1. Be myself. I come to school with my own baggage of knowledge to share.  I am

    very confortable in being myself.
2. I find that telling a good story about how I teach and why the story matters is

September 8 to December 8th, 2009:
When I started this i.t. Specialist course I was not sure where it would lead me. School had started, a new Science Curriculum and a new program among many other things. I would like to share with you some of my written works on Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction.

It allows for flexible learning environments and improves teaching and student learning,  provides curriculum support,  promotes project-based  learning; facilitates creativity and collaborative learning and enables personalized education.

Selecting the assessment tool to explore in depth  (see the Resource below).
Describe how you would apply this instrument in your school or school district.
Resource: http://www.learning.com/tla/

What part(s) of the instrument I would use and why?
The assessment tool I would like to talk about is Word Processing.  We live in a world of video games, ipods and cell phones.  Unfortunately, learning how to write or type properly comes sometimes in second place.  Margaret  Moulton, instructor, University of Nevada, in http://literacynet.org/ll/issue2/columnist.html mentions that word processing is an important teaching tool and, how it is used with the students, affects what they will learn from it’.  As a teacher, I need to make sure that this vital skill is properly taught to assure success.

Who are the targeted group(s) and why?
I teach in French, grades 7 and 8 students, in Science, Geography, History, French Immersion and Core French.  After observation, I realized that the students needed to learn basic tutorials such as formatting a text, saving documents in the proper file folders, knowing how to use the multi language key functions, page layouts options, text arts, spell checks, publishing and printing documents and all other functions WordPerfect or Microsoft Word offer.   

How I would use the results of the assessment?
My students are required to present documents such as letters, lab reports, biographies, summaries, spreadsheets, answers, graphs, poster boards advertising and so on.  Before assigning a summative project, I would take two lessons minimum at the beginning of the September session, to teach  word processing.  Some basic steps in teaching word processing are as follows:   teaching where the function keys are located on the keyboard, learning to use spell-checker to correct spelling errors, revising.  For this, learning to use inserts and typeover modes, block moves, and different typefaces makes the whole process easier.  I would monitor the progress of each student to assure comprehension through informative and formative assessments.  If the results are positive, I would then proceed to the next step, being the class assignment project.  Should some students still not comprehend the basic tutorials, I would go back at start over with them.  Students needs to master to a certain degree some of the basic tutorials in word processing before engaging into class assignments or projects.

Reflections on the value of this instrument  
The computer has become an essential vital part of the learning process. This  knowledge improves writing skills as students through the stages involved in writing (drafting, revising, editing and publishing) to create a perfect copy using spell checker, quick correct, grammatik, dictionary, etc. Word processing can also make collaborative work a lot more easier.

It can be a wonderful tool for the student who has difficulties in writing due to dyslexia, a physical disability or poor handwriting. Typing the assignment can be more motivational to a student than having to write it out.  

Finally, word processing is a valuable TechLiteracy Assessment Tool to measure the knowledge a student already has and to add more to promote the student’s chances for greater success.  Once the student has mastered word processing, he/she will be able do spreadsheets, text formatting, be more creative when completing the task at hand  and more importantly, be able to communicate with the proper corrected language skills.  Even before students are presented to the world of multimedias and telecommunications via Internet, they need to have good word processing knowledge.  

A few Internet sites in Word Processing have been added:
http://www.geekgirls.com/menu_wordprocessing.htm
https://www.google.com

Top Full List Of Online Word Processor Sites taken from :
http://lists.econsultant.com/top-full-list-of-online-word-processor-websites.html
01. writely
02. ThinkFree Office Online
03. gOFFICE
04. Writeboard
05. Rallypoint
06. WideWORD
07. iNetWord
08. SubEthaEdit
09. Jotspot live
10. ZO

D) Demonstration of Learning  - Smartboard
A Smart board is the innovation I wish to talk about.  Its computing power is embedded in an interactive white board. Teachers and students benefit from this process. 

http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/reviews/9759.aspx

Pros and Cons of SMART Board Technology

SMART boards give students a hands-on approach to classroom concepts. These interactive white boards engage students much like they are accustomed in today's high paced technological world. SMART board users have many options. Users may choose to click through their presentation using a desktop or a laptop computer, advance their presentation by tapping their finger on the board itself or from the convenience of a nearby computer.

Although these interactive white boards allow users many options, SMART boards are not without their drawbacks. SMART boards are relatively new and are not without their quirks. For one, the Ink Aware features are only available in programs, namely Microsoft Word and Excel, that are Ink Aware compatible. In addition, one must have impeccable handwriting in order for the SMART board to recognize letters. Converting from handwriting to text requires patience and the willingness to retype multiple times.
Are SMART boards for You?

Educators must ask themselves if the benefits of using SMART boards outweigh these drawbacks? One common complaint of K-12 educators who instruct via SMART boards is that users feel they get so wrapped up in the technical components they overlook classroom discipline. This is not to say students are climbing the walls and exiting through the windows, but educators feel they are unable to monitor students to see who is paying attention and who is not. While some teachers are extremely proficient in technology, others are not so technologically inclined. When such difficulties occur, teachers become frustrated as they must spend class time troubleshooting the problem, thus taking away from the learning environment.

