Bria Koch

II.A.  Managing instructional technology services including:

• creating an environment that fosters interest and growth in all aspects of technology

• establishing and maintaining rapport with all staff and students

• communicating high learning expectations

• creating a safe physical environment that is conducive to learning

 

Reflection: I would say that even from early on in the program, that I exceeded the expectations for this competency. As I moved through the program, I continued to improve my skills in this area. I created lessons and materials in order to enable students to increase their interest and grow using technology. Building rapport with staff and students is something that I strive for, and I have worked to bring some of the new things that I have learned into my school.

 

Rating: Exceeds expectation 

 

Artifacts:

• I learned how to make a variety of new materials using Adobe Photoshop, Kidspiration, and Microsoft Word. The creation of my Photoshop poster, concept map, and Hyperbook all help me to create an environment that fosters interest and growth in all aspects of technology. Learning these new programs took some trial and error, but I now feel confident using each type of software in the classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• I have been able to use some of the information that I have learned in my classes to build rapport with other teachers at work. I was able to share Kidspiration software with some of my colleagues after the creation of my concept map. Additionally, through my field experience for GILT 511, I was able to build rapport with students. I went to Mrs. Potter's kindergarten classroom in two hour sessions in order to observe how she used technology in her classroom. Through my observations, I was able to work with the students and learn more about their classroom dynamics and learning. 

• I worked very hard to create a Hyperbook for a unit on Ellis Island and Immigration for third grade students. The activities presented in the Hyperbook are meant to challenge the students and teach how to research with a guide. The directions in the Hyperbook are very clear in order to communicate the learning standards for each area within the unit. The final section of the Hyperbook gives students the opportunity to create their own interactive family tree. An exampe of this can be viewed here.

• My Acceptable Use Policy provides guidelines for a school district in order to create a safe environment when computing. Students and parents must sign the policy in order to show their understanding of potential dangers when using electronic resources at school. I also had the opportunity to discuss my Acceptable Use Policy with two of my colleagues. 

• I used my Acceptable Use Policy to teach a short lesson to kindergarten students about Internet safety. Though The Goddard School has filters and blocks on their computers and tablets, I discussed, in age appropriate language, how to use the Internet to help learn new information and what students should do if they come upon something that is not appropriate.