Claire Molony Educational Blog

 Week 5 Internet access is not included in my plan because my district currently has devices and internet for all students. We address this issue by providing hotspots to students who do not have internet at home and trying to limit homework assignments that do require internet. We are instructed to have students download all materials needed before they leave school, just in case.  ISTE (2018) and Crossland et al (2018) both support my technology integration plan (TIP). ISTE (2018) Informs the reader how ESSA funds can be provided and one of those ways is, "Effective Use of Technology." Under this branch includes professional development and collaboration. Much of my TIP is focused on how our district can utilize our current professional development structure and coaching cycles to address the design divide. The ED Guidance allows these funds to be used for ongoing professional development specifically focused on blended learning and teachers gaining credentials. This aligns...

 Week 4 The Western Dubuque Community School District (WDCSD) currently has a professional development schedule of students being released at 2:09 every Wednesday. Then teachers do PD from 2:15-3:15. After whole group PD, there is PLC+ time where we work in a group about our common challenge until 4:15. This time will be valuable for implementing professional development related to the Technology Integration Plan (TIP). Research shows that educators often lack understanding of how to effectively integrate technology into their curriculum and without clear guidelines can get even more lost (Crompton, 2023). Crompton (2023) argues that guidance and standards on how to effectively incorporate technologies into teaching could support educators in pushing for more effective use of technology. This professional learning time, will be the time to share the TIP and learn about strategies to incorporate in their classroom.  Zimmer and Matthews (2022) worked to create an intensive PD wh...

 Week 3 According to Crompton (2023), two best practices to support student learning that are tied to the ISTE Educator Standards are personalized learning and digital collaboration. The ISTE Educator Standards advocate for technology that improves differentiated instruction and empowers students to take ownership of their learning, as seen in Standards 2.5 (Designer) and 2.6 (Facilitator). According to Crompton (2023), "Considering learner variability is important to highlight in the standard as a reminder to educators to consider the needs of all types of students." This shows that we need to personalize learning experiences for students, and technology can aid us. In accordance with ISTE Standard 2.4 (Collaboration), digital collaboration can also be used to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Crompton (2023) emphasizes the role digital tools play in facilitating peer interactions, global exchanges, and real-world learning experiences. This information ...