Teachers must spend time outside of class getting familiar with this new technology; otherwise there could be confusion. It also may be a good idea to experiment with a more responsive class initially in case something goes wrong. If you put in the prep time, you'll find SMART boards a welcome addition to your classroom.

SMART boards Series focus on the advantages and disadvantages of using SMART boards in the K-12 classroom and related activities in which teachers can engage students using SMART boards.

Using SMART Boards in the K-12 Classroom:
Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/reviews/9759.aspx#ixzz0SMBrVjKS

E)  Online Learning - Wikis
When I first started to learn about wikis, I said to myself I would never be able to create such a site. It was a challenge. Nevertheless, I decided to create a wiki for the Grade 7 French Immersion Science Program on Structures, namely on four different types of bridges. Well, it took a good fifty hours of researching and editing before I finally had what I considered to be a pretty good wiki as my first one. But, what about this new innovation called a wiki?

A Wiki is a Web site that can be edited by the creator who has access to it. It is said to offer powerful information sharing and ease of collaboration. Yet, I had many questions that needed to be dealt with. For instance: What would it do for my students? Would it be user-friendly? What would be its purpose? Who would see this wiki? Would I get the authorization from my superiors to use this wiki as a learning tool for my students?

After a thorough assessment, I went forward and created my first wiki. Now, one must wonder if this technology allows students and teachers to do what they could not do before? My answer is yes definitely. The word before is a little tricky though. Before, meaning before the internet existed or before the wiki was created.  Reading from text books, researching documents on file in the library was before. Today, wikis are being used in educational settings more and more.

What differentiates the use of social software tools such as wikis in the classroom from internet sites, is that they enable communication between people and knowledge sharing beyond the limits of the classroom and classroom activities.

The wiki comprises the information thus giving all the required data for the students to read, evaluate and reply to under a Comment box. As students love to chit chat, it was easy for them to reply following the proper written instructions. They were able to read the documentation, then, view the four YouTube sites as a home assignment and then give type their answer about the cheapest type of bridge that could be built between Gatineau and Ottawa through Kettle Island on the Ottawa River.

It was their first experience with the Wiki world and the feedback was a positive one. Why this technology allowed them to do what they could not do before and better was that they were able to enter their user-friendly wiki, either to read the given information, view the YouTube videos and the Bubbleshare, then comment,something they had never done before and this at their homes. I was able to monitor their comment and hence, replied also. They learned to manipulate their mouse, to click on the Comment Box and to give their opinion under the Comment Box.

The parents were able to view the curriculum expectations as well as the letter they had received. There were not major constraints. Administrative procedures were followed. Before getting the students to do the assignment on the wiki, the teacher must meet with the school principal to get authorization and clearance including showing the letter he/she will send to the parent(s), must show what he/she is about to do with his/her students, where it applies in the curriculum, then, when approved by the school principal, must send a letter with request for signature from the parents to inform them of the assignment to be given to their son/daughter.

A username and password is given to the student and also the parent so that the parent may monitor what is said by the son/daughter, see the other comments and also can add his/her own comment thus participating in the exchange of ideas with the whole class. A username and password was also given to the school principal for viewing.

We are in the 21 Century where innovative technology is becoming more and more present in our every day classes. Is this innovation, the wiki, coming in at the right time? I do believe so as more and more tools are generated into social medias.

Literacy is a big issue. No more can it be restraint to reading and writing from books or magazines. It has surpassed this prior belief, where the sky was the limit.

Information technology goes beyond the limits of the sky as more and more satellites are being sent in space. Wikis make it possible to comprise the required information for a specific topic or class lesson. Wikis make it possible also for students to interact between one and another. It is a great collaborative writing tool to be used in the 21st Century classroom.

F)  EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL LEADERS IN I.T.

Effective educational leaders in I.T. demonstrate an understanding and application of theories and methodologies for teaching, and fundamental concepts of information technology.  They embed theory into practice.  I will examine the work of six well-known international I. T. Educators and apply their practice too my current situation.

WORK OF BERNIE DODGE

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 

Bernie Dodge, professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University, is the creator of the WebQuest, an information technology education tool, and QuestGarden, an online authoring tool and community of practice for WebQuest development. His main professional focus is on the design, implementation and evaluation of computer based learning environments.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

Bernie Dodge is highly skilled in technology and has demonstrated initiative by creating and pioneering new software for educators.

REFLECTION ON EDUCATOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING:

Bernie Dodge promotes the exploration of learning. A teacher can set up a structured classroom environment and allow students to travel to places beyond the classroom to expand their horizons through the Internet. Once students are comfortable with WebQuest they can continue at home.

