ELA Technology Standards:

                The ELA Technology Standards I feel most prepared to teach with my existing knowledge is technology literacy in which understanding the different tools available and their uses. For example, a search engine and how to look up information about a topic on a computer. Also, understanding verifiable sources of information such as a journal or educational website versus Wikipedia. It is important to know what sources can provide the most accurate information about a subject. Literacy as it relates to the use of technology in the classroom is essential so that students can use these tools to enhance their learning experiences. As for the standards that I need to learn more about myself in order to teach my future students about are the effective integration of multimedia and technology into presentations. Throughout my educational experience I have been for ever working on the preparation of presentations. I am still learning the many different ways that multimedia can be integrated with technology to create powerful presentations that drive a clear message about the topic that one is presenting. A successful presentation is all about the small details, everything from the opening punch, the nuts and bolts to the conclusion that brings it all together. I continue to learn about this process and look forward to understanding it in order to successfully teach my students.

Technology Software Applications:

                As for the technology software and application that I enjoy and prefer to use with students, that would be the portals on the internet, more specifically Google. The internet (World Wide Web) as a tool has the potential to provide never ending sources of information and ideas for every subject imaginable. You can spend hours upon hours on the internet without arriving at boredom. The communication possibilities are endless, before you could only send an email, now there is video chat live. The most impacting part of the internet is its multi-media capabilities where one can create anything from a short film to a video performance presentation, etc. This new digital age presents with unlimited possibilities for all but keeping in mind the important concepts such as respecting digital laws, practicing safety and digital security. Particularly with young students in K-3 it is important to monitor their digital activities and filter the digital content they are exposed to in order to keep their environment safe and their digital experiences age appropriate. The current use of filters, firewalls and other tools helps make this possible. The goal is to provide a safe learning environment for children on the internet and make use of the extensive educational materials available on the internet.

Newsletter Design

                As a result of working on the newsletter design, I learned about how to organize a newsletter and its content so that the reader can follow along and understand the information being conveyed in the newsletter. The graphics were a bit of a challenge but I was able to work out the columns and fit the information. I learned that it is important to keep the information simple and condensed as the title gives it away newsletter not newspaper. Using the bullets allows you to highlight the key points in the written article. I believe I can improve on the subject matter and make sure that the information is of important value the reader and the target audience. This is assignment is important because a newsletter is a useful tool to communicate with parents and students regarding important issues that affect the learning environment in the classroom. It also helps to keep parents informed in a general sense as well as provide important information regarding past, present and future topics.