1A. Discussion
Engaging Student in the Digital Generation
As you develop as a Digital Educator, you will see the importance of integrating digital tools and skills into your existing curriculum to engage students in relevant and authentic learning environments. View the video below, to get a sense on how technology and digital tools can engage students and shift the role of the teacher.
Through technology, students have access to knowledge and information and the ability to own their own learning. Are they using it appropriately? Do parents support the use of technology for teaching and learning? One piece that is important to look at is trends and data about student use both in the classroom and out. The Project Tomorrow Speak Up Survey is a national survey that is available to all schools and districts to analyze local and national perspectives of digital learning. Browse the key findings and word clouds drawn from the survey (you will learn more about word clouds and other types of infographics is Module 4).
National Education Technology Standards
You may already be infusing technology into lessons, activities, and assessments in your existing educational role. How do you insure these elements of integration meet the needs of our students? Are you using any existing frameworks and/or standard sets to insure student success with these tools?
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) developed the ISTE Standards, formerly the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). These standards are widely accepted by states and countries as their standards they are held accountable towards. The core set of standards are for students, teachers, and administrators. ISTE also provides a list of essential conditions that must be in place for effective technology integration. Examine the documents linked below and think about which standards you, your students, and school leaders are proficient in and where your weaknesses are: After closely reviewing each set of standards, please complete the ISTE-E self-assessment provided by your facilitator. This way your facilitator will be able to determine which standard area you are proficient in and which area you can use support in. You will then be able to reassess yourself at the conclusion of the course. Each core module of this course, Modules 2-7, are aligned to the ISTE Standards to assist in mastering all aspects of digital education.
ISTE has also developed Student Profiles that highlight specific activities students can be doing to demonstrate their proficiency in the ISTE Standards. You may have to click on the "ISTE Standards Student Profiles" in the left-hand column of the webpage to view the profiles. View the profiles that are relevant to your grade level.
Discussion Question
Describe a significant lesson you have taught and/or observed that included the incorporation of technology and one or more standard area from the ISTE-S.