learner

Standard 1: Learner

Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to improve student learning. The program shall prepare candidates who:

• Set professional learning goals to explore and apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness;

• Pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks; and

• Stay current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences.

To gain greater knowledge about the responsibilities of the technology leader, I  interviewed experienced technology leaders across multiple grade bands in Bibb County, Georgia.  The interviews were informative and enlightening. I learned that their responsbilities extend beyond the librarian of old and encompass every facet of technology for their schools. Technology leaders are involved in the promotion of literacy, every facet of technology in the school, planning and development, and professional development on best practices. 

 ARTIFACT 5: As a learner, I developed technology based assessments for a lesson in Mathematics for grades 2 and 4. Developing these assessments allowed me to demonstrate my acquired ability to design lessons partnered with technology that align with the Georgia Standards for Mathematics. Additionally, it provided data that would be later analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the assessment. It requires a systematic process by which I identified my desired learner outcomes, appropriate technological tools, methods of engagement, representation, and expression.  Although it was challenging, it was one of my favorite learning experiences. 

ARTIFACT 6: In this course of study, I learned about the three core fundaments of The Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They provided the frame work for the development of my instruction. To insure that my instruction was aligned, I examined it for engagement, expression, and representation to ensure that all learners might be successful. 

My professional blog provides a view of my field experience in Instructional Technology.  It encompasses 100 hours of field experience including collaboration with media specialists, instructional technologists, fellow and aspiring educators, and most importantly students.  I had the opportunity to explore technology with multiple grade bands in varied educational settings.  In my blog, I discuss the assignments required to complete the practicum portion of my degree program with Georgia Southern University. I have a new appreciation for the many interesting and challenging responsibilities of the Instructional Technologist. 

As a lifelong-learner, I am constantly exploring new and innovative ways to deliver instruction. I find that my students of the digital age, seek feedback far more quickly now than ever. Technology is ever evolving and as a passionate educator, I make every effort to remain abreast of new and upcoming technological and instructive advances. To this end, I have began and maintain a twitter site dedicated to education infused with technology. I also maintain a Wakelet account where I curate and house new resources and tools. I am constantly comparing the functionality of one digital tool to another. In short order, I developed favorite tools but remain open to explore updates to others. I am constantly in awe of the rapid evolution and creation of new technology. (Artificial Intelligence, once fully immersed, will be a game changer).  Further, as an Early Intervention teacher, I belong to a network of educators who collaborate and discuss best practices for our students. As a result of the Pandemic, educators are continually faced with the challenges of identifying and bridging those learning gaps in our students. Technology, used effectively, is instrumental in providing students with a voice, engaging students, and meeting their needs.

One of the most invaluable learning experience has been in conducting interviews with current media specialists and instructional technologists. I have learned that as technology continues to rapidly evolve, standard delivery of literacy and its responsibilities while important, have become a smaller portion of their responsibilities. The media specialist's role extends beyond the library. It encompasses leadership, innovation, research, facilitation, instruction, basic repair, and more.  Participating in field experiences with instructional technologists and media specialists were exemplary. In the interest of adding to my technological tool box, I explore every opportunity to learn and share. To this end, I will be attending the conference entitled "DIG IN" to be held in July of 2023 .  It is being held by the Bibb County Instructional Technology Team to promote and support increased and balanced use of technology in the classroom.