Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of digital tools and resources to

support and enhance higher order thinking skills (e.g., analyze, evaluate, and create);
processes (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making); and mental habits of mind (e.g.,
critical thinking, creative thinking, metacognition, self-regulation, and reflection). (PSC
2.4/ISTE 2d)
In this standard candidates are to model and facilitate lessons that effectively
utilize digital tools and resources that will promote high order thinking. The artifact
selected to demonstrate mastery of this standard was the Internet lesson plan. In this
lesson plan I selected standards related to Social Studies content, created I can
statements, designed a 2 week lesson plan on the unit, and integrated technology tools
and strategies. While conducted the plan I learned how to effectively assembly a plan
focused on student achievement and performance. I also learned the steps it takes to
correctly formulate such and plan and creating a plan that will push for higher order
thinking.
According the ISTE standards for students, Students demonstrate creative
thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using
technology (ISTE 2007). I attempted to create a plan that provided the students the
opportunity to be creative. Students were asked to create a graphic organizer of their
own that depicts an historical person or even during the Civil War. Once I started this
process, I quickly realized that I did not allot enough time for students to execute the
artifact. If I had the opportunity to improve the Lesson plan, I would allot more time for
students to complete task and I would give more time for the instructor to teach the
technology tool. Powtoons and Glogster are two web 2.0 tools that I integrated within

the Internet Lesson Plan. Both tools take time to teach which I noticed took away from
students applying high order thinking on the assignment itself.
Rigor and high order thinking are areas in which Ballard-Hudson Middle School
needs to improve. The Internet Lesson Plan in which I created, facilitated, and
implemented utilized many web 2.0 tools and resources that asked for high order
thinking and rigorous applications of students. The work put into the plan and the
facilitation of the plan contributed to the School Improvement plan in that teachers
engaged in professional development that required them to create plans integrating
technology. This process has been a school-wide requirement. Now that teachers are
routinely creating plans that focus on student engagement and higher order thinking,
student learning and achievement is positively impacted.
How can the impact be assessed? The impacts on students learning, faculty
development, and school improvement can be assessed as positive. The school is
improving, students growth and development is evident on classroom assessments,
and teachers are receiving routinely professional development to improve skills in
lesson planning and high order thinking of students. I can see huge achievement and
performance gaps closing if teachers continue to produce technology integrating
lessons with primary focuses on rigor, engagement, assessments, and high order
thinking.
ISTE - International Society for Technology in Education - Home. (n.d.). Retrieved
November 15, 2016, from https://www.iste.org/