Standard 3.6 Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools & Resources
Candidates collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school technology infrastructure. (PSC 3.6/ISTE 3f)
Artifact: Evaluating Emerging Technologies
Reflection: This artifact best displays by ability to collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with school infrastructure. This artifact is the result of a study of new and emerging technology to determine their effectiveness in the classroom. After reviewing several different forms of digital tools one was selected and presentation was created to educate a school staff about the tool.
The digital tool selected and evaluated for this lesson was the Sphero and Ipad along with apps. Sphero is small robotic sphere or ball that can be controlled from and IPad, IPhone or tablet. Since the Sphero can be controlled using a variety of digital devices, it was determined that the Sphero would work well with the existing Ipad carts and also compatible with most BYOD devices as well. The device is able to accept basic and complex code, written on variety of digital devices. The unit also comes with apps that allow students to work collaboratively on authentic learning projects. The determining factors in choosing the Sphero was cost, sustainability, durability and compatibility with existing school technology/infrastructure. Another determination for using the Sphero was the wealth of sample lessons that address the needs of varying content areas including, math, geometry, astronomy, special education and social studies to name a few.
This artifact afforded me the opportunity to offer Sphero training sessions at several county STEM camps. Along with camps I was able to work closely with teachers and administration to bring Spheros to my school using available local grants.
The artifact has taught me the value of proper research in selecting an emerging technology. Decisions about all forms of technology, even emerging ones, have to be considered carefully. The tool must have strong pedagogical research to back it use and be engaging for students. Along with proper research the tools must also be compatible with existing technology. If I were to perform this project again I would have done more research of existing technologies available. I would also have worked more closely with the administrative staff to make emerging technology a reality.
This artifact has allowed me to see how emerging technologies can become a reality in the classroom. The impact of this artifact can be seen in my school and throughout the county. The impact of this artifact can be assessed in the increase of local grants written for emerging technologies and Spheros. It can also been assessed in the increase in student authentic learning experiences using digital age emerging technologies, as seen in lesson plans and unit plans.
The digital tool selected and evaluated for this lesson was the Sphero and Ipad along with apps. Sphero is small robotic sphere or ball that can be controlled from and IPad, IPhone or tablet. Since the Sphero can be controlled using a variety of digital devices, it was determined that the Sphero would work well with the existing Ipad carts and also compatible with most BYOD devices as well. The device is able to accept basic and complex code, written on variety of digital devices. The unit also comes with apps that allow students to work collaboratively on authentic learning projects. The determining factors in choosing the Sphero was cost, sustainability, durability and compatibility with existing school technology/infrastructure. Another determination for using the Sphero was the wealth of sample lessons that address the needs of varying content areas including, math, geometry, astronomy, special education and social studies to name a few.
This artifact afforded me the opportunity to offer Sphero training sessions at several county STEM camps. Along with camps I was able to work closely with teachers and administration to bring Spheros to my school using available local grants.
The artifact has taught me the value of proper research in selecting an emerging technology. Decisions about all forms of technology, even emerging ones, have to be considered carefully. The tool must have strong pedagogical research to back it use and be engaging for students. Along with proper research the tools must also be compatible with existing technology. If I were to perform this project again I would have done more research of existing technologies available. I would also have worked more closely with the administrative staff to make emerging technology a reality.
This artifact has allowed me to see how emerging technologies can become a reality in the classroom. The impact of this artifact can be seen in my school and throughout the county. The impact of this artifact can be assessed in the increase of local grants written for emerging technologies and Spheros. It can also been assessed in the increase in student authentic learning experiences using digital age emerging technologies, as seen in lesson plans and unit plans.