Shiana Brown's Portfolio Page
Navigation links: ETAP 623 Fall 2022 (Zhang) | Technology Tools for the Classroom
About Me
Hi! My name is Shiana Brown, I am from Long Island, NY. I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education in grades B-6. I am an online graduate student at UAlbany studying Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology (CDIT). This past year I worked as a permanent substitute at a school in grades K-5. This school year is currently my first year teaching in a 5th-grade classroom!
My Topic and Purpose
This course will focus on the importance of educational technology in the classroom. Technology is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up to date and take advantage of these advancements by implementing technology in our classrooms. There is a wide array of technology tools available for educators to include in their classrooms. This course will highlight some and illustrate the importance of integrating technology tools in all aspects of learning. Participants will be engaging and building on the course's culminating Teacher Toolbox assignment throughout the course. Participants are encouraged to embrace technology in the classroom.
Scope of Learning Outcomes and Content
*Each of the following units will include activities that build on the culminating course project, the Teacher Toolbox*
Unit 1: Introduction to Educational Technology and Creation of Teacher Toolbox: Participants will explore educational technology and begin creating their Teacher Toolbox which will be referred to during each Unit.
Unit 2: Online Collaboration-Bulletin Board Tools: Participants will be able to describe the benefits of digital collaboration and demonstrate the use of digital bulletin board tools.
Unit 3: Assessment Tools: Participants will be able to determine the advantages of digital assessments and engage in the use of an assessment tool.
Unit 4: Culminating Toolbox and Lesson Plan: Participants will be able to complete the construction of their Teacher Toolbox and create a lesson plan using one of the tools from their Teacher Toolbox.
Needs Assessment
Instructional Problem: Technology has grown tremendously over the years. It is everywhere nowadays, and students are exposed to technology both inside and outside of the classroom. It is important for us to take advantage of this use of technology in our schools and education system. Remote instruction during the pandemic caused a frenzy for both educators and students. Both were introduced to the wide array of technology tools made specifically for education. Educators used to a traditional way of schooling, had to catch up with modern times in schooling to ensure an education for their students.
The nature of what is to be learned: Participants will learn about digital technology and ways to implement technology in the classroom. Participants will understand the importance and benefits of integrating technology in all aspects of learning/all content areas.
Participants: The participants will be educators in grades K-12, looking for ways to increase their knowledge of technology integration.
Instructional Content: Participants will complete an entrance ticket and activate their prior knowledge and understanding of digital technology. Objectives and activities will be outlined in every unit. Participants will engage in videos and articles pertaining to each unit. There will be check-ins at the end of each unit. Each of these units will help build on the culminating project in which participants will create their own Teacher Toolbox.
Explore instructional problem/solution: Participants may be in educational settings with differing contexts, demographics, and curricula. Participants will learn how to adapt the use of technology to best meet the needs of their students.
Goals: This course aims to enhance educators' confidence in the use of technology in their classrooms. Thus, teaching students to develop an acceptance of technology in their learning. Participants will have the opportunity to explore different tools that can be used in their classroom. The creation of the Teacher Toolbox will help house all technology tools explored in this course. Participants will practice using these educational tools, so they can implement them in their classrooms.
Analysis of the Learner and Context
The Learners: Participants will be educators in grades K-12 looking to improve their technology integration. Participants will come with experience integrating technology in the classroom.
Learner Analysis: Learners will most likely consist of educators who aim to enhance their understanding of technology and its affordances in the classroom. Some learners will have various experiences with the technology and others are not as comfortable using it in the classroom.
Context for Instruction: Learners will need access to a device with technology as well as a Google account to access Google applications.
Performance-Based Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to...
- Define educational technology and its importance in the classroom.
- Explain the benefits of digital collaboration in the classroom.
- Recognize the benefits of digital formative and summative assessments.
- Construct a teacher toolbox.
- Create a lesson plan implementing a technology tool of choice.
Task Analysis
Prerequisite Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes
- Proper technology and internet connection
- Google account
- Desire to incorporate technology into the curriculum
- Interest in classroom technologies
- Ability to navigate an online Wiki course
Outcome Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes
- Knowledge of digital technology and its benefits
- Apply the use of technology tools in instruction
- Demonstrate the use of technology tools in a Teacher Toolbox
- Belief that technology can enhance learning in all grade levels
- Belief that technology can be integrated into any content area
Curriculum Map
Here is the sequence of learning units and activities to achieve the defined objectives.
