Included in this portfolio are assignments that I have completed as a course requirement for EDM 300. This is a class that taught me how to implement technology into our future classrooms by introducing us to different technologies. I plan to implement technology into my future classroom because the society that we live in depends so heavily on technology and I believe that it is a teacher’s job to prepare our students to enter into society.
Brendan Paulison
West Chester University
Hello! My name is Brendan Paulison. I will be graduating from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in May of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies along with two minors in Health Science and Education. In the future, I wish to become a Special Education teacher. Throughout my educational career at West Chester, I have had the opportunity to work and interact with all types of people. I have always enjoyed helping others, and I wish to transition that to the classroom. Being an educator, to me, is not just shaping my students to perform well inside the classroom, but also guiding them to become better versions of themselves. It is extremely rewarding to watch students achieve their goals inside and outside of the classroom. In EDM 300, I learned different strategies that I could use in the classroom to implement technology such as using Apple Classroom. I am excited to share these strategies as well as learn new strategies from my future students.
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Overview
Tinkercad
ISTE Standard #4 - Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.
What?
Tinkercad is a website used for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It is used by teachers and students to create prototypes and different kinds of designs. In EDM 300, we used Tinkercad to create keychains. We could use any design of our choosing. I chose to do the West Chester University ram logo.
So What?
The Tinkercad design project meets ISTE Standard #4. The students used a website to design a prototype and solve a problem by creating a keychain design. This is significant because the students were given a task, and they used a software to complete that task with no guidance on what sort of design to use. The students were tasked with using their imagination and creative thinking to make a design that solved the problem.
Now What?
In the future, I plan to let students use their imaginations to make their ideas a reality. With the Tinkercad software, students will be able to use their creativity to make something they can be proud of. This task will also strengthen the students’ Self-Determination skill of “Problem Solving”. Self-Determination skills are positively correlated with post-high school employment success.
Coding with Swift Playgrounds
ISTE Standard #5 - Computational Thinker, Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.
What?
Swift playgrounds is an application that is designed to introduce computer coding to individuals starting from the beginning stages of coding. In a constantly changing society, it is important for students to understand how technology works from the ground up. By completing tasks in this application student will build a basic understanding of coding.
So What?
The Coding with Swift Playgrounds assignment meets ISTE Standard #5. Students use complex thinking to direct a character move around an area, and complete different tasks. They use problem solving strategies to pass each stage of the software by writing directions to the character using code. Also students will test solutions to find which one properly completes the task.
Now What?
I intend to incorporate swift playgrounds into my classroom by introducing coding to students that would like to know more about it. Coding can be extremely difficult, and this app walks the user through the steps and process of coding making it easier to understand. It is imperative that students understand technology in our ever changing society. This application strengthens the Self Determination skill of “Self-Instruction” which encourages students to use positive, nonverbal self-talk to solve problems. Self-Determination skills are positively correlated with post-high school employment success.
All About Me
ISTE Standard #6 - Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.
What?
The All About Me Assignment is designed to give students a chance to reflect on themselves and their interests. Students were given a blank silhouette of a head, and we were tasked in filling the head with different images representing our hobbies and interests. We then shared our projects with the class to see what everyone created.
So What?
It is important for students to express themselves, and the All About Me project gives them a chance to do it in a unique way. By using images to portray their interests, students can collaborate with peers and see what they have in common, and learn something new about each other.
Now What?
In my classroom, I want my students to feel comfortable expressing themselves. Like myself, not every student feels completely comfortable expressing themselves in front of a class. With this assignment, students can express themselves in an alternative way that could be beneficial.
Educational Tools
Athletes Helping Athletes is a non-profit program that connects typically developing athletes with atyipically developing athletes to create relationships through sport.
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ISTE standards are standards that teachers and students can use when implementing technology in the classroom.
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Quizlet is a website that students and educators can use to create online flashcards to study from. This website also allows students to participate in a variety of study games.
EdPuzzle is a website that allows teachers to embed questions into videos to ensure that students are engaged throughout the entirety of the video.
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Zoom is a video conferencing platform that teachers can use to provide support for their students outside the traditional classroom.
YouTube is a video sharing website that users can use to access information and publish videos of their own. This is a tool that educators can use when wishing to present content in a different manor.
Kahoot is a website that educators and students can use to create a friendly but competitive environment that enhances student involvement.
Newsela is a website that takes real-world news and makes it accessible to all students. It allows the teacher to assign relevant content to students.
Educators can use twitter by allowing their students to tweet along with their coursework creating an online community.
ABC Mouse is an interactive game based website that is used to teach math and reading comprehension skills to students.