Reflection

I have selected my Make Way for Ducklings Unit for first graders. This selection demonstrates my competency in Technology tools for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, print/graphic utilities, multi- and hypermedias, presentations, videos for the purpose of formal and informal assessment, instruction, and administration for professional and instructional use as well as my competency in Professional Standards for Teachers subsection (a) Plans Curriculum and Instruction. The creation of my Make Way for Ducklings until was completed as part of Impact of Technology on Education.

This assignment was the final project that I produced while taking Impact of Technology on Education online through Framingham State College, taught by Don Langenhorst. The assignment was to create a model technology-rich, project-based unit for your students that included a newsletter, unit and lesson plans with standards covered listed. This unit had to include a project that required the students to use higher level thinking. I chose the subject of Make Way for Ducklings because it fit with the goals of the Massachusetts Frameworks for first grade and Make Way for Ducklings allowed for integration of all subjects into the unit.

In creating this unit I covered all of the standards for Plans Curriculum and Instruction. While planning this unit I used the Massachusetts Frameworks to guide the principles of what was going to be covered, as sited in the newsletter. The newsletter also helps to build community and bridge the gap between school and home. This unit uses both formal assessments (use of a rubric) and informal assessments such as teacher observations throughout the unit. All the materials used accommodate different learning styles as well as keeping the lesson tangible which is so important during early elementary school. Included in the unit are other suggested reading and writing activities. The in-depth lesson plan identifies skills, concepts and vocabulary necessary for the lesson. The objectives and goals are clearly stated in the plan and the rubric supplies relevant measurable outcomes. The end project of having the students create their own story using KidPix allows for differentiation and inclusion of IEP goals as well as incorporation of technology.

By creating and reflecting upon this unit I learned many valuable techniques to use in the classroom. In the future based on what I learned from creating this unit I will try to incorporate more technology into my classroom. I found that technology incorporated into the curriculum appropriately enhances the topic being taught. Technology incorporated into my teaching in the future will also allow we to differentiate for more students. I also hope to take more classes that will allow me to incorporate technology even more efficiently into my curriculum while keeping the curriculum developmentally appropriate.