Learning Environments:
Candidates facilitate learning by creating, using, evaluating, and managing effective learning environments.
3.1 Creating. Candidates create instructional design products based on learning principles and research-based best practices.
The Instructional Design project was created based on the Universal Design for Learning. This artifact contains articles and videos that will be viewed by the students. The articles are available in multiple lexile levels and also have the ability to be read aloud to the student, as opposed to the student reading it themself. The project is also designed to provide the students with guiding questions and online database links to information. Depending on the abilities of the students in the classroom and their prior knowledge of being able to identify credible sources, the teacher can choose to let the students only use the provided sources, have the students search for sources on their own, or have the students search on their own and supplement with the provided sources as needed. Again, this supports the ability to meet the needs of all learners.
3.2 Using. Candidates make professionally sound decisions in selecting appropriate processes and resources to provide optimal conditions for learning based on principles, theories, and effective practices.
The Curriculum Project was created to target both ELA and Social Studies standards, and was grounded in the technological approach set forth by Judi Harris and Mark Hofer, beginning with the learning goals. It was also developed upon the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, with the integration of visuals into verbal instruction through the use of videos, photographs, and map exploration. As noted in the project proposal, "this allows the learner to build on prior knowledge through both the auditory and visual channels in the brain". Through the use of technology, the unit furthered student engagement and allowed them to process more information in their memories.
3.3 Assessing/Evaluating. Candidates use multiple assessment strategies to collect data for informing decisions to improve instructional practice, learner outcomes, and the learning environment.
The Multimedia eLearning Environment provides evidence of using multiple assessment strategies to drive improved instruction, assess learner outcomes, and the effectiveness of the learning environment. This artifact utilizes student responses in Google Forms to assess how effective the environment is in furthering student learning. Depending on the student responses, the unit can be modified to improve practice and knowledge acquisition. The artifact also uses the student responses from the Padlet to assess student culminative learning of the entire unit.
3.4 Managing. Candidates establish mechanisms for maintaining the technology infrastructure to improve learning and performance.
The School Technology Plan outlines the tools needed to provide and/or maintain the required technology infrastructure needed to improve student learning and performance. This artifact highlights the tools like web-enabled devices, a projector, and a subscription to Discovery Education, as well as the network equipment like high-speed internet. These items are necessary in order to properly implement the Curriculum Project, which aids in improving student learning and performance.
3.5 Ethics. Candidates foster a learning environment in which ethics guide practice that promotes health, safety, best practice, and respect for copyright, Fair Use, and appropriate open access to resources.
The Multimedia eLearning Environment utilizes resources from many different sources and exhibits the ethical use of its various components. The materials for this artifact is non-commercial and used for educational purposes only. The artifact utilizes links to direct sources so the user is able to access the material(s) from where it originated. Additionally, for articles that were acquired from sites with a paid subscription, the artifact provides a link, rather than putting a copy of the article which would infringe the copyright.
3.6 Diversity of Learners. Candidates foster a learning community that empowers learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.
The Multimedia eLearning Environment is an independent virtual instructional unit because it was designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. The artifact allows the learner to choose the work path through the unit. The integration of text, videos, photographs and images allow students of varying learning styles to access the information. Furthermore, the articles curated are available in multiple lexile levels, which allows learners of varying reading abilities access to the text.