This was one of my favorite field-based learning experiences, and it primarily covered Technology Facilitation Standard (TF) II: "Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences" (Williamson & Redish, 2009).
I created a project covering the media literacy Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) (Texas Education Agency, 2009) for elementary teachers. For the project, students analyzed cereal box advertising, conducted market research, then designed their own cereal and box based on the results.
This activity helped me better understand TF-II by showing me that even elementary students can participate in high-level project creation with some extra support, and it's important to be aware of that when creating learning experiences. As a high school teacher, I am never quite sure what elementary students can do, so I approached my mother, who retired after four decades as an early elementary teacher in May, for help. With her guidance, I learned that I would even able to use references I use with my high school students, like The Copywriter's Handbook (Bly, 2005).
ISTE Standards/Indicators (Williamson & Redish, 2009)
(TF-II.A) Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhances instructional strategies to support diverse needs of learners.
(TF-II.B) Apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
(TF-II.C) Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
(TF-II.D) Plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
(TF-II.E) Plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.
(TF-II.F) Identify and apply instructional design principles associated with the development of technology resources.
(TF-III.A) Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
(TF-III.B) Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
(TF-III.B.1) Use methods and strategies for integrating technology resources that support the needs of diverse learners, including adaptive and assistive technology.
(TF-III.C) Apply technology to demonstrate students’ higher-order skills and creativity.
(TF-III.D) Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhances environment.
(TF-III.E) Use current research and district/region/state/national content standards to build lessons and units of instruction.
(TF-IV.A) Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
(TF-IV.B) Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
(TF-IV.C) Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students’ appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
(TF-V.C) Apply technology to increase productivity.
(TF-V.D) Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
(TF-VI.A) Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
(TF-VI.B) Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
(TF-VI.C) Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.
(TF-VI.D) Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
(TF-VI.E) Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.
(TF-VII.A) Use the school technology facilities and resources to implement classroom instruction.
(TF-VII.B) Follow procedures and guidelines used in planning and purchasing technology resources.
(TF-VII.C) Participate in professional development opportunities related to management of school facilities, technology resources, and purchases.
(TF-VIII.A) Identify and apply educational and technology related research, the psychology of learning, and instructional design principles in guiding the use of computers and technology in education.
(TF-VIII.C) Apply effective group process skills.
(TF-VIII.D) Lead in the development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation.
(TF-VIII.E) Engage in supervised field-based experiences with accomplished technology facilitators and/or directors.
References
Bly, R.W. (2005). The copywriter's handbook: A step-by-step guide to writing copy that sells. New York: Owl Books.
Texas Education Agency. (2009). Texas essential knowledge and skills. Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter110/ch110a.html#110.12
Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every k-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.