During this learning pathway, you will explore the "Learner" sub-standards within the ISTE Standards for Educators. If you have not already, be sure to read Chapter 1 from the ISTE book, "ISTE Standards" (pp. 1-18).

You will choose a combination of tasks that total 75 points. This could be three (3) 25-point tasks OR one (1) 25-point task and one (1) 50-point task.

Remember, a 25-point task should take you about 45 minutes to an hour, and a 50-point task will take about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Please see your Bb course shell for submission deadlines. Your submission should be an open link (enable editing/comments) to a DIGITAL ARTIFACT (e.g. document with screenshots, slideshow, infographic, etc.) and include a contextualization of how the task applies to this ISTE Standard/Pathway.

Learner Pathway

Learner Pathway Task Option 1 - Explore Topics via ISTE’s Empowered Learner Magazine and Blog (25 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 2 - View an Archived ISTE Webinar (25 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 3 - Sign up for PLNs in ISTE Connect (25 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 4 - Setting Professional Learning Goals (25 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 5 - Explore Certification Options with Google, Microsoft, and Apple (25)

Learner Pathway Task Option 6 - Explore EdTech Research and Reviews (50 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 7 - Engage with Other Educators via Twitter (50 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 8 - Subscribe and Listen to Education-Related Podcasts (50 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 9 - Subscribe to Blogs/RSS (50 Points)

Learner Pathway Task Option 1 - Explore Topics via ISTE’s Empowered Learner Magazine and Blog (25 Points)

Begin by exploring the list of ed tech-related topics that ISTE outlines. Some of the resources here you will be able to access on their openly-available blog, and with your ISTE membership, visit the web-based version of their magazine, Empowered Learner. (Note: You will have to be logged in to be able to access these resources).

Choose one particular topic and read three (3) different posts/articles about that topic. As you read, note specific examples that the writer uses to illustrate the ideas in real teaching/learning contexts. Take a screenshot of at least one of the posts/articles to include in your final reflection.

Write a brief summary of each one, drawing connections between the theme and how it is addressed in each article, 200-250 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 2 - View an Archived ISTE Webinar (25 Points)

Using your ISTE account, login to see their list of archived webinars. Choose a webinar to watch, add it to your cart, and then view the webinar. You should then be able to access the webinar from your “digital library” page. View the webinar. Take a screenshot at some point in the webinar to include in your final reflection.

As you watch, consider what the presenter(s) is/are sharing so you can summarize their ideas. Also, pause periodically to think about your own thinking as you engage in this learning experience. How does it feel for you, as a learner, to watch an archived webinar? In what ways might this kind of experience be useful as you consider the learners you might teach in the future?

Write a brief summary of the webinar, and your reflections upon it, 200-250 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 3 - Sign up for PLNs in ISTE Connect (25 Points)

Using your ISTE account, login to ISTE Connect. From there, click in to the “Join a PLN” and select (at least) three PLNs that interest you. Return to ISTE Connect, and click into “My Communities.” From there, click into to your three PLNs and explore. While it is difficult to say exactly how many discussion threads to read in each, spend at least 15 minutes in each of the three communities.

As you read, take note of the particular discussions that are happening there. What are the hot topics? What are educators saying about these topics? In what ways are they communicating with one another, sharing resources and ideas?

Take a screenshot of at least one of the discussion forums to include in your final reflection.

Write a brief summary of your tour through the three PLNs, and your reflections upon it, 200-250 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 4 - Setting Professional Learning Goals (25 Points)

In our jobs, we are often asked to create professional goals around our work and performance. Educators are asked to create an individual development plan, or a series of goals around their teaching and the impact on students. In classrooms, teachers often ask students to set goals at the beginning of their course - defining what they hope to learn.

There is a world of research out there on goal setting, and the rationale behind why it is important. Lock, Shaw, Saari, & Latham (1981) found that in 90% of studies, specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance. This tells us that goals should be specific and focused on an intended impact. Lunenberg (2011) described the "goal setting theory of motivation", where he found a direct correlation between goals and results or performance. As we consider goal setting in our own role, think about your own hopes for results.

