Please find my final collection of course projects here, on the EdTech2 server.
This course had the following objectives:
- Locate, retrieve, and evaluate information found on the Internet.
- Design and produce instructional Web pages using a combination of
software and HTML/CSS code.
- Apply appropriate instructional strategies
and models to the design of digital curriculum.
After completing the various tasks and projects using Adobe Dreamweaver and Fireworks we were able to:
- create Web pages using HTML;
- develop Web pages using CSS templates;
- create a default page for a website;
- apply file management skills to maintain local and remote Web site files and folders;
- write HTML and CSS code correctly so that it validates under W3C standards;
- copy and paste code into a Web page;
- write CSS to position Web page content;
- write and apply an external CSS style sheet to multiple Web pages;
- write and apply alternative style sheets;
- create a navigation menu for multiple Web pages;
- create graphics in the appropriate format for Web pages;
- modify images using image editing software;
- insert images correctly into Web pages;
- create client-side image maps;
- apply appropriate design principles to create professional looking websites;
- create accessible Web pages for individuals with disabilities;
- adhere to rules of netiquette when corresponding with others on the Internet;
- identify and apply copyright and fair use guidelines for website development;
- use Internet search tools to locate high-quality instructional content;
- develop appropriate rules of netiquette for a specified group of learners;
- develop a page of hot links to essential information about Web accessibility;
- develop an Internet scavenger hunt learning activity that integrates Internet resources;
- develop a Jigsaw cooperative learning activity that integrates Internet resources;
- develop an online learning activity for mobile devices;
- develop a WebQuest learning activity that integrates Internet resources;
- develop a virtual field trip learning activity that integrates multimedia an Internet resources.
I valued the combination of creativity and technological knowledge fostered in this course. I also appreciated the tutorial nature of the instruction process. Clear examples helped break down an otherwise complex web design curriculum. I am now much more confident in creating and teaching website design, and look forward to building upon my skills in this area in the near future.
This final project asked us to evaluate our school along the lines of its technological maturity (as delineated by the Technology Maturity Benchmarks and the accompanying Maturity Model Benchmarks Rubric). We completed a survey about our observations and research into the technology policies, procedures, equipment, attitudes, and infrastructure at our educational institution. Each behavior and resource was scored according to one of four benchmark stages: The Emergent Stage, The Islands Stage, The Integrated Stage, and The Intelligent Stage. We then commented on each area of organization within the school: Administrative, Curricular, Support, Connectivity, and Innovation. This rubric along with our summaries and examples serve to present a well-rounded picture of the current "state of technology" at our school.
I found this exercise to be refreshing and rewarding. Although I am still a new staff member at my school, I participated in the technology committee last year and have been heavily involved in technology as a middle and high school computer studies teacher. It was beneficial to take a step back and take stock of all the interwoven parts of the people, materials, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding technology use and planning at "Spirit Academy". Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the day-to-day obligations of teaching that I forget about the bigger picture of the systems model of technology working throughout the entire school. When one piece is out of place, the system is inefficient or undervalued.
In gathering evidence for this survey and discussion, I enjoyed the opportunity to review the Action Plan (our long- and short-term technology plan) and to talk to colleagues about computer use within their classrooms. For the most part, my observations were encouraging. I believe we are operating at an Integrated level, as our school is doing well along most lines of technology infusion. Some of the areas for improvement include: assessment, stakeholder involvement, staff training, technical support, and embracing new technologies.
Given there is no designated Technology Coordinator at our school, it is unlikely that anyone else has recently gone through this all-encompassing reflective process. Therefore, I hope it is of value to the school, and I look forward to sharing my analysis with the administration at an appropriate time. In the meantime, I hope to set an example for my students (and perhaps colleagues) about the power of technology in their learning experience. Many of the changes our school should embrace need to be inspired by a shift in attitude and motivation more than anything else. At Spirit Academy, the pieces are (generally) in place. It's up to the users to maximize their benefit.
