At first when I read the ISTE standards, I thought I am in trouble because I do not incorporate any of these standards into my lessons. Then I looked at the standards again and realized that I do follow these standards and do have some technological strengths. As a first grade teacher, I am probably not the most tech savvy teacher, but I do use a lot of technological tools, such as an ELMO, projector, and Promethean Board, to help me provide interactive instruction to my students. I am fortunate enough to work in a district that is known for its technology and promoting student learning through technology. Standard 2 states that teachers create technology opportunities and evaluations (International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 2016). I rely on activities I find through Promethean Planet to engage student learning through the use of technology tools. With the activities I find on Promethean Planet, I can introduce a particular skill, model the still, and then allow the students to use manipulatives through the activity or the Promethean Board pen to manipulate text, pictures, etc. to apply what they just learned. The students love to come up to the Board and write or move things around on the Board. I think one of my strengths as teacher is that I use a lot of on-line resources and programs to get my students attention and keep them focused on learning. For Science lessons, I like to use EduSmart. Edusmart uses vocabulary and science concepts and applies it to real world learning and thinking. While my students and I view the Edusmart videos, we pause and discuss what is going and how the concepts relate to the students’ experiences outside of the classroom. Standard 3 reads teachers demonstrate technology usage (ISTE, 2016). My Academic Tech Coach, my co-teachers, and I work together and plan lessons using the technology tools and resources. Standard 2 requires that teachers use technology opportunities to evaluate student learning (ISTE, 2016). Google classroom is a great way to set up lessons and activities and provide students with access to educational websites. I like to use Google classroom because I can see the students’ work and comment on it while they are working. They get the instant feedback and direction they need to complete an assignment. I can tailor the assignments to meet the many needs and learning styles of my students.
While I exhibit some technological strengths as a teacher, I do have areas that I can improve on to enhance my students’ learning experiences through the digital world. Standard 1 requires teachers use technology to develop student innovation (ISTE, 2016). Every day in my classroom, I use digital tools, but my instruction is mostly teacher-centered versus student- centered. I need to give the students the opportunity to use the digital tools. While I do have two student computers in my classroom and occasionally check-out multiple I-pods, I would not say that my classroom promotes a technology rich environment. Standard 3 states that teachers demonstrate technology usage (ISTE, 2016). I implement technology tools, but I lack the skills to show the students new ways of doing new things. Standard 4 requires teachers instruct students on using proper netiquette and technology responsibilities (ISTE, 2016). I have yet to teach my students about their responsibilities in using technology.
In order to improve my skills and address these standards, I need to work more closely with my school librarian and campus Academic Coach. They have the tools necessary to help me be a more responsible digital teacher. Standard 5 states that teachers extend their teaching practices by collaborating with peers and researching new technology (ISTE, 2016). I can improve my technology skills and implement more interactive instructional strategies by attending more workshops and trainings offered by my district. My Academic Coach can collaborate with me. I think the biggest hurdle in overcoming my weaknesses is to seek out help and change my mindset about incorporating more technology into the classroom.
References
International Society for Technology in Education (2016). ISTE Standards for Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
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