3.2 Managing Digital Tools and Resources
Candidates effectively manage digital tools and resources within the context of student learning experiences.
Candidates effectively manage digital tools and resources within the context of student learning experiences.
Artifact - Multimedia Design Project
For this artifact, I chose the WebQuest I created during summer semester for ITEC 7445, Multimedia and Web Design. My task was to create a WebQuest lesson which would be student-driven and would incorporate the elements of multimedia design we studied in this class.
I designed a WebQuest which addressed both the math content standards and the PSC technology and ISTE standards. This project challenged students to complete a real-world financial plan guided by my website. As students worked in pairs, they learned to calculate federal and state taxes, find and finance homes and cars, estimate groceries, and other authentic personal finance tasks. The tasks were guided by the website, but students learned to locate financial tools on the internet to help them make necessary calculations. They then had to apply that information to their financial plan and make adjustments as their budgets were squeezed.
What I liked about this project is that I provided the platform, but students had to locate the tools to help them make real-life decisions about what was necessary and what was not. Students were responsible for their own learning and had to make decisions with a partner. The WebQuest also challenged students to think of their personal career and educational goals in an authentic way. They will soon graduate and will know what kinds of expenses to expect and how to find the digital tools they will need to help them make important financial decisions in their lives.
I learned a lot about choosing digital tools wisely. I first built my WebQuest through Wikispaces, but soon realized that while it was very flexible and interactive, it did not have the kind of appearance and usability that I had learned to appreciate as enhancing the digital experience. Weebly suited this task better, providing an attractive, easily navigated platform from which students could conduct their research. If I had to do another WebQuest, I would certainly use this web tool from the start.
This artifact impacted student learning by introducing them to web tools that will benefit them in real life as they enter adulthood. They got a good look at personal finances and important real-life concerns such as shopping for and financing cars and homes, purchasing insurance, paying taxes, and dealing with unexpected expenses such as car repairs or hospitalizations. Student learning was assessed by the level of student engagement observed by the teacher and by the validity of the financial spreadsheet they turned in.
I designed a WebQuest which addressed both the math content standards and the PSC technology and ISTE standards. This project challenged students to complete a real-world financial plan guided by my website. As students worked in pairs, they learned to calculate federal and state taxes, find and finance homes and cars, estimate groceries, and other authentic personal finance tasks. The tasks were guided by the website, but students learned to locate financial tools on the internet to help them make necessary calculations. They then had to apply that information to their financial plan and make adjustments as their budgets were squeezed.
What I liked about this project is that I provided the platform, but students had to locate the tools to help them make real-life decisions about what was necessary and what was not. Students were responsible for their own learning and had to make decisions with a partner. The WebQuest also challenged students to think of their personal career and educational goals in an authentic way. They will soon graduate and will know what kinds of expenses to expect and how to find the digital tools they will need to help them make important financial decisions in their lives.
I learned a lot about choosing digital tools wisely. I first built my WebQuest through Wikispaces, but soon realized that while it was very flexible and interactive, it did not have the kind of appearance and usability that I had learned to appreciate as enhancing the digital experience. Weebly suited this task better, providing an attractive, easily navigated platform from which students could conduct their research. If I had to do another WebQuest, I would certainly use this web tool from the start.
This artifact impacted student learning by introducing them to web tools that will benefit them in real life as they enter adulthood. They got a good look at personal finances and important real-life concerns such as shopping for and financing cars and homes, purchasing insurance, paying taxes, and dealing with unexpected expenses such as car repairs or hospitalizations. Student learning was assessed by the level of student engagement observed by the teacher and by the validity of the financial spreadsheet they turned in.