Abstract
This
paper discusses demonstration of Program Learning Outcome 8 "the ability to make informed decisions
regarding the use of technology in support of learning and leadership." As educators, it is necessary to demonstrate
Program Learning Outcome 1, the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to learning using technology. Also demonstrated are Program Learning Outcome 4, "apply research to support learning in a technology-enhanced environment"; Program Learning Outcome 6, "evaluating technology resources to facilitate effective assessment and evaluation in the research and program proposals"; and Program Learning Outcomes 7 "utilizing technology to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate finds." An
explanation of the principles and theory that apply will be explained and why
they were chosen. The discussion includes the design and implementation challenges experienced during the redesign of a MATLT activity and how they were overcome.
In this fast-paced evolving
field of Teaching and Learning with Technology, educational technology leaders
have a responsibility to show “continual growth in technology knowledge and
skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies” (Christie, 2007, para
2). Planning and designing learning
environments that are supported by technology is a key element in the success
of our students to become active members in today’s global informational world.
According to Christie (2007)
educational technology leaders must be able to understand the social, ethical,
legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in our schools. Educators must take the approach that
learning starts and is supported at home in order to empower learners with
diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. According to Peets (2008) in a study
of at-risk middle school students, researchers found that parent involvement
has a positive effect on student achievement. By providing parents with encouragement, support, and
training in all areas that promote learning with focus on utilizing the
Internet and technology tools, student achievement will be enhanced.
The MATLT activities chosen to
redesign are a Research Proposal and Program Evaluation Proposal for increasing parental
involvement and engagement that is highly infused with technology. By immersing parents into education programs and
communication using technology, students achievement is promoted through the
support and guidance provided by informed parents at home. Through use of technology and increased
parent engagement, learning continues at any time or place as well as in the
classroom. In the original design
because of a time constraint, the data was compiled from research. The redesign includes a parent survey that
will embrace what the parents feel they need and to be combined with the
information found during the research process.
The data will be compiled, analyzed, and reviewed to design additional learning
programs and support for the parents’ specific needs, including the addition of
a school resource portal that shall be grade specific.
The
challenges that were experienced included designing appropriate questions for
the parent survey and SurveyMonkey limits the
free version to only ten questions without upgrading to the premium
account. This challenge will be overcome
and the additional questions can be included after transferring the survey to
the school’s premium account. The next
challenge deals with the financial cost of families of Internet service at home
for their child. There is a solution for
low-income families called Internet Essentials from Comcast. The family must have one child that receives
free school lunches to qualify for low affordable Internet at the cost of
$10.00 per month. This program also
offers a computer at the low cost of $150.00.
According to the Approved School Improvement Grant for BRICK Avon
(2012), 90% of our students qualify for free lunch allowing this program to be
a possible solution for families that have do not Internet access.
References
Avon Avenue Elementary School approved school improved grant application. (2012). Retrieved from SIGhttp://www.state.nj.us/education/title1/sig/201213/13-3570-220.pdf
Christie, A. (2007). ISTE NETS Technology leadership standards. AliceChristie.org. Retrieved from http://www.alicechristie.org/classes/584/nets_l.html
Goins, L. (2013). Parent engagement and involvement survey.
SurveyMonkey. Retrieved from http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZFM22GT
Peets, S. J. (2008). Effective
intervention approaches for increased student achievement with at-risk middle
school students: Voices from parents. Western Michigan University). ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses, , 231-n/a. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/304445449?accountid=32521. (304445449).
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