Module+5+Reflection

// ** Reflection Prompt: ** //** // How has technology impacted or changed your classroom assessment and evaluation? Has your data collection methodology changed with technology? If technology has not impacted your assessment and evaluation, what would you like to change? Discuss technology and your own productivity and professional practice. // **

__ //Description// __ This module's topic dealt with productivity tools and how they impact two areas of our teaching: assessment and evaluation, and productivity and professional practice. In addition to the online readings about different types of technology productivity tools and the class discussion boards, I also used several types of tools in my teaching these past two weeks. Some of the tools I use include: //__ Impact __// One big way that technology affects my classroom assessment methods is by saving me time! In our district, we use ProgressBook to record and digitally share grades with students and parents. I had a paper grade book during student teaching, where I had to manually add up grades and keep track of missing work. I had to make more phone calls to parents to keep them updated on their students' progress. When I got my own classroom, I was also introduced to ProgressBook, and I don't know how I could go back to a paper grade book now! It's so easy to use, and I like that it makes it possible for me to quickly assess how a student is doing in my class. We've also begun using MasteryConnect/BubbleScore in our school, which is wonderful for grading and creating data about tests. Like most teachers, I have a ton of grading to do. BubbleScore uses your laptop camera to not only scan and grade student tests, but also to create class data on said-tests. It helps to cut back on the time I spend grading, and it organizes class information for me so I can assess in which areas my students need more practice or instruction.
 * ProgressBook
 * Email
 * Microsoft Word
 * Microsoft PowerPoint
 * MasteryConnect/BubbleScore
 * [|PBWorks]
 * 21 Classes
 * WordPress

This week, I also used technology in my lessons to create more technological-centered, interactive assignments for my students. I used two websites- I created a class wiki through PBWorks and class blogs through 21 Classes. All the information needed to complete the assignment is online, and with a few instructions I can let students work at their own pace while I circle the room and give individual instruction where necessary. It's a great way to let students have some control over their learning, and I'm actually able to have more one-on-one conversations with students here than in a lecture situation.

__ //Intent// __ Any kind of technology that saves me time with grading or recording information is a great tool, and it frees up time that I can use to plan more effective lessons. I'm also a fan of technology that puts students in the center of their learning process. My intent from this point forward is to continue to look for and explore new forms of technology that can help me be a better educator. I would like provide my students with more opportunities to use technology on a daily basis. I am interested in applying for a district grant next year to apply towards some kind of technology to use in my classroom- some of my colleagues posted this week about using Flip Cams in their schools, and as a theatre and media teacher, I could definitely get some use out of those. I will be researching these cameras, as well as looking into any other technology trends happening in schools right now, with the goal of writing a grant proposal next school year.