ISTE has also weighed in on the importance of goals, and we cite the ISTE Educator Standard 2.1.a which says, "Set professional learning goals to explore and apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness." Over the course of your MALDT journey, you will have an opportunity to explore a variety of digital tools and resources, as well as the pedagogy and best practices surrounding educational technology. With your program ahead of you, now is the time to set goals for your journey.

Reflection Prompt

As you begin your coursework in EDU 590, you have an opportunity to set your own professional learning goals. Begin by creating a document or table that describes you initial thoughts on why you enrolled in the MALDT program.

What do you want to know, understand, or be able to do in educational technology?
What do you hope to learn or experience in the MALDT program?
What do you plan to do with your MALDT degree?
What are at least 2 professional learning goals in educational technology? (NOTE - These must be goals for yourself, NOT others.)
Include the action steps, research, timelines, and tasks to support these two professional learning goals.

Include in your reflection a summary of each goal, the action steps, your hopes and fears, timelines, and intended outcomes. Your reflections should be between 200-250 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 5 - Explore Certification Options with Google, Microsoft, and Apple (25)

Many tech companies offer options for educators to become “certified” as expert users of their products. Throughout the semester, in subsequent pathways, you may choose to pursue one of these certifications as part of your work in EDU 590.

For this task, your goal is to find out more about the different programs offered by Google (Google for Education Certification), Microsoft (Microsoft Certified Educators), and Apple (Apple Teacher). For this pathway task, you will need to review these three websites, comparing and contrasting the types of opportunities that each one offers, the steps to certification.

Spend at least 15 minutes looking at each program, and associated links from the program’s homepage. As you review these resources -- and testimonials from educators -- consider for each

what the program is asking educators to do,
approximately how long the program would take, and
what additional costs might be involved.

Write a brief summary where you compare the three, and which one you might want to pursue, 200-250 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 6 - Explore EdTech Research and Reviews (50 Points)

Overarching Task

In this Pathway task, you will be identifying a challenge of practice or topic around educational technology and locate both research and reviews in the form of a brief literature review. The ISTE Educator Standard for Learner 2.1.c says, "Stay current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences." As you move forward with this Pathway task, narrow in on a challenge of practice or topic in learning, design, and technology that you want to know more about.

Here are some things you could research:

A challenge of practice might be the struggle with online/virtual learning and student engagement.
A topic might be the concept of personalized learning, blended learning, or Augmented Reality
Models to explore might include TPACK, SAMR, PICRAT, Triple E,

Research vs. Reviews

First, let us say that there is a difference between research and reviews.

Research on a chosen topic should lead you to peer reviewed research, based on actual studies where qualitative or quantitative data was collected. Peer reviews are specific studies that have been examined by other researchers such as a juried exhibit. Online sources for peer reviewed articles include using the CMU Library databases, Google Scholar, or the Michigan eLibrary. The information gathered should answer the question, "What does the research say?"

Reviews are based on the court of public opinion, and can come from blogs, magazine articles, interviews, social media posts, or even Wikis and listservs. An Edutopia magazine article on personalized learning, product reviews from a blog like CNET, or the Twitter feed for #blendedlearning are all examples of review information. The information gathered here should answer the question, "How does the public feel about this, or what does the court of public opinion say?"

Reflection Prompt

With the MALDT program in front of you, what aspect of educational technology do you hope to learn more about? As you consider your own roles and responsibilities, what challenge of practice have you encountered that you'd like to investigate further? Choose a topic, then do the following:

Introduce us to your topic in learning, design, and technology and why you want to further explore it (50-75 words)
Research -- Locate 2-3 peer reviewed research articles. Summarize each in 50-75 words and include an APA citation.
Reviews -- Locate 2-3 reviews from other sources (e.g. blogs, reviews, articles, social media, etc.) to share opinions as reviews. Summarize each source in 50-75 words and include an APA citation.
Final Reflection - After reading and viewing, write a brief summary of these materials, 200-250 words total. Please use the following sentence stems to prompt your thinking:

Before I knew about [INSERT TOPIC], I thought...
Then, from my initial research and reviews on [INSERT TOPIC], I now think...
With this new understanding, now I will change my professional practice by...

