3.6 Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools & Resources
Candidates collaborate with teachers and administrators to select and evaluate digital tools and resources for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the school technology infrastructure. (PSC 3.6/ISTE 3f)
Artifact: EETA Presentation
Reflection:
Standard 3.6: Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools and Resources
The Evaluating Emerging Technologies Assessment (EETA) artifact was created for the Multimedia and Web Design course. The purpose of the assignment was to research an emerging technology in education and prepare a formal presentation educating stakeholders on the benefits of implementing the technology. For the EETA assignment, I chose to focus on a supplemental piece to Learning A-Z and Reading A-Z called Raz-Kids. The emerging technology, Raz-Kids, is a dynamic website and app with embedded text-to-speech technologies and assessment tools underpinning a large library and range of age appropriate e-books.
The artifact demonstrates mastery of the Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools and Resources standard. Through collaboration with teachers and administrators, I was able to research, select, and evaluate digital tools and resources to leverage students towards greater learning outcomes. Coincidentally, the EETA project occurred around the time of ISTE 2014. My assistant principal wanted more detailed information regarding Raz-Kids and whether or not Buford Elementary should expand the Learning A-Z subscription to include it. I was tasked with seeking out and speaking with the representatives of Raz-Kids at ISTE 2014. When I met with Raz_Kids representatives, I asked them a lot of questions about the implementing the product and also its effectiveness. I chose to focus my EETA presentation on Raz-Kids to accomplish the course project and also fulfill my administrator’s request of learning more about the product. Another major component of the EETA assignment was assessing if Raz-Kids met the criteria for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the technology infrastructure of Buford Elementary. I was able to share my EETA presentation with my assistant principal and it was ultimately decided that Raz-Kids was worth pursuing further and aligned accordingly with the existing infrastructure and iPad initiative of Buford Elementary.
By completing this project, I learned a great deal about effectively researching digital tools and resources and determining whether or not if it fits with the initiatives, culture, and existing technology infrastructure of my school. The presentation demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of an instructional technology professional in the area of evaluating emerging technologies. In retrospect, I wish that I had the wherewithal to think to record my conversation with the representatives at Raz-Kids booth at ISTE 2014. I could’ve then embedded the conversation directly into the EETA, which would’ve made my presentation a more comprehensive overview of the program. Also, I should’ve included the EETA presentation in the subsequent professional development sessions focused on Raz-Kids.
Overall, my work researching Raz-Kids and creating the EETA project positively benefited student learning at Buford Elementary. The impact can be assessed because the EETA was convincing evidence for my assistant principal to move forward with full implementation of Raz-Kids with the kindergarten and first grade teams at Buford Elementary. BES initially implemented Raz-Kids in August 2014 and continues to utilize Raz-Kids well into the 2015-2016 school year.
Standard 3.6: Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools and Resources
The Evaluating Emerging Technologies Assessment (EETA) artifact was created for the Multimedia and Web Design course. The purpose of the assignment was to research an emerging technology in education and prepare a formal presentation educating stakeholders on the benefits of implementing the technology. For the EETA assignment, I chose to focus on a supplemental piece to Learning A-Z and Reading A-Z called Raz-Kids. The emerging technology, Raz-Kids, is a dynamic website and app with embedded text-to-speech technologies and assessment tools underpinning a large library and range of age appropriate e-books.
The artifact demonstrates mastery of the Selecting and Evaluating Digital Tools and Resources standard. Through collaboration with teachers and administrators, I was able to research, select, and evaluate digital tools and resources to leverage students towards greater learning outcomes. Coincidentally, the EETA project occurred around the time of ISTE 2014. My assistant principal wanted more detailed information regarding Raz-Kids and whether or not Buford Elementary should expand the Learning A-Z subscription to include it. I was tasked with seeking out and speaking with the representatives of Raz-Kids at ISTE 2014. When I met with Raz_Kids representatives, I asked them a lot of questions about the implementing the product and also its effectiveness. I chose to focus my EETA presentation on Raz-Kids to accomplish the course project and also fulfill my administrator’s request of learning more about the product. Another major component of the EETA assignment was assessing if Raz-Kids met the criteria for accuracy, suitability, and compatibility with the technology infrastructure of Buford Elementary. I was able to share my EETA presentation with my assistant principal and it was ultimately decided that Raz-Kids was worth pursuing further and aligned accordingly with the existing infrastructure and iPad initiative of Buford Elementary.
By completing this project, I learned a great deal about effectively researching digital tools and resources and determining whether or not if it fits with the initiatives, culture, and existing technology infrastructure of my school. The presentation demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of an instructional technology professional in the area of evaluating emerging technologies. In retrospect, I wish that I had the wherewithal to think to record my conversation with the representatives at Raz-Kids booth at ISTE 2014. I could’ve then embedded the conversation directly into the EETA, which would’ve made my presentation a more comprehensive overview of the program. Also, I should’ve included the EETA presentation in the subsequent professional development sessions focused on Raz-Kids.
Overall, my work researching Raz-Kids and creating the EETA project positively benefited student learning at Buford Elementary. The impact can be assessed because the EETA was convincing evidence for my assistant principal to move forward with full implementation of Raz-Kids with the kindergarten and first grade teams at Buford Elementary. BES initially implemented Raz-Kids in August 2014 and continues to utilize Raz-Kids well into the 2015-2016 school year.