Technology Integration Matrix and Learning Environments

Within the Technology Integration Matrix, I have chosen the Authentic Learning / Adoption Level / One-to-One Access cell to take a look at how it stacks up against the NETS for Teachers.  By having students participate together in geographically charting recent hurricanes, the teacher addresses the standard that asks teachers to "promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes" (1.c.).  This is done by having students take turns demonstrating to the class - on an electronic chalkboard - where hurricanes were detected in longitude and latitude.  This classroom assignment likewise addressed standard 1.d., which offers that teachers "model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments."  With the help of resources such as that electronic chalkboard, and all students' access to a laptop, the teacher is also addressing 2.b. by "develop[ing] technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress."

At the beginning of this course, I believe that I would have been able to supply a level of classroom technology integration somewhere between what is deemed Entry or Adoption.  However, after becoming acquainted with technologies newly introduced to me with this course (especially Powerpoint, podcasts, and slidecasts), I believe I could, with a bit of practice, confidently Adapt my classroom to a degree where students are not only introduced to software, but shown how to manipulate and use it to accomplish tasks and draw meaningful connections beyond their classroom.