Standard 2 of ISTE-NETS for teachers is to design and develop digital age learning. Accordingly, teachers should prepare and assess lessons that provide real-life learning and experience. Teachers should use up to date learning resources that most benefit the students’ learning of content specific material. Teachers can achieve this by having students use digital media. The teacher is required to create environments that are laden with technologies from which the student can select from to move through their learning. Students may select from the provided technologies that most fit their needs in order to actively engage in the learning experience. By providing students technology options, they will be most likely to participate in their personal learning, goal setting, pacing of their learning, and determining their progress through personal assessment. Since students’ learning styles, capabilities and work strategies vary, teachers should build activities that provide students the ability to showcase their talent in their areas of strength in respect to digital media. Finally, teachers should provide students with a variety of assessments that are both formative and summative. Based on the assessments given and the data gleaned from students, the teacher is better able to design instruction and increase learning to bring the students in line with current standards in technology and content.

            My readiness to meet this standard in its entirety is somewhat lacking.  I have the ability to design or adapt lessons incorporating the use of digital media and have already done this on several occasions within my classes. A key component in my students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) addresses transition; namely, students must work towards a career goal to obtain upon graduation. In order for students to create this goal, they must first complete online interest inventories and career assessments. Based on this information, students complete online research in their areas of interest. Once they compile their information, they may create either a PowerPoint presentation or a Word document report to present their transition information and goal. These activities are very relevant for each student and allow them the opportunity to indulge their curiosities of employment opportunities while giving them ownership of their learning and their future. By providing students with submission options for their final transition portfolio, they are able to present their information in a digital format that showcases their strengths and addresses their style of learning. Unfortunately, I have only been able to show two digital formats in which students can submit their portfolios. This is a personal lack of ability and technological knowledge; however, I am addressing this issue by participating in a technology course designed to provide enhanced knowledge of technology use in the classroom. I also lack the ability to provide a technology-enriched classroom on a full bloom scale. I do have desktop computers and a smart board in the classroom, but I lack a variety of technology such as tablets, smart phones and laptops. If students already have a preferred method of technology that they use outside of class, I could gain permission from administration for them to bring the technology to school to use to complete work. This would provide students with a more enriched environment.