Lib+Media+790+-+Technologies+in+the+Curriculum

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Instructional Theory and Technology Integration LibMedia 790 [|(Accepted as alternative for EdFound 752 Instructional Theory and Technology Integration]) Fall 2009

Course Competencies and Artifacts

 * ===**Program competency**=== || ===**WI DPI standards for professional licensure**=== || ===**AASL/ NCATE Standard**=== || ===**NBPTS**=== || === Possible artifacts === ||
 * 1. Apply appropriate research findings to improve teaching and learning throughout the school and specifically within the school library media program || P6F || 2A || 4 || [[file:EducationLetter.doc]] ||  ||
 * 2. Apply knowledge of learning theory, human development, student cultures, instructional strategies, curriculum and assessment || P6F, P6F || 2A || 4 ||  ||
 * 3. Propose, develop and evaluate strategies, materials, and/or alternatives for instruction to meet varied learning needs and teaching || P2A, P2B, P7E || 2A || 4, 9 || [[file:KBallwahnJournal.doc]] ||
 * 4. Exhibit an understanding of the role of the school library media program as a central element in the intellectual life of the school || P2A, P2B, P6 ||  || 4, 9 ||   ||
 * 5. Work with other faculty to identify appropriate instructional strategies and creative uses of resources to integrate information and technology literacy into the curriculum || P3A, P6F, P7B ||  || 4, 5 || [|Photostory Project] ||
 * 6. Perform as a contributing member of a group ||  ||   ||

Final Reflection
In this class we explored the "flat" world as Thomas Friedman defines it, listened in on what Sir Ken Robinson has to say about creativity in schools, and looked at how the right brain thinking is integral to getting ahead in our digital society. This provided the basis for us to explore how we might integrate technology into the curriculum and the importance of doing that. Looking at the current education system through these lenses really solidified for me the need to responsibly integrate technology and to make sure we are providing access for all students.

Also examined was how government policies are affecting education. The education letter artifact is a letter to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan providing my views on our current state of education, the President's proposals and how these proposals may be detrimental to providing students with the education they need to be citizens in the global, flat world.

The main project for the class, the Photostory, is something that I have taken and incorporated into the curriculum with 6th grade. In the past they have completed a simple research project on a country with a focus on note-taking and word choice in their creation of a brochure. Now, instead of the paper brochure, students have created a Photostory about the country they have chosen. It is a digital travel brochure that they write and record while still focusing on their word choice. We've also been able to incorporate lessons on responsible use of images and music. Students then share their Photostorys with their classmates.

In this class we also explored virtual worlds, as I detailed in the journal artifact. This activity provided me the opportunity to explore something that I would not have ventured on my own. I can see how students would like the virtual world activities, but I have yet to find a way to incorporate it into the curriculum. One of the biggest barriers is that for students to fully participate in something like this they would need more access than is available at school, or access outside the classroom. Many of the virtual worlds I explored were mainly social and did not provide for an educational experience as related to our standards. I think this is an area that I should be aware of and alert to the possibilities should they arise.

Working with teachers to incorporate technology into the curriculum is one of my favorite aspects of being a Library Media Specialist. Teachers have come to rely on me in this area so I need to be constantly checking out what is available and appropriate.