I found that using a wiki made communication and collaboration convenient. This wiki is found by following this link:
Consultation Wiki
For IT 540, I was asked to design a distance education course in Moodle, a course management system. I developed a course titled "Distance Education 101" to demonstrate my knowledge of successful distance education design. I learned that using a course management system takes organization and careful planning. Instructors must stay up-to-date with the latest collaboration tools in order to ensure students interact with each other.
Distance Education 101
In IT 572 I created an NTeQ unit incorporating the use of flip cameras in my fourth grade classroom. I uploaded and shared these videos with parents through the use of a flip channel. The flip channel is created by use of the flip camera software. I am unable to share these videos due to an agreement I made with parents. If you are interested in viewing these videos, please email me and I will send you an invitation to view them.
Flip Channel
As a requirement for IT 486 and IT 560, I designed surveys using Zoomerang and Survey Monkey. I have found these tools to be very user-friendly and beneficial when collecting data from my students. This school year I took my students into the computer lab the first day to complete an online survey about themselves and their interests. I then showed them the data on the Smart Board. This was a great way to break the ice entering a new school year.
Surveys 1 2
