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Candice McClendon!
October 2013!
Dr. Vega!
Fall 2012!

Engaging students with the use of web 2.0 and technology tools to increase higher
level thinking.!

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This capstone experience will take place at SHAPE American International
Elementary School, a part of the Department of Defense Schools. This project will
affect the teachers and students of grades K through 6. Teachers at this school have
access to Smart Boards, Classroom Computers, Computer labs, Document
Cameras, Digital Cameras, and Scanners. The tools listed are currently being used
by most teachers, but are not being used to their fullest potential to enhance student
engagement and higher order thinking. This project will address the need for
teachers to use web 2.0 tools to enhance instruction.
The objective of this capstone project is to provide teachers with the
knowledge and skills to use a variety of web 2.0 tools to enhance student
engagement, and higher level performance. This need will be addressed by
providing teachers with training on the current tools available at the school, as well
as, a variety of web 2.0 tools that can enhance their instruction and provide
students with a more rigorous learning experience.
Deliverables:

Course syllabus for teacher training on various technology tools that are
currently available at the school.

Course syllabus for teacher training on the effective use of web 2.0 tools to
enhance student performance.

 Examples of teacher projects that show the use of web 2.0 and technology tools
to provide higher level, engaging instruction.
PSC Standards and Instructional Technology/Coaching Standards

Technology Coaches assist teachers in using technology effectively for assessing

student learning, differentiating instruction, and providing rigorous, relevant,
and engaging learning experiences for all students.

Coach teachers in and model design and implementation of technologyenhanced learning experiences emphasizing creativity, higher-order thinking
skills and processes, and mental habits of mind (e.g., critical thinking, metacognition, and self- regulation)

Coach teachers in and model incorporation of research-based best practices in

instructional design when planning technology-enhanced learning experiences

Model effective classroom management and collaborative learning strategies to

maximize teacher and student use of digital tools and resources and access to
technology-rich learning environments

Evaluate results of professional learning programs to determine the effectiveness

on deepening teacher content knowledge, improving teacher pedagogical skills
and/or increasing student learning

Conduct needs assessments to inform the content and delivery of technologyrelated professional learning programs that result in a positive impact on student
learning

In order to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to use
technology and web 2.0 tools effectively in the classroom, I will be working with
the instructional technologist to provide teachers with professional development
courses and assistance within the classroom to help them achieve the goal of this
project. We will conduct the professional learning courses after school 2-3 times a
week for 2 hours. This will take several months to complete.
In order to successfully complete this capstone project, I will need to use the
following.

Computer lab(s)
Current technology existing at the school
Instructional Technologist
Administration
Teachers
Students
Before beginning this project, I will conduct classroom observations to see
what technology is being used, what web 2.0 tools are being used, and if they are
being used to promote higher level thinking. I will then work with the Instructional
Technologist to determine where we should focus our efforts when designing the
professional learning courses for the teachers. During and after teaching the
professional learning courses I will conduct more classroom observations, as well
have teachers and students complete a survey to evaluate the change in student

engagement, higher order thinking, and use of web 2.0 tools. An example of
questions for the student survey would be

Do you think this lesson was more challenging and fun than those you have
completed in the past?

What changes has you teacher made?

What do you like about the way the lesson was presented and taught?
Did this training provide you with new ways to enhance student engagement? In
what ways?

Did this training help you design classroom experiences for higher levels of
performance by students? If so, in what ways?