Through my lens

ISTE standards are focused on four major entities: the student, the educator, the educator leader, and the coaches. It then breaks down to seven key areas, with branches into three to four mission statements. Today, I am going to focus on the ISTE standards for students. A reliable resource for a future teacher, sometimes it's great not to have to do all the research, as ISTE standards can assist in so major decisions when thinking of using the WWW (World Wide Web). 

When it focuses on the learner, we need to be able to empower the learner. A recommendation as a tool for the learner is Seesaw gives students an active role in their learning and progress, self assess themselves to set goals. As students begin to use technology, they must become acquainted with what it takes to be a digital citizen, how to be responsible, and what is appropriate when thinking of platforms, language, and behaviors. Flipgrid or Formative are assessment tools that can be used by the learner; with these tools, learners are able to use multiple response types. learners also "collect, evaluate, and construct knowledge using digital resources," building on the learner to become a knowledge constructor. 

When focusing on learners who are innovative designer's educators can use project-based assessment in apps like Seesaw, where learners use design thinking to solve problems and create/demonstrate their learning. Guide learners to be computational thinkers by using data-rich assessment platforms that develop skills to analyze and break down data and problems into parts. Support creative communicators using digital tools, ones that focus on video, audio, and drawing, allowing learners to respond creatively and communicate ideas. Global collaborator as a learner is having them use collaborative assessment features, which help learners to collaborate effectively, contribute constructively to teams or group work.

As a future educator, it is important to expand your knowledge and know the ins and outs of what is a good or bad resource. More importantly, to know the standards for all users of digital technology. Having tools that help the learner to grow and see the results is great. Imagine students can work at a pace that suits them and their needs. I can see myself wanting to know how to use and apply Seesaw, and Formative in my lessons.

This site gives reports that are analytic and data-informed when a teacher needs to make a decision. Taking the hard work of researching out of the way. "The Horizon Reports have consistently identified learning analytics as a crucial trend." The assessment tools they investigate provide teachers with an essential tool for a more personalized and adapted learning experience. The report provides active learning technologies offering a list of tools that emphasize active learning approaches, through interactive and engaging activities that promote participation and motivation. Digital assessment tools for blended learning models are becoming important in education.  

Furthermore, the Horizon Report takes a look at mobile learning, offering platforms of digital accessibility through devices outside the classroom. AI and adaptive learning are combined to create an advanced assessment platform, where students can enter questions and generate the words into a simplified form, making it easier to understand and increasing student performance. Horizon Report considers an in-depth look at digital equity into consideration, ensuring the benefits of all students. 

As a future educator, I can see myself referring to the Horizon Report to help in some important decision-making regarding the latest trends in technology. It also promotes and supports an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students to progress and grow.  Some of the game-based and interactive quiz platforms mentioned in the Horizon Report include Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Booklet. Using a game-based assessment helps to alleviate a lot of stress for both the educator and learner, making school fun and interactive. 

I did have the opportunity to use Kahoo! during my internship, as the educator, I picked a subject area that aligned with the outcome and indicator that the students had been learning in Mathematics. I then picked how many questions the students would be doing, and the students' responses were in a multiple-choice format. Students would do the questions in a timely manner, and the game generator would let the individual student know on their screen if they got the question right or wrong. In the end, I was able to see the students overall mark, having a better understanding of where the learners were and which direction to take next, repeat, or move on.

"The AP 140 document is a guide to the procedure for technology in education in the Northern Lights School Division (NLSD). With the focus being on pillars of support, A collaborative framework of support will streamline services for educational product reviews, efficient purchasing and deployment, and technology risk assessments to minimize instructional delays. By using Innovative Teaching and Learning Consultant will perform educational reviews, provide alternative options, ensure technical feasibility of purchases, and offer related professional development. Should be the central point for technical support and ensure the maintenance of approved educational technology for maximum instructional impact. Also, to provide guidance and oversight for digital assistive technology purchases and offer related technical feasibility checks and professional development.

 School and Staff Role: Schools will support long-term divisional technology goals, create and modify three-year educational technology plans aligned with the Division's vision, follow purchasing requirements (AP142), and designate a school Digital Learning Catalyst to represent their needs to the Core Committee. The document includes two figures: Figure 1 illustrating the pillars of support for educational technology, and Figure 2 depicting the relationship between educational technology and administrative procedures."

As I am finishing this learning journey and going into the teaching journey, it is important to know what the standards and rules are for the school I choose to work in soon. A lot of schools piggyback and utilize the same beliefs as other locals, making it easy to transition from one policy to the next. The main focus being on the learners/students and what will give the best results for all learners across an inclusive ideology and pedagogy.

Resources in AI

In the afternoon we dabbled with some AI applications. I went through ChatGPT and Claude, experimenting with the possibilities when asking the application certain questions. Claude only let me ask a certain number of questions, I either had to wait or buy a subscription to continue using it.  ChatGPT lets me ask unlimited amounts of questions. There are other AI applications that can be used by both the educator and learner. 

It is also important to instill integrity, don't always depend on AI to answer questions, you have a brilliant mind and theories of your own. Your voice is more powerful than any generated answer. I have included in my blog videos from YouTube for beginners like myself, sort of a 101 on how the AI is used and its potential. I have also included a Vs. segment, again, this vs. clip is only one person's take on the two AIs. I suggest you try them all and find what best suits your needs as you take a journey into digital literacy!