Fostering Curiosity

I chose the cell that is in the cross section between authentic learning at the infusion level using shared access to computers/technology. The lesson deals with students using the web to learn sign language and then make a tutorial video to share with other students and to keep in the school's library. I liked this lesson because getting dual certified in special education I think its great that the students wanted to get involved in different ways that people communicate and show that those with disabilities are capable people who are valuable members of their school and society.

The example of the lesson can pertain to a couple of the NETS for Teachers standards. Under number 2, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, there are two sections that are applicable. Section A, design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity, and Section B, develop 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. Both of these standards are relevant because the teacher took the learning experience a step further by using a book that the class had read and derived an additional lesson using digital media to explore the themes more in-depth so her class could explore their curiosity further on how different people communicate.

Number 4, Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility, can and should be applied to all lessons in one way or another. Section A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources, was seen in this lesson by the students using a safe web browser while looking up the content they needed and by the teacher guiding them through each step of the project from formulating the vocabulary list to directing the video.

Before I chose a level of technology integration to further think about I watched a couple of examples of lessons from both of the Infusion and Transformation categories. After watching I knew I was definitely comfortable with the Infusion category but a little tentative with the Transformation category. The technologies used in the Transformation category are not at all hard to use but the lessons used many at same time very interdependently. While watching I felt that the Transformation level needs more thorough preparation of the lessons and all the different ways they can go since the students had more say in the direction of where the lesson was headed. I feel confident in using all of the technologies we have learned so far and those I knew before hand. Now I just have to work on using different medias together to make the lessons more enriching.