Shareware, Freeware & Software

PROGRAM NAME	PUBLISHER	AUTHOR	DESCRIPTION	USEFULLNESS	URL
FREEWARE   Plume Creator	Source Forge	Cyril Jacquet	It is a program that allows students to easily organize writing into scenes, character details, & notes so that writing a novel is an easy step-by-step process.	This would be useful for a creative writing project. It can also be used to aid students in novel reading by keeping notes and organizing information as they read.	http://sourceforge.net/projects/plume-creator/
FREEWARE   Argumentative – Argument Map Software	Source Forge	John Hartley	Using mapping software, students are able to mind map using a tree structure that is designed to display premise, reasons for, objections and “helpers”, examples to support reason or objection.	Students are able to Map their reasoning to arrive at thoughtful answers for arguing their beliefs.	http://sourceforge.net/projects/argumentative/files/
SOFTWARE   Grammar for the Real World	Knowledge Adventure		Students work their way up the ladder at a Hollywood studio based on their writing and grammar skills. As their skills become better, they are promoted.	This program assists in increasing students’ skills in writing and grammar through real world application. Students are able to see a connection between their writing abilities and their value for promotion.	http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Knowledge+Adventure
SOFTWARE   Clicker 6	Crick Software		Based on principles of Universal Design, students are provided with individualized writing and reading activities that are proven to create dramatic increases to students’ abilities.	Since the programs are individualized, you can have students work at their pace while working with a larger group to provide instruction.	http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/tools/clicker/home.aspx

Reflection Standard 5

Reflection Standard 5

 

            Standard 5 of ISTE-NETS for teachers is to engage in professional growth and leadership. Being a professional, teachers should seek ways to better their instruction. They should model that learning is a process that continues throughout a person’s life. Teachers should also display professional leadership in the area of technology by promoting its use through demonstration among their peers and within the school environment.

            Teachers are able to meet this standard by focusing on four key components of the standard. First, teachers ought to seek to discover ways to improve student learning through the use of innovative applications of technology; teachers may gain this knowledge via local and/or global learning communities. Second, teachers should infuse their instruction with the use of technology to demonstrate their leadership in an instructional vision. While moving forward in their vision, they should assist others to develop in this way. Third, teachers should make it routine to review current research in the areas of technology and education so they may incorporate new practices in their instruction to further student learning. Finally, in order to grow their profession, school and community, teachers need to be key contributors in determining educational needs and providing up-to-date methods that are effective.

            I am able to meet this standard in its entirety.  I currently participate in a local learning community that reviews and discusses current technology applications that aid in student learning. Although I have a local learning community, I am not participating in a global community. I feel confident that I can find and become a participant in a global educational community by taking time to research existing online sites that are available to educators. Within my department, I often share my uses of technology in instruction with other teachers. Teachers often ask for my assistance in using new programs, and I always assist them. I feel strongly that the future of education will rely heavily on the use of technology. With this idea in mind, when given information or opportunities to use new digital applications or tools, I always accept. Prior to beginning a master’s degree, I would occasionally read current research when it was provided at staff development meetings. I typically would not independently seek out research to drive my instruction. After participating in two graduate classes, I know that I have to make it a ritual to continually increase my knowledge by keeping abreast of new research. By doing this and incorporating what I learn into my instructional practices, I will increase my effectiveness by maintaining an educational environment that seeks to be better.      

Reflection Standard 4

Reflection Standard 4

             Standard 4 of ISTE-NETS for teachers is to promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. In order to comply with this standard, teachers must stay up to date with digital concerns that are local and global. With this understanding, teachers carry a responsibility to show and teach their students appropriate ways to use technology and ways to conduct themselves while using technology so they may not become engaged in illegal or unethical practices. Some areas that should be of primary concern for teachers are teaching student s to respect copyrighted material, intellectual property, and, if using those types of materials, appropriate documentation of sources.  Also within this standard, the teacher must provide all students with access to digital tools and resources from which they may select in order for them to experience and showcase their learning in a way that is most advantageous for their individual needs.  Furthermore, it is also the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that students know and understand digital etiquette and how to engage in appropriate social interactions while using digital tools. Finally, teachers need to socially interact with colleagues and students whose cultural backgrounds are diverse. The teacher needs to collaborate through digital communication applications and tools. Through this collaboration, teachers are able to model for students and help them develop an understanding of cultures in a global sense.

            My readiness to meet this standard is very strong and is certainly increasing. Most of the standard, I already address with my students. For instance, I always address the appropriate use of copyrighted material and intellectual property. Now, I am able to provide students with wizards that assist them in accurately citing material that they do use in their work. I also have discussions with the students about digital etiquette and their social interactions; we often discuss the consequences of having poor etiquette and interactions. Students provide personal examples which make for a very interesting conversation. My weakness in this standard is in addressing a diversity of cultures and providing a global awareness. I see now that I could use the conversations about social interactions as a segue to cover other cultures which would make for a perfect opportunity to cover this portion of the standard. Other ways that I could address this portion of the standard is by using web sites that provide virtual tours in other countries. As a class, we could connect with students and teachers from other countries via email and collaboration on online documents such as Google Docs or Prezi. It would be great to use Skype to communicate; however, our computers are not equipped with cameras so we wouldn’t have a visual. I am not sure that Skype is allowed through the school internet security, but it is a topic that could be addressed with administration in order to gain permission and access.