ISTE-NETS 2 Reflection

Holly Crosby

Reflection on Standard 2 - ISTE-NETS for Teachers

      The second standard of the ISTE-NETS seems pretty straightforward for teachers. All in all, the standard addresses the need for teachers to design and develop digital learning experiences for students. In other words, teachers need to be encouraged to allow their students to use technology so that they broaden their learning horizons. By students experiencing technology they are taken away from the realm of textbooks and worksheets that offer a limited stand point on education. Technology allows them to go beyond the classroom in order to research and experience things like space, a zoo in California, an Iditarod tournament, beaches around the world, etc. Through this standard, teachers are encouraged to use technology in creative ways to get students thinking at a higher level. Technology used in the classroom should also allow students to pursue their individual interests and manage their learning through setting personal education goals. Educators must remember that, with learning, one size does not fit all. While using technology in the classroom, it is important to use a combination of summative and formative assessments so that students are able to get the needed feedback on what they are doing through the learning process.

      In my classroom, I would like to use technology as a more individualized tool. I tend to let students get onto particular educational websites when they finish their work, however, I would like to start using more significant ways of using technology. I have taken a technology course before that focused on creating technology pieces that the students could use, such as: SmartBoard lessons, Web 2.0 projects, Digital Field Trips, WebQuests, Glogsters, Subject Samplers (PPT), etc. It really opened my eyes on the various ways that educators can get their students involved in their own learning. For me, I feel like I have the skills that it takes to create these various technology pieces but it takes a lot of time to put these bits and pieces together. I think that would be my only fall back; however, it should not be keeping me from using it in the classroom. It would be beneficial for me to try to get my colleagues to create some of these and then we would be able to share them out to one another. I think it would be great to use these student interactions with technology during small group instruction and as early finisher work.