Technology+Standards


 * Standard One**: **The competent teacher will use computer systems to run software; to access, generate, and manipulate data; and to publish results, she will also evaluate performance of hardware and software components of computer systems and apply basic trouble-shooting strategies as needed.**
 * 1A. Understands how to run computer software; access, generate and manipulate data; and publish results.
 * 1B. Uses appropriate terminology related to computers and technology in written and oral communications.
 * 1D. Describes and implements basic troubleshooting techniques for multi-media computer systems with related peripheral devices.
 * Artifact:** @Networking paper


 * Reflective Statement:** Introduction to Networking was a truly inspiring class for me - never before had I imagined I could take apart and reassemble a personal computer on my own. Besides this exciting lesson, I also learned a great deal about creating and maintaining a network and troubleshooting problems. This artifact, a paper on networking, demonstrates many of the concepts I learned in that course. In a network of many different computers and peripheral devices, problems can arise and quickly become seemingly complex. However, many troubleshooting methods, such as pinging, adjusting the link lights or employing the use of a traceroute are relatively simple ways in which to diagnose and repair the network. In addition to highlighting my knowledge of various troubleshooting techniques, this paper also reveals my ability to use appropriate terminology related to computers and technology and my understanding of computer hardware and networks. In an increasingly technological world, it is important that school librarians have a solid grasp on the basic tenets of networking and computer systems. Through this artifact, I believe that I demonstrate that I have that grasp.


 * Standard Two:** **The competent teacher will apply tools for enhancing personal professional growth and productivity; will use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research, and solving problems and will promote equitable, ethical, and legal use of computer/technology resources.**


 * 2A. Understands how to use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research, and solving problems.
 * 2B. Identifies computer and other related technology resources for facilitating lifelong learning and emerging roles of the learner and the educator in engaged, collaborative learning environments.
 * 2E. Uses computer-based technologies including telecommunications to access information and enhance personal and professional productivity.

**Artifact:** OAI Website


 * Reflective Statement:** For this website, created for my Introduction to Networking course, I visited and investigated a Community Technology Center in Chicago called OAI, Inc. Here, individuals can visit the computer lab and use the computers, internet and technology at no cost. I studied the equipment and interviewed the program manager, Gerri Chavez. I then reported back to my classmates through my website and learned about other CTCs throughout the nation by way of their websites. This artifact demonstrates my ability to understand equitable, ethical and legal use of technological resources and my belief in lifelong learning about new computer resources. Additionally, the method of delivery - a website - displays my ability to use computer-based technology to access, share, and disseminate information. I created this website using Google Sites, due to its user-friendly interface and free access. Since then, I've had the opportunity to research many different forms of website creation software, including Wiki Spaces, which is what I chose to create this portfolio. Like Google Sites, Wikispaces is extremely user friendly and free, but it has the added benefit of allowing external hyperlinks and the availability of more features. For the present, I prefer Wikispaces but continually re-evaluate and explore new resources for my technological needs. As a professional, it is imperative that I understand the mechanics of technology but also the appropriate times and situations in which to use them. As such, I believe that this artifact demonstrates both my understanding of and respect for computer and communication technologies.


 * Standard Three: The competent teacher will apply learning technologies that support instruction in their grade level and subject areas. She must plan and deliver instructional units that integrate a variety of software, applications, and learning tools. Lessons developed must reflect effective grouping and assessment strategies for diverse populations.**


 * 3A.Understands how to apply learning technologies that support instruction in his or her grade level and subject areas.
 * 3B. Explores, evaluates, and uses computer/technology resources, including applications, tools, educational software, and associated documentation.
 * 3D. Designs, implements, and assesses student learning activities that integrate computers/technology for a variety of student grouping strategies and for diverse student populations.
 * Artifacts:** Teen Issues Pathfinder


