Stepping Into the Future: Embracing Technology as a Beginner Teacher

Learning to be an ISTE Educator

A Day of Growth

Today's class made me think. As a new teacher, it feels like every new thing I learn is a major discovery. The ISTE standards particularly stood out to me because they've outlined what I should be aspiring to as an educator. The concept of always being a "Learner" and striving for improvement resonates with me, especially as I am just starting.

Understanding Administrative Procedures

Kanr2425. (n.d.). Lock icon. Cyber security and data protection concepts and privacy. Shutterstock. Retrieved April 6, 2025, from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/lock-icon-cyber-data-protection-concepts-2471541471

At first, the administrative procedures (APs) we talked about seemed a bit overwhelming. But I'm starting to understand why they're so important. Things like keeping student data private and the rules for using technology safely might not seem exciting, but they're really essential for making sure everyone is treated fairly and responsibly. As a new teacher, I want to make sure I'm setting a good example for my students, even if I'm still learning myself.

The Horizon Report

As a beginning teacher, looking at the Horizon Report felt both exciting and overwhelming. It’s fascinating to see how technology is evolving and shaping the future of education, but it also highlights the importance of continually learning and adapting as educators. One aspect that really stood out to me was the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. While I’m new to teaching, the idea of AI helping to personalize learning for students and provide instant feedback is something I hope to explore further. It makes me wonder how I can incorporate these tools responsibly while keeping my lessons engaging and accessible for all students.

The ISTE standards emphasize the role of educators as learners, which I find incredibly motivating. As someone just starting out in this profession, I know I have a lot to learn—and not just about teaching methods, but about how to navigate the digital tools and technologies that are becoming essential in education. The Learner (2.1) standard inspires me to embrace professional growth as part of my journey, and to model curiosity and adaptability for my students. It’s encouraging to know that learning alongside my students is not just acceptable, but a vital part of being an effective teacher.

LeewayHertz. (n.d.). AI in education: Use cases, benefits, solutions, and implementation. Retrieved April 6, 2025, from https://www.leewayhertz.com/ai-use-cases-in-education/

Understanding AP140

Exploring AP140 has given me a clearer picture of the practical considerations involved in integrating technology into the classroom. As a beginner, I appreciate the emphasis on equity and accessibility—it reminds me that while technology offers exciting possibilities, it’s important to ensure all students have access to the tools they need to succeed. I also noticed the focus on cybersecurity and student data protection, which feels particularly relevant as classrooms become increasingly connected.

AP140 also highlights the importance of professional development, something I’m eager to pursue as I learn how to use these tools effectively. It reassures me that even though I’m at the start of my teaching journey, there are frameworks and resources available to support my growth. For example, I can imagine using AI-powered tools to create interactive lesson plans or track student progress, but I want to make sure I understand how to implement them in a way that truly benefits my students.

Afternoon Activity

We examined generative AI for digital assessment and feedback tools. Various AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Co-pilot, were discussed and compared in terms of their functionality. Each participant selected an AI platform, inserted the initial prompt into the discussion window, and posed one or two follow-up questions. The process was then repeated with an intermediate prompt. Some of us completed the third prompt individually and as a group.

This activity demonstrated how technology can create dynamic learning environments. Comparing different AI platforms provided insights into their strengths and limitations, which are useful for integrating technology into teaching practices.

Moving Forward

Even though I'm new to all of this, I'm excited about the possibilities. I'd love to explore things like virtual reality or online collaboration tools to make lessons more fun and interactive. My goal as a teacher is to help students feel confident and curious, just like I'm trying to feel as I start. There’s a lot to learn, but I know I’ll get there step by step.

Wrapping It Up

Today showed me how much I still need to learn about being an ISTE Educator, but I’m ready for the challenge. The frameworks we explored give me a foundation to build on, and I am looking forward to growing as both a teacher and a learner.

Questions I still have:

How can I, as a new teacher, ensure that technology enhances learning without overwhelming students or myself?
What strategies can I use to incorporate emerging technologies like AI into lessons while addressing diverse student needs?
How can I advocate for professional development opportunities to help me stay current with tools and standards like ISTE?

References

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (n.d.). ISTE Standards for Educators. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-educators
Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division. (n.d.). AP140 - Administrative Procedures Manual: Acceptable Use of Technology. Retrieved from https://www.srsd119.ca/administrative-procedures-manual
New Media Consortium (NMC) and EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI). (2024). Horizon Report: 2024 Higher Education Edition. Retrieved from https://library.educause.edu/resources
International Society for Technology in Education. (2017). ISTE standards for educators. Retrieved from(https://iste.org/standards).
EDUCAUSE. (2024). 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition. Retrieved from(https://library.educause.edu/resources/2024/5/2024-educause-horizon-report-teaching-and-learning-edition). -. (2023). Administrative procedures for technology use. [District website].
Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2022). Artificial intelligence in education. Center for Curriculum Redesign.

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