Informed

Decision-Making

“Technology can bring the real world into the classroom, which means that as teachers we can better prepare kids for the exciting adventures that they will face in their future.”

-Dan Roberts

Throughout my coursework in the ETLD program, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of informed decision-making in education. As an educator, I strive to create intentional learning experiences that provide my students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the future. Achieving this goal requires making thoughtful decisions about lesson planning and implementation to support the individual needs of every student. The artifacts included in this section highlight my expertise in applying informed decision-making to lesson plan, analyze student data, and develop instructional strategies.

OLT 595 Research Study

Schank Reserch Study Assignment

In completing this research study, I learned how to effectively analyze data and interpret it to inform future decision-making. This was huge challenge for me personally because I am not a numbers person and reading and analyzing quantitative data was very intimidating. After completing the project, I learned many ways that data can be used in the decision making process in education and beyond. Analyzing student data in the classroom is useful Before taking Research Methodologies, I was extremely uninformed on how data can be analyzed and interpreted to inform my daily teaching. Now as a first year public school teacher, I am grateful for the skills I developed throughout this course as I am continuously using data to better serve my students.

ETEC 579 Grant Proposal

ETEC 579 Grant Proposal Brief

Throughout my coursework for Implementation of Educational Technology Programs, I developed a grant proposal brief and multimedia presentation requesting funding for the purchase of iPads for the pre-k through third grade classrooms at Esprit International School. Incorporating technology in the classrooms for our youngest students will help them begin to develop the skills necessary to be successful in school and in life. By completing this project, I learned about the importance of informed decision making and about the steps for seeking funding from outside sources in order to provide effective technology tools for student use in the classroom. First, I had to gather data to identify the need for purchasing iPads, and then develop a plan for how to best utilize them in the classroom so that our youngest students benefit from having more hands-on experience with technology. I feel this grant proposal presentation demonstrates a strong ability to research the needs of a school and make decisions on how to implement technology in the classroom in order to help students be successful.

ETEC 594 Problem-Based Learning Book Review

Schank Six Thinking Hats

This is a review of a problem-based learning book that I selected, "Problem-based Learning and Pedagogies of Play: Active Approaches towards Self-Directed Learning" edited by Marietjie Havenga, Jako Olivier, and Byron J Blunt. I evaluated this book based on the Six Thinking Hats model created by Edward De Bono. This project highlights my ability to review a book using effective critical-thinking skills to provide a complete and thorough picture of my thinking process.

ETEC 528 Web Explorations of Makerspaces

ETEC 528 Web Explorations of Maker Spaces

For this project, I researched eight different makerspaces around the country including community and school-based spaces. This helped me develop an understanding of how makerspaces operate, the equipment and materials needed, how to design the space, and the variety of classes offered and projects that can be created. The information I gained through this research proved very useful in developing a makerspace proposal for an elementary school makerspace that I hope to construct in the future.

ETEC 527 Evaluating Technologies Project

TAMU-C Web2.0 - Group Project: Evaluating 5 Technologies (Group 9)

This project was created with a group of classmates in order to research and evaluate five different technologies. We used a rubric to evaluate each of the technologies after thoroughly researching aspects including pedagogical uses, security and privacy considerations, and the pros and cons of each. My group evaluated apps and/or websites including: Genially, Deck Toys, Actively Learn, Padlet, and Flipgrid. This document contains a brief description of each app and/or website along with a completed evaluation rubric, a brief demonstration of how to use it, and an instructional activity for use in the classroom.

The process for evaluating these technologies taught me the importance of researching technologies before implementing them in the classroom. As educators, we want to make informed decisions about everything that we utilize with students to ensure it adds value to our lessons and can be implemented effectively. Most importantly, we need to ensure our students are safe while online, so researching and evaluating technology is a must.

The links for Padlet and Flipgrid are active, however some links for Genially, Deck Toys and Actively Learn are no longer accessible as they were created by my group members in 2020.