 * Reflective Statement:** At Maine South High School, where I served as a student teacher for two months, I had the opportunity to create a number of internet resources. One such example is this pathfinder, created in collaboration with two English teachers who were creating a lesson about teen issues. Together, we decided on several applicable topics, including dating, media, drug abuse, and so on. I then located relevant and appropriate sources on various websites and created a pathfinder to guide students. I also included links to databases, along with sample search terms and other examples, in order to allow students to access their own resources. Finally, the teachers I collaborated with asked for a refresher course in evaluating information. When I presented this pathfinder to the students, I discussed with them the importance of finding sources that are authoritative, accurate, current, objective and relevant. At the top of the pathfinder, I provided a summary of these important questions.

This pathfinder demonstrates the many ways in which I incorporate appropriate use of technology in my lessons. I found that most of the students worked on their Teen Issues project outside of the library, whether it was at home or in a school computer lab. Because of this, it is important to offer remote access to sources. In this case, an online pathfinder fit this need appropriately. Through my experience in creating numerous pathfinders, I also honed my own ability to evaluate sources for students. Much information on the internet is biased, outdated, or just plain wrong. As a library media specialist, it is my duty to understand how to find excellent websites and to teach students how to find these resources as well.


 * Standard Four: The competent teacher will apply concepts and skills in making decisions concerning the social, ethical, and human issues related to computing and technology. The competent teacher will understand the changes in information technologies, their effects on workplace and society, their potential to address lifelong learning, and workplace needs, and the consequences of misuse.**
 * 4A. Understands the social, ethical, and human issues related to computing and technology.
 * 4C. Describes the historical development and important trends affecting the evolution of technology and its probably future roles in society.
 * Artifact: ** @Security Signs


 * Reflection:** Members of the digital generation, myself included, often forget that information placed on the internet is truly available for all to see. As such, it is important to remind students of the steps they must take to protect themselves while computing. The goal of this artifact is to communicate to individuals the importance of protecting one's information while on the computer. I created three signs that address different issues within a central theme ("Protect your information. Protect yourself.") and wrote a summary of why I chose the issues that I did. This reflects some of the thorny social, ethical and human issues inherent in using computer systems. As the teacher and librarian, it is my job to communicate some of these issues and risks and help students understand the consequences of misuse as well as the benefits of proper technological behavior. This artifact demonstrates my ability to do that in a concise, non-threatening, yet ultimately effective way.


 * Standard Five:** **The competent teacher will integrate advanced features of technology-based productivity tools to support instruction, extend communication outside the classroom, enhance classroom management, perform administrative routines more effectively, and become more productive in daily tasks.**
 * 5A. Knows advanced features of technology-based productivity tools.
 * 5B. Uses advanced features of word processing, desktop publishing, graphics programs, and utilities to develop professional products.
 * Artifact:** [[file:freshmen_research_DAY2.pdf]]


 * Reflection:** As media specialists, it is especially important to integrate technology-based tools into instruction. During my student teaching placement at Maine South High School, I created a lesson in which students refined previous searches to find better, more relevant information. This lesson incorporated multiple elements - discussion, hands-on practice, and brainstorming - but I used a traditional PowerPoint program to hold it all together. This artifact demonstrates my ability to incorporate multiple technology-based productivity tools into one lesson and exemplifies my adeptness with many different features of electronic tools. For this lesson, as I moved through the PowerPoint slides, I incorporated different elements. On the first slide, I informally polled students about the results they had found during their searches the previous day. On the third slide, I used the whiteboard projector to visit several different databases and demonstrate to students how refining keywords can make a significant difference in their search. On the last slide, I modeled the use of our online catalog and showed students how to access podcasts and YouTube videos through the school's website. Finally, students went into the lab and tried these techniques on their own.

This artifact clearly demonstrates not only my ability to use advanced features of technology based tools, but my aptitude for incorporating many different types of technology within one lesson. I believe that technology use should not be gratuitous, but should rather support the instructional and curricular goals. Through this presentation, I used many types of information and technology tools in order to help students understand how to find relevant resources and, as a result, they were better prepared and able to search on their own.


