Standard 2: ISTE Standards

ISTE Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

In this modern world it is important that technology is a part of what is happening in the classroom.  The world is becoming more focused on technology. It is imperative that students are introduced to various types of technology at an early age. Students will be using technology in their future careers so they should begin getting the exposure and given the opportunity to understand how technology works. More technology in the classroom allows teachers and students to work through material and lessons at their own pace. Teachers should provide many opportunities for students to interact with all technology devices. Technology is the innovation to student learning and allows them the opportunity to self-direct their education. It is important and beneficial for teachers to be made aware of the different resources available to help improve their teaching methods and keep their students engaged in their daily lessons.
It is important that as a teacher I am up to date with the new and present ways of teaching. A change in my teaching habits has to happen so that I am able to reach the needs of all my students. This standard wants the focus to be on differentiating so that there is not one type of learning style being focused upon. In my classroom I try to implement this standard with fidelity. Although my supplies of technology are not suffice, I do my best with what I have. My goal as a teacher is to keep my students engaged and connected with what they are learning.
This school year my students were given the opportunity to create their own comic strip and 30 second skit for a superhero. We worked as a class coming up with the superhero character and using our knowledge of technology a way to develop cool powers and designs for our comic strip. The students were very excited and motivated to work on this big project. This was a great teaching tool for the students and me. The students were engaged the entire time and were able to work at their own pace and direct the activities that suit them best. It is also important to develop formal formative and summative assessments that will give teachers direct feedback on how well their students are performing. This helps with analyzing the students progress and rather or not some lessons will need to be re-teach. Using technology resources you can create assessments that can use data presentation to give teachers quick responses on what is being measured. It is not difficult to create rubrics that can be used as summative assessments. These assessments approaches both line up with the Common Core Standards that we are currently transitioning to in Charleston County.
It is safe to say times are changing, and education is growing. It is time for us to make the change and begin implementing the changes in our classrooms.