Learner Pathway Task Option 7 - Engage with Other Educators via Twitter (50 Points)

Despite its sometimes negative reputation, Twitter has become an incredible resource for educators. In this pathway task, you will set up Twitter a professional Twitter presence, learn how to use Tweetdeck, and participate in a Twitter Chat.

Overarching Task

We will get your account set up and engage in a Twitter chat conversation with a hashtag of your choosing. You will watch this hashtag for a few days before, during, and after the “scheduled” conversation. You will take screenshots at least three times to show how you are setting up, participating with, and reflecting on your use of Twitter.

What is Twitter?

From Dr. Kimberly Tyson, TeachThought: “Twitter, the popular social media platform, is continually picking up momentum in its number of users; however, I find many educators who are not tapping into the power of Twitter. The mystery that surrounds Twitter, I believe, keeps many people from benefiting from the potential it holds. Consider this recent post on Facebook from a friend who revealed, “My mom thought that hashtags were code messages.” While the post made me chuckle, to those who don’t use Twitter, terms like tweets, retweets, and hashtags, can seem pretty foreign and intimidating.”

How can I access Twitter?

Additional Resources

Pages 24-33 in our textbook
Jerry B. (Cybraryman): List of ed-related hashtags
Edutopia’s Five Minute Film Festival: Twitter
Cheat Sheet: Twitter For Teachers | TeachThought
So you have a Twitter account. Now what? | Cult of Pedagogy
36 Twitter Accounts Teachers Should Follow | We Are Teachers
Twitter for Teachers | Ditch That Textbook
Teachers on Twitter: why you should join and how to get started | The Guardian
Why teachers are turning to Twitter | The Conversation
The Ultimate Guide To Twitter 2018 | The Edublogger
Twitter Privacy Basics for Teachers | Common Sense Media

Reflection Prompt

Consider ISTE’s first overarching goal for educators, Learner, and the second sub-standard, 2.1b “Pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks.”

What have you learned about yourself and your ability to use technology (Twitter)?
What surprised you the most?
In what ways can you continue to use Twitter as a way to grow your own PLN?
How are you demonstrating an "active" participation in a local or global digital network?

Share at least three screenshots to show how used of Twitter - demonstrating 1) active involvement in a digital network, 2) reaching out to a digital network(s) in creating discussions for your own learning, and 3) replying to discussions for your network's learning

Write a thorough summary of your entire experience with Twitter, 400-500 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 8 - Subscribe and Listen to Education-Related Podcasts (50 Points)

Overarching Task

Podcasts, audio files that are syndicated and shared over the Internet, are a tremendous source of knowledge and teaching and technology. In this pathway task, you will set up podcast app, then subscribe and listen to at least three education-related podcasts. You should listen to at least two episodes from three different shows (six episodes total). Some podcasts are short (less than 10 minutes), some stretch to 20, 30, or 60 minutes). Figure out a combo that will bring your total listening time to somewhere in the 2-3 hour range.

What are podcasts?

From Wikipedia, “A podcast is an episodic series of digital audio or video files which a user can download to listen. Alternatively, the word "podcast" may refer to the individual component of such a series or to an individual media file. Podcasting often uses a subscription model, whereby new episodes automatically download via web syndication to a user's own local computer, mobile application, or portable media player.”

How can I access podcasts?

There are countless ways, including apps and programs as well as web-based tools. Some of the most popular include:

Additional Resources

Mission.org’s list of “30 Best Education Podcasts” (2018)
Matt Miller’s list of “10 educational podcasts you’ll love to listen to” (2019)
7 Great Educational Podcasts To Subscribe To In 2019! From Teacher Cast
A podcast from someone you might know
UnDisrupted with Adam Phyall and Carl Hooker.

Reflection Prompt

Consider ISTE’s first overarching goal for educators, Learner, and the second sub-standard, “Pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks.”

What have you learned about yourself and your ability to use technology (podcast listening apps)?
What surprised you the most?
In what ways can you continue to use podcasts as a way to grow your own PLN?

Share at least three screenshots from the week to show evidence of your use of podcasts.

Write a thorough summary of your entire experience with listening to podcasts, 400-500 words total. No APA citations are required.

