Yesenia Lara

June 28, 2016

Elvis Presley
Elementary School

Yesenia Lara
June 28, 2016

MY STAND

The advancement of technology has been an inevitable event in the lives of the current
generation. Kids have become enveloped into a futuristic world through computers, smart phones,
tablets, endless forms of communication through social media sites, and answers to EVERY
question with a simple Google search. With a vast variety of means to further and expand education
why is it that we continue to pursue the standardized, one shoe fits all, backward way of teaching?
I believe the answer lies within failed attempts to be leveled, and forcing students into a box where
they do not belong.

Elvis Presley Elementary School is, and has been considered a leader in the district, with
a student/computer ratio of 2:1. We have a large number of peripheral devices like laptops,
scanners, graphic tablets, digital science probes, PDA’s and printers. We were selected as
beneficiaries to amazing resources that have served the school in a tremendous way. As leaders in
this movement, we would like to remain standing, because as a school we have proven that
technology is essential to education. According to professor, Instructional Systems Technology
Department, Indiana University, “Effective learning requires an environment designed for multiple
paths to success. In the 21st century, digital technologies — social networking, e-books, shared
online video, mobile applications, virtual worlds, collaborative tools, etc. — enhance the learning
opportunities for untold millions of learners. The maximization of technologies in the learning
space, in effect, provides a distinct advantage for learning. Now is the time to move ahead, not
retrench or retrace.” As educators we must teach students how to succeed in their environment.
Paulo Blikstein says, “The teacher of the future helps you navigate the ocean of information”, the
role and involvement of the educator still remains required, and a computer will never replace a
human interaction, or the the expression of “caring.”

We currently face opposition and many demand the universal fit, which will never happen.
As a community we must press forward and learn to use technology to the fullest potential.
Learning how to operate, and properly distribute lessons, and data to solely fulfill its highest value,
to educate.
Yesenia Lara
June 28, 2016
Standards

Nevada Computer and Technology Standards are composed of 6 themes which are:

1. Creativity and Innovation

2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

They then are subcategorized by grade levels (2, 5, 8, and 12), followed by the detailed
indicators of how efficiently their knowledge and usefulness skill level is expected to be in
use and practiced.

Computer and Technology Education Standards are composed of 5 different themes

which are:

1. 2.0 Productivity Tools

2. 3.0 Research Tools
3. 4.0 Tools and Processes
4. 5.0 Systems

These are also subcategorized by grade levels (3, 5, 8, and 12), they are then placed on a
grading chart that determines exceeding knowledge through below the standard
requirement.

The ISTE Standards are composed of 7 different themes which are:

1. Empowered Learner
2. Digital Citizenship
3. Knowledge Constructor
4. Innovative Designer
5. Computational Thinker
6. Creative Communicator
7. Global Collaborator

These standards are not based of a grade or skill level achievement based on age or grade
level but based upon what is expected of the students to do using the skills they are learning
through the use of technology in the classroom. In a way these standards are more of a benefit
chart for students.

Yesenia Lara
June 28, 2016
Clemmitt, Marcia. "Digital Education." CQ Researcher 2 Dec. 2011: 1001-24. Web. 1 July 2016.

Lesson: GOVERNMENT Grade: 8th

Groups of 7 Objective: Students will give the Materials:

lesson on assigned day. They are to
properly and to their best knowledge - Chrome Book (or computer)
give a presentation on their assigned - Internet
topic. - Microsoft PowerPoint

Objective: Students will learn the role, importance and reason of The Branches of Government, Bill of Rights, The
Amendments, and the Constitution.

Instructions:

- The classroom will be divided into 4 teams (approx. 7 students)

- 1 leader per team (appointed by team)

*the leaders are to equally distribute the tasks amongst their team, and also make sure everything is ready on
presentation day.

- Topic will be drawn from a bucket by appointed leader

Using Chrome Books and PowerPoint students will create a one-page slideshow thoroughly explaining their topic.
The slide show must include: graphics, breakdown of important subtopics, and animations (video or voice audio).

The presentation must not exceed 5 minutes, and should be followed by a 5 question quiz (graded) given verbally to
the class. Total time: 10 minutes. Presentations are expected to be organized, and clearly spoken. Presentations will be
due 1 week from today. (day given)

STANDARDS:

ISTE standards: #3: Knowledge Constructor: Students critically curate a variety of resources
using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful
learning experiences for themselves and others. #6: Creative Communicator: Students
communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the
platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. Computer and
Technology Education Standards: 3.0 Skillfully demonstrates the use of tools and materials to
design/develop products/projects.

Assessment:

Based on the clarity and organization of the information given by the students I will assess them on the
knowledge given on their topics. Based on the quizzes given to the students by presenters I will grade them on
participation.