Candidates collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school technology infrastructure. 

 

This artifact was researched and written by me when I was working on my Master's Degree. It discusses 5 different technology tools that can be used for learning in the classroom. It gives a brief description of each, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each. The paper also discusses 3 other specific technologies that I used in my instructional unit. It discusses the appropriateness of each of those technologies.

 

The integration design paper demonstrates mastery of standard 3.6: candidates collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school technology infrastructure.  All 8 of the technologies that I discussed in this paper were evaluated for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school as well as with my specific classroom. The section of the paper titled Technology Analysis of Five New Technologies clearly lays out my findings of the different technologies I researched. I researched each of these technologies to determine the benefits and drawbacks of each. I even researched the cost of each one to determine if it was financially feasible as well. As a result of the research I conducted when writing this paper myself and my colleagues began using PowToon in our classrooms. I also discussed student clickers with the principal. I shared my research with her, and she agreed they sounded like a good purchase, and stated she would look at purchasing them when Title I funds came through.

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One thing I learned while developing this artifact is that deciding whether a particular technology is suitable for a specific school is multifaceted. Many different areas need to be considered when choosing new technology to ensure that the technology chosen best meets the needs of the school. One thing that could be improved in this artifact is that I could have included a section discussing my findings with administrators. 

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The development of this artifact impacts school improvement because my ability to research and evaluate different technologies will benefit the school at large. I can use the knowledge gained when writing this paper to help administrators effectively evaluate new technology. This impact can be measured by assessing the effectiveness of new technology purchased.