 * Standard Six: The competent teacher will use telecommunications and information access resources to support instruction.**

**Artifact: ** Listserv Assignment 
 * 6A. Knows how to access telecommunications resources to support instruction.
 * 6B. Accesses and uses telecommunication tools and resources for information sharing, remote information access and retrieval, and multi-media/hypermedia publishing.
 * 6C. Uses electronic mail and web browser applications for communications and for research to support instruction.
 * Reflection**: For a school librarian who may function as the sole educator in the media resource center, a listserv can be an invaluable source of support, information, and professional contact. These automated email mailing lists can cover a wide variety of topics, many of which are of interest to teachers and librarians. In this artifact, created for my Library Youth Services course, I monitored the child_lit listserv for three weeks and then wrote a memo to a fictitious colleague describing the professional benefits of the list. I found child_lit to be a welcoming, comprehensive and intellectually diverse community of librarians, educators and children's literature enthusiasts. By keeping abreast of such listservs, I believe that I can create a school media center that remains fresh and relevant. Since the facts and opinions provided are not necessarily authoritative, verification is necessary, but overall, child_lit demonstrates the myriad benefits to be had through an online information sharing community. This artifact demonstrates my ability to both evaluate and assess a telecommunication tool, as well as synthesize the information in ways that can support instruction.


 * Standard Seven: The competent teacher will use computers and other technologies in research, problem solving, and product development. The competent teacher will appropriately use a variety of media, presentation, and authoring packages; plan and participate in team and collaborative projects that require critical analysis and evaluation; and present products developed.**
 * 7A. Understands how to use computers and other technologies in research, problem solving, and product development.
 * 7C. Develops simple hypermedia and multimedia products that apply basic instructional design principles.
 * 7F. Collaborates with on-line workgroups to build bodies of knowledge around specific topics.
 * 7H. Designs and publishes simple on-line documents that present information and include links to critical resources.
 * Artifact:** Better than Gossip Girl website

**Reflection:** In an increasing digital age, it is important to be able to communicate information via online resources. In this artifact, I worked with a group to create a website that suggests resources for teens who enjoyed Gossip Girl, but may want something a little "better." I used online databases and scholarly journals in order to find books that fit into my sections - jealousy and social climbing. I then included photos of the books and other forms of media mentioned and worked with group members to develop a list of websites teens could visit for more information. This website demonstrates not only my willingness to use computers and other technologies to research and develop products, but also my strong skills in collaborating with online groups. Because this website was created for a LEEP class, my classmates and I never worked on this together in person but rather discussed via email and text chat. We divided the work into sections and collaborated virtually in order to design and publish this online document that presents critical information and includes links to valuable resources. As a school media specialist, it is imperative that I have a solid understanding of various forms of media and this website exemplifies my ability to take that understanding and work with others to create a functional product.

**Standard Eight: The competent teacher will develop information literacy skills to be able to access, evaluate, and use information to improve teaching and learning.**
 * 8A. Understands how to access, evaluate and use information to improve teaching and learning.
 * 8B. Models evaluation and use of information to solve problems and make decisions.
 * Artifacts:** Webpost on School Library Media Research Journal


 * Reflection:** This artifact demonstrates my ability to evaluate information and information resources in terms of its ability to improve teaching and learning in the library. For my Youth Services course, I analyzed //School Library Media Research//, an official journal of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). I accessed the journal articles through the online database and carefully evaluated the journal's effectiveness on a variety of factors. My final decision is that subscribing to //School Library Media Research// is ultimately beneficial. As stated in my report, "the absence of cost, the relatively small number of articles, and the prestige of the journal all create a convenient, informative method of receiving information." This artifact demonstrates my ability to look critically at various forms of information and my willingness to access and incorporate these forms of information to improve my own teaching and learning.