NETS

=National Educational Technology Standards=

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
 * I have the capability and knowledge, of using many different technology systems. I came into this class with experience using Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Photoshop; after completing the semester I have learned how to use many alternate systems. This class has introduced me to Inspiration, Moviemaker, Audacity, Zoho, and Wikispaces. The extensive explanations and demonstrations which were utilized to introduce each system helped me become quickly familiar and comfortable with the different systems.**

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.
 * In this class I utilized common input and output devices; such as keyboards, microphones, headphones, mouse, and the printer. In the podcasting project I had to correctly format my audio to ensure proper sound and in the digital video I was required to appropriately download and time my images so that they would fit with the accompanying audio.**

3. use technology tools and information resources to increase productivity, promote creativity, and facilitate academic learning.
 * The practice with Word and Excel allowed me to become more comfortable with the systems and in turn gave me the ability to increase my productivity. Engaging in such projects as creating my own Wikispace, Weebly, Podcast, and Digital Video allowed me to approach different assignments in new and creative ways. Revisiting systems that were familiar to me in conjunction with learning and exploring new systems have given me a plethora of resources to provide to my students and utilize within my classroom.**

4. use content-specific tools (e.g., software, simulation, environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.
 * Most of the assignments asked us to research and utilize many different content specific tools to support learning and research. Along with the class assignments we were asked to participate in weekly discussions. Through these discussions we were given the opportunity to research and explain different tools (such as appropriate digital videos, websites, virtual field trips and adaptive technology), we were also able to read about and comment on those that our classmates found.**

5. use technology resources to facilitate higher order and complex thinking skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, informed decision making, knowledge construction, and creativity.
 * Most of the assignments facilitated the aforementioned skills because they asked us to utilize a system or tool and accurately apply it to a lesson that would be utilized within the content we would be instructing. They allowed for us to use these skills and also gave us the opportunity to discover ways we could use the systems to elicit the same skills within our students in our subject area.**

6. collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works using productivity tools.
 * Many of the assignments satisfied this requirement. Specifically creating a Website in Weebly, a Webquest in Wikispaces, a Digital Video in MovieMaker, and a Podcast in Audacity** **allowed us to explore different tools to produce works and construct models.**

7. use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
 * By participating in the weekly discussion we were able to locate and evaluate information and in the end critique what we found in addition to what was found by our classmates. Through our Webquest we learned of different ways to provide our students with websites and technology sources that would prove to be fitting for their research assignments.**

8. use technology tools to process data and report results.
 * When we were required to process and report data in Excel we learned how to adequately chart and graph results. This will be helpful in the classroom for such needs as reporting grades and scores.**

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.
 * I now have the confidence to incorporate technology frequently in my classroom. Considering the fact that I will be in a Social Studies classroom I feel I will be utilizing different technology systems and programs, learned in this class, to solve real world problems.**

10. use technology tools and resources for managing and communicating information (e.g., finances, schedules, addresses, purchases, correspondence).
 * By creating a Weebly website, I have the ability to communicate information to my students. I can display and change a calendar for my students and parents, and communicate important events and information on my class site. Also, I have learned how to communicate and share different documents through Zoho.**

11. evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on their appropriateness to specific tasks.
 * Throughout the course we evaluated different resources and technological innovations that were published (relevant to the task we were studying). Among other things, we broke into groups and evaluated a specific MUVe, and were individually required to evaluate specific teacher websites.**

12. use a variety of media and formats, including telecommunications, to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
 * To interact with colleagues in our class we utilized ctools for discussions and we were supplied with the Zoho notes which we were able to collaborate on as we were given writing capabilities on the notes.**

13. demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
 * Specifically we were required to adequately cite the images and music we used in our projects to satisfy copyright laws when we engaged in the Digital Video and Podcast project. Also, when using different sites we were informed of how to give credit by providing the URL and making it an active link.**

14. exhibit positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
 * Technology is something I new was important in my classroom, however I now realize the importance of finding new advancements and changes for different outcomes. I have learned that utilizing technology will supplement traditional ways of teaching topics and that it will increase productivity and introduce my students to new and exciting ways of learning. I have realized that there is constant change in technology and have recognized the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest changes.**

15. discuss diversity issues related to electronic media.
 * Adaptive technology was a discussion issue that allowed us to research and inform others of different technology that was available to students with special needs. The discussion provided adaptive technology for students with a variety of different needs.**

16. discuss the health and safety issues related to technology use.
 * I believe the largest criticism for students utilizing technology is that it can be unsafe (cyber predators). We discussed the importance of monitoring communication and informing students what is acceptable and safe. Also we discussed the problem of cyberbullying and researched the appropriate ways to deal with the problem.**