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Digital Learning Environments

Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create, support, and manage effective digital learning environments.

 

  • Element 3.1 Classroom Management & Collaborative Learning - Candidates model and facilitate effective classroom management and collaborative learning strategies to maximize teacher and student use of digital tools and resources.

 

 

  • Element 3.2 Managing Digital Tools and Resources - Candidates effectively manage digital tools and resources within the context of student learning experiences.

 

  • Element 3.3 Online & Blended Learning - Candidates develop, model, and facilitate the use of online and blended learning, digital content, and learning networks to support and extend student learning and expand opportunities and choices for professional learning for teachers and administrators.

 

  • Element 3.4 Adaptive and Assistive Technology - Candidates facilitate the use of adaptive and assistive technologies to support individual student learning needs.

 

  • Element 3.5 Basic Troubleshooting - Candidates troubleshoot basic software and hardware problems common in digital learning environments.

 

  • Element 3.6 Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools & Resources - Candidates collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school technology infrastructure.

 

  • Element 3.7 Communication & Collaboration - Candidates utilize digital communication and collaboration tools to communicate locally and globally with students, parents, peers, and the larger community.

FRIT 7739 Technology-Enhanced Unit: Curated Toolkit and Unit Design
Summary for FRIT 7739 Technology-Enhanced Unit: Curated Toolkit and Unit Design

     In FRIT 7739, our task was to create an entire online module based off of a need we had seen in our school and a current Unit (which are provided by our district).  As I had created an entire website earlier in FRIT 7235, I decided to expand on that, as I found that using a blended model as stated in our technology standards above. It covers word problems, which are still a problem for my current first graders.  I included the SCCPSS Unit Plan, but expanded to an online word problem unit.  I used Wix to house my online unit modules tand used many of the Web 2.0 tools that I have discovered through FRIT 7235 and many others.  I am very happy with Wix.  I know some earlier sites I have tried have been limited, or very difficult to figure out.  Wix however was very intuitive.  I was able to create a plan that followed the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards and extended lesson with online resources that were interactive.

     This project was a culmination of smaller projects, such as creating a podcast as an extension in FRIT 7235 that went with my original word problem unit that I could use after teaching a specific module.  I was also able to utilize Listly to create a curated collection of resources that can be extensions and used for differentiation.  This really helped me experiment and explore the creation of the site and how to fully integrate technology into the current curriculum.

Original Unit of Study

Original Unit taken from: https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/1st-Math-Unit-1.pdf

Revised Unit of Study

Part 1: Technology Tool Resources

Part 2: Content Focused Resources 

FRIT 7233 Book Trailer
Summary for FRIT 7233 Book Trailer

     In FRIT 7233, Selection and Development of Digital Tools, I created this book trailer using various Web 2.0 tools that let me create and incredible narrated video showcasing the book, Mr. Wuffles.  This project started with learning how to create a storyboard that would dictate how the book trailer would progress.  I used quick sketches with information such as duration, audio, and effects utilized to better aid me in creating the video.

     I loved doing this project, because it introduced me to a variety of Web 2.0 tools such as SoundCloud,  online rendering programs, and I have to say they were all very user friendly.  Being able to create presentations like this, whether if it is for the classroom, or media center, it truly will hook students.  I can see the older students creating incredible presentations in all subjects that would truly make the subject matter come to life.

FRIT 7235 Audio Podcast
Summary for FRIT 7235
Word Problem Audio Podcast

     In FRIT 7233, Selection and Development of Digital Tools, I created this book trailer using various Web 2.0 tools that let me create and incredible narrated video showcasing the book, Mr. Wuffles.  This project started with learning how to create a storyboard that would dictate how the book trailer would progress.  I used quick sketches with information such as duration, audio, and effects utilized to better aid me in creating the video.

     I loved doing this project, because it introduced me to a variety of Web 2.0 tools such as SoundCloud,  online rendering programs, and I have to say they were all very user friendly.  Being able to create presentations like this, whether if it is for the classroom, or media center, it truly will hook students.  I can see the older students creating incredible presentations in all subjects that would truly make the subject matter come to life.

Reflection on Standard 3: Digital Learning Environments

     By creating the above artifacts, and others such as online modules and usage of a variety of Web 2.0 tools, I believe that I truly have met what is needed to create a successful Digital Learning Environment.  I have learned so much, especially in FRIT 7233 on what tools I can pick to achieve the goals and objectives that I have formulated using earlier standards.  Having to use an actual unit from my district (which many times can be confusing, especially with my students and transforming it with technology was incredible.  Creating, collecting, and managing digital tools was incredible fun utilizing list makers or resource housing programs.  With these, I can keep adding to make a variety of blended tools that meets every need for every child.  As our site become more of a blended curriculum school, utilization of technology has become mandatory.  I have worked with many of the teachers here to troubleshoot and help fix any technology that might not be working effectively.  I have also given brief training on tools that help students that may need adapative technology.  For example, the podcast above was to be used in small groups, especially for those that may have learning disabilities when it comes to reading or processing information.  Having it read aloud keeps students from struggling on the words, thus allowing them to be more successful with gaining knowledge and succceeding at the task at hand.  

     I have also noticed that the Book Trailer artifact for example, turned many of the students on to reading.  I had never done a screen cast or storyboard before, but I saw how it helped get my ideas in the right sequence, and then put it together.   I have had my class create a storyboard since this project, and they even stated how it helped them understand sequence and the order of events in the story.  Creating a positive Digital Learning Environment is so vital to me, because I have found making a more blended curriculum really helps to bridge the concrete and abstract, as well as utilizing a more Universal Design for Learners.

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