NETS-T++3

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
//Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers://
 * a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.

Reflection:
This artifact is a survey made on Google Docs during my Saint Francis Education 582 course. Though it is just a sample survey, it shows my growth as we move from paper-based information processing to digital information processing. Where we would have printed out 50 copies of a paper survey, I have now learned how to create on-line survey tools from Zoomerang and Google Docs. Google Docs appears to be a fantastic tool for teachers because it gives back instant feedback that we can turn in to graphs and charts. I'm surprised at how much great stuff Google has produced and will allow for free use. I'm not a computer programmer or a technician but I feel like I have a high level of fluency in most technology systems. As another example, I feel very comfortable using most Microsoft programs. I've been able to apply knowledge of the old systems to the newest versions and maintain a high level of performance. As Classrooms for the Future coach at Forest Hills, I'll be involved in future trainings on Word 2007 and also Promethean software. I've done a good job of learning new technologies for use in the classroom so far but I do realize that I will need to continue to apply my technology skills to new devices and situations as we go forward. My goal is to stay ahead of the technology curve at Forest Hills and remain the initial contact for new technologies.


 * c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

Artifact:
Power School Website

Reflection:
My artifact is an example of a progress report that I sent to a parent to keep her updated on her son's progress in my math course. I created the progress report in our grading program, Power School. While not as easy to manipulate as my previous grading software, Grade Quick, I have been able to create some very helpful documents in Power School. In most cases, having interested and involved parents has made my job as a teacher easier. I like being able to e-mail parents with copies of current progress reports just so they know exactly where their student stands and maybe what they haven't completed yet. With our current level of technology, parents can stay in tune with their child's educational exploits. The link below my artifact will take you to the Power School website. While that isn't useful if you don't have an account, it's extremely useful to our parents who have their our logins and use the program to address academic concerns. One goal that I do have for this technology standard is to create an appropriate area for posting class information. I would like parents and students to be able to see what I'm doing in class and what the upcoming academic schedule looks like. We don't have individual teacher web pages on our school district website but that is something that I want to look in to and possibly collaborate on with my fellow teachers.