HOW I MIGHT USE THIS EDUCATOR'S WORK IN MY TEACHING: 

I will implement this technological tool into various aspects of the Science Grade 7 Curriculum. My students will explore for example the model given on Pollution in QuestGarden: 

http://questgarden.com/89/65/9/091117161138/task.htm

Other Internet Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Dodge
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/bdodge/bdodge.html

WORK OF JUDI HARRIS

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 

Judi Harris is a professor in Educational Technology at The College of William and Mary. She is the author of several books and countless articles dealing with the effective integration of technology in the classroom. Judi is one of the most respected figures currently working in the field of educational technology.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

Harris is an innovative and passionate advocate for technology in education. She understands the teacher's mindset and drives her mandate from this point of view. She has inspired protégés to state, "Dr. Harris is one of those rare people who not only sees clearly the potential within an idea but even more importantly determines the process by which that idea can become an actuality."

REFLECTION ON EDUCATOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING:

Judi harris challenges the teacher to harness the power of the Internet to enhance their lesson planning. She offers many frameworks to assist the educator to accommodate curriculum and different learning styles. Harris examines the different ways in which technology can help to foster student growth.

HOW I MIGHT USE THIS EDUCATOR'S WORK IN MY TEACHING: 

I will consider various ways to embrace technology to enhance the learning of my students.For example, in going to the site http://www.2learn.ca/Projects/Together/judi.html

I found the French version beinghttp://www.pourapprendre.ca/editions/incendies/incendies.asp
and will be using the intereactive activities dealing with the prevention of fires in my Grade 7 French Immersion Classes.

WORK OF JAMIE MCKENZIE

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 

has published and spoken extensively on the introduction of new technologies to schools. He has paid particular attention to information technologies, questioning and powerful teaching, exploring how they might best transform classrooms and schools to support student centered, engaged learning. Jamie is the Editor of From Now On - The Educational Technology Journal, a Web-based "ZINE" published online since 1991. He also publishes The Question Mark, a journal devoted to questions and questioning as well as No Child Left.

 

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

McKenzie is a dynamic and passionate force in ICT. He speaks and promote efficient and effective use of technology to enhance a student centered approach in the classroom. A main focus of his is to promote professional development among teachers.

REFLECTION ON EDUCATOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING:

 McKenzie believes that technology in the classroom should be well rooted in traditional learning. He states, "We concentrate our efforts on reading, writing and thinking. We make literacy the centerpiece of our program.  He focuses on student performance and learning. Jamie McKenzie feels unwanted distractions should be removed from technological learning in order to optimize student learning

HOW I MIGHT USE THIS EDUCATOR'S WORK IN MY TEACHING: 

Distractions must be minimized in order to promote a more positive learning environment for my students.  I would use the Templates for Lesson Construction in Science Grade 7 and the Assessment Activity would be a presentation.added as support material, the objectives of this assignment on Internet.  See Internet site:  
http://questioning.org/module2/quick10.html

Other Internet Sites:
http://fnopress.com/howlearn.html

http://www.4teachers.org/keynotes/mckenzie/index.shtml

WORK OF ALAN NOVEMBER

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 

Alan Novemberis an international leader in education technology. He has helped schools, governments and industry leaders improve the quality of education through technology. His areas of expertise include planning across curriculum, staff development, new school design, community building and leadership development.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

Alan November is an international leader in education technology. He has helped schools, governments and industry leaders improve the quality of education through technology. His areas of expertise include planning across curriculum, staff development, new school design, community building and leadership development.

REFLECTION ON EDUCATOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING:

Learning should be optimized by a wide array of resources and experiences. A focus on enhancing the learning experience for the student through technology is key to his philosophy.

HOW I MIGHT USE THIS EDUCATOR'S WORK IN MY TEACHING: 

I will take his enthusiasm for promoting technology in learning.  I found a site following his links on
www.allaboutexplorers.com
This site teaches students about discerning useful information from the worthless data.

Other Internet Sites:
http://novemberlearning.com/resources/
http://nlcommunities.com/communities/alannovember/default.aspx
http://www.edtechnot.com/notnovember.html
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.16956

WORK OF KATHY SCHROCK

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 

Kathy offers advanced research skills and she promotes the necessity of learning this skill. She promotes organization and development of technology skills within education. 

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

Kathy offers advanced research skills and she promotes the necessity of learning this skill. She promotes organization and development of technology skills within education.

REFLECTION ON EDUCATOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING:

She emphasizes a philosophy based on developing student research literacy skills. These skills will optimize a student's ability to find quality information on the Internet and result in better education use with technology.

HOW I MIGHT USE THIS EDUCATOR'S WORK IN MY TEACHING: 

It made me think of my own skills when using technology to research. I wondered how I can improve my skills to find better information. Another aspect I thought of was file management. How can I improve my file organization as well as my students?

Internet Sites:
http://kathyschrock.net/cooking/
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/
http://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=9676
http://www.diigo.com/list/kathyschrock/web20tools
http://wholinkstome.com/url/kathyschrock.net