TPAK

Description: This week we were asked to reflect on our technology use as a teacher and where we need improvement. We were to go through each NETS-T standard and find evidence that we implemented each of them in our classroom.

Impact: As I worked on the pre-compentencies verification I found myself working really hard trying to find places in my teaching where I use technology. I have never really spent much time worrying about what technology is implemented in my teaching for two reasons; there is not much access to it and it is not a real big push in my school. However, I have always known in the back of my mind that I should be using it more, for my students sake. This is one big reason that I wanted to get involved in this masters program. When doing the PACV this week, I found myself having to stretch somethings I do to fit the specific standards and other times I found some things in my teaching that really hit a standard to the T. As often as I can I will try to introduce students to different technologies as they fit into my lessons (i.e.; scientific calculators, smartboards, netbooks, etc...). However, for one reason or another, I don't get to spend enough time one one things to where my students start to get comfortable with it and really explore with it. One of my weakest standards is number 4:Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. At the beginning of the year we touch on this one, just slightly, but we definitely don't spend the time that we should. Students are using the technology on their own so much, many times there is no one other than teachers to remind them or appropriate ways to use it.

Intent: We are in the process of re-vamping our pacing guides for 7th grade math next year. I know that there are many places within our school year that we could incorporate more technology. However, last year at this time I would have said something similar to that. The difference now is that I can look at 5 specific areas that can help direct my inclusion of different technologies. Knowing the standards and TPAK I can both direct my thoughts about technology implementation, and broaden my ideas of how to do it.