Learner Pathway Task Option 9 - Subscribe to Blogs/RSS (50 Points)

Overarching Task

Apps that rely on RSS allow us to subscribe to educational-related content and receive constant updates as new items appear. In this pathway task, you will set up Fliboard or Feedly, then subscribe and read at least three education-related feeds over a week. Some posts are short, some are long. Some people post regularly, some do not. You will want to spend at least two hours reading content over the course of the week, so you may need to subscribe

What are reader apps?

Whether you know it or not, much of what you read on the Internet or via smartphone apps is powered by one simple technology: RSS. The term “RSS” stands for “Rich Site Summary” or “Really Simple Syndication.” While there is some variety in how RSS feeds work, the main idea is that new content from websites -- including text, images, video, and audio -- can be “syndicated” or pushed out to a variety of other websites and applications. These tools then “aggregate” that content and make it easy for us to read.

How can I access reader apps?

Below, you’ll find some brief instructions for how to set up one kind of RSS aggregator, or “reader,” called Feedly. Because Feedly is both a web-based service that you can access through a browser at http://feedly.com and it is also an app available for your smart phone, it is one of the most useful tools for reading RSS feeds.

Or, you might choose to use Flipboard or Blog Lovin’ (or, you may try a slightly different experience with a tool like Nuzzel)

To begin using Feedly, you will need to have a Google account. After you login with your Google account, you will be presented with your Feedly homepage and it will invite you to search for sites to add. Because I know that CNN is a news site (and, likely powered by RSS) I search for it first. Feedly quickly finds the main feed for CNN.com and presents me with the option to add it to my reader by clicking a “+” sign.

After this, I will see the feed for CNN appear on the screen with all the latest stories and, if I want to add it to my Feedly home page, I click the green button that says “+ add to my feedly.” Following this pattern, I can continue to search for other topics and websites of interest, and then to add them to my Feedly account.

Often, websites that have RSS feeds will become apparent to you in two ways. The first way is to simply look at your web browser. Some browsers will show you the orange symbol right in the URL bar, and most others will allow you to subscribe using tools built into the browser. You can click on that orange button and it will take you to a new page that may look like jibberish, but it is actually the computer code for the RSS feed. Copy that URL, take it back to Feedly, and you can add it to your subscriptions.

Other times, it won’t be quite as easy to find an RSS feed with an orange icon. In this case, you’ll have to search the website for a list of RSS feeds. Generally, you can scroll to the bottom of the website, and you will see a link that says “RSS” that you can click on. Doing so will bring you to a different page on the website with a list of all the RSS feeds. At that point, you can click on any individual RSS feed and it will pull up the URL that you will want to take back into Feedly. Most major blogs and news sites will have this option available, and you can even use RSS to subscribe to Twitter accounts, YouTube videos, Flickr images, and other syndicated content. Also, you can search for RSS feeds with tools like Instant RSS Search (http://ctrlq.org/rss/) and RSS Micro (http://www.rssmicro.com/).

Sometimes you may not be able to find just the right RSS feed for what you’re hoping to read. In this case, you can create your own RSS feed using Google Alerts or a Twitter hashtag. In Google Alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts), you type in a search term and it will give you the option of receiving updates as an email or via “Feed.”

Choose feed, and then Google Alerts will create a new page where -- in the upper right hand corner -- you will see a hyperlink for “Feed.” Click on that link and you will get a new page with RSS output, and it will look like gibberish. Still, copy that URL, paste it into your Feedly under “Add Content,” and you will have a constantly updated search on that particular topic.

RSS feeds can offer you the latest content available on the web. By incorporating RSS feeds into your regular reading, you will be able to manage the the constant stream of info.

Additional Resources

Feedspot’s Top Education RSS Feeds (2019)
Fractus Learning’s 25 of the Best RSS Feeds for Educators
NYTimes RSS feed for Education
Tech Teacher: Cut Through the Web Noise article from Edutopia

Reflection Prompt

What have you learned about yourself and your ability to use technology (reader apps)?
What surprised you the most? In what ways can you continue to use reader apps as a way to grow your own PLN?

Share at least three screenshots from the week to show how you used reader apps..

Write a thorough summary of your entire experience with listening to reader apps, 400-500 words total. No APA citations are required.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse