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.