NETS

=**NETS**=

1. demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

//It saddens me to know that there are so many classrooms today that lack even the most basic of today's technologies, but I am pleased to say that I feel very prepared to operate in those classroom that are are equipped with the latest technology. Technology use is more than just operating an overhead projector or a dvd player. It requires familiarity with computers, softwares, and search engines. In addition to giving me greater confidence in my ability to navigate through popular softwares like MS word, Excel, and PowerPoint this course has enabled me to learn about alternative word processing softwares like Zoho that make on-line collaboration possible. Furthermore, it has provided me with new ways to bring fun, creativity, and alternative ways of learning to my lessons.//

2. demonstrate proficiency in the use of common input and output devices; solve routine hardware and software problems; and make informed choices about technology systems, resources, and services.

//With respect to the hardware, my understanding of input devices (i.e. the mouse, keyboard, processor, etc.) and output devices (the monitor, projector unit, etc) and how these devices interface was pretty good upon entering the course. However, with respect to solving software problems and making informed choices about technology systems, resources, and services I still find myself dependent upon IT professionals - and I prefer to keep it this way. :)//

3. use technology tools and information resources to increase productivity, promote creativity, and facilitate academic learning.

//Without question the use of a computer and the multitude of application softwares has the potential to save an enormous amount of time - both in the planning phase and in the execution phase. This fact is exhibited though the many assignments included in this portfolio. For example assignment 1 demonstrates that the editing and revision process of a document can be greatly reduced by utilizing a word processor while assignments 6-8 facilitate higher level learning and allow for creativity. And the website (assignment 5) allows for greater productivity in that it provides the teacher an alternative means of communicating (other that direct) course information to the many stakeholders.//

4. use content-specific tools (e.g., software, simulation, environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.

//This is the area where I've perhaps experienced the most growth. Prior to taking this course I was familiar with only the most popular softwares. Now I can add the creation of wikispaces, websites, and short films to my growing list of content-specific tools that can be used to support student, as well as personal, learning and research.//

5. use technology resources to facilitate higher order and complex thinking skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, informed decision making, knowledge construction, and creativity.

//I recognize that the key word in this objective is 'facilitate'. The fact is that higher order learning must be incorporated into a lesson plan with or without the use of technology. But technology can be used, as demonstrated in the podcast assignment (assignment 7), to encourage students to grapple with issues of the past, consider the relevance of those issues to their own life, and prepare a speech (broadcast) to highlight these points.//

6. collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works using productivity tools.

//At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I feel that I've accomplished quite a bit in as far as using productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, Audacity, Windows Movie Maker, etc.) to produce some creative works that will likely motivate students to become more engaged in the learning process.//

7. use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

//This course has provided me with numerous opportunities to use a search engine in order to locate and collect items of interest - be it a simulation, an image, or something else. In addition, it has enabled me to hone my evaluation skills, particularly with respect to simulations available on-line.//

8. use technology tools to process data and report results.

//Even before I arrived in this course I had a great deal of experience in using tools of technology to process data and report results. Among them were grade computation softwares used by particular districts that I've worked in and yes, even excel. However, until I took this course I had yet to learn how to construct a graphic representation of data (e.g. Gantt chart) using the basic MS softwares.//

9. use technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world. observe and experience the use of technology in their major field of study.

//See response to number 5.//

10. use technology tools and resources for managing and communicating information (e.g., finances, schedules, addresses, purchases, correspondence).

//My only means of achieving this objective prior to this course was though MS Project or my Yahoo account. I am very pleased that this course has offered me not only alternative ways of managing information, it has enabled me to make some of this information public, without sacrificing control. After all managing and communicating information is a pretty big chunk of an educator's job description.//

11. evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on their appropriateness to specific tasks.

//In every subject it is important to select and teach only that information which is both relative and valid - the rest is a waste of time. Finding both relative and valid information resources via the internet can be a daunting task, but it is possible. And, like most things, it gets easier with practice//. //This course gave me plenty of practice in searching for and evaluating on-line resources.//

12. use a variety of media and formats, including telecommunications, to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

//Prior to taking this course I'd never worked with a collaborative software. Zoho opened up my eyes to the possibilities that collaborative software create. I'm not certain that this particular software will prove to be benefitial in an elementary or secondary classroom, but it certainly has advantages for the educator in that it enables him/her to interact with others (e.g co-workers) in real time and it reduces the complications involved in file sharing.//

13. demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

//Gone are the days of plagerism! Ok, maybe not. In fact, thanks to the internet the opportunities and temptations to use someone else's work as all or part of your own are vastly increased. Fortunately, the ability to detect unethical practices is also even greater because of systems like 'turnitin.com'. Students need to be aware of and practice good academic habits//, //and this must be modeled by the teacher. During this course I've gained a greater awareness of legal requirements. For example I've learned the 10%-30 second rule as it pertains to using a portion of copyrighted songs as part of my own work or website.//

14. exhibit positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

//I've often said that technology is a tool - nothing less and nothing more. It can be manipulated by those with limited artistic abilities, like myself, to highly creative products. Or, it can be used to facilitate attempts to become more organized or communicate with others. Technology, like all others tools can save time and energy (at least in one form), but care must be taken in working with it - or it can lead to a disaster. I'm very comfortable using technology in my personal and professional life. And I enjoy discovering new ways to make units engaging and valuable to my students through using technology. But, at the end of the day it's all in my head.//

15. discuss diversity issues related to electronic media.

//During an on-line discussion I was reminded that incorporating technology into the classroom can create new challenges as well as solving old ones. For example, using a basic computer setup to complete an activity can present a challenge to a visually impaired student or a student that has limited motor abilities (can not type). Care must be taken to accommodate these particular students whenever the need arises.//

16. discuss the health and safety issues related to technology use.

//I'm not sure that much was done in the way of satisfying this objective. To be sure, the loss of a thumb drive and be detrimental to one's physical and mental health. To avoid this it is best to back everything up at least once.//