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

students in authentic learning experiences. (PSC 2.3/ISTE 2c)

Reflection:
The engaged learning project represents standard 2.3 which expresses that
students will model and facilitate the use of digital tools and resources to engage
students. In this activity, I took content and technology standards and created
developed a unit plan that engages all learners. The highest LOTI was accomplished in
the artifact in that I incorporated outside resources, student centered learning, and
project-based learning. I learned strategies and processes involved in creating and
facilitating a plan that engages all learners and the use of digital tools. I had an
opportunity while developing this plan to research many web 2.0 tools and other
instructional technology. I also learned how to create detailed plans focused around
technology integration and implementation.
The template and exemplary provided were very well scripted that it made the
process of developing the artifact very simplistic and self-explanatory. It was not until I
actually had an opportunity to facilitate the plan that I noticed areas in which I could
improve to make the quality of the artifact better. During the facilitation of the project, I
did not allot enough time to fully execute the plan successfully. Students ended the
project not grasping the entire concept and idea of how diversity, points of view, and
perspectives are effected or impacted around the world. Also, epals is a great way to
build connections with people worldwide; however, the set up and link with other
countries takes time and preparation. If I had an opportunity to enhance the quality of
this artifact I would give more time for set up and reflection.
One of the focuses on the school improvement plan created at our school is to
focus on collaboration and engaging effective lessons. I used my plan in leadership
meetings to express the steps that it takes to correctly and effectively develop an unit
plan that is student centered, high LOTI, and authentic. The administrators within my
school not only bought into the idea, they also created and gave time to provide
professional development to all teachers on creating and facilitating lessons using
digital tools. Also teachers were provided time to create lesson plans using similar
lesson template. Educators must always hone their craft. Discover the many formal,
informal, ongoing, and job-embedded professional-development programs keeping
teachers at the top of their game (GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
2016). As stated in the previous statement, providing professional developments give
teachers an opportunity to hone into their area of expertise, grow, and stay ahead of
education. All of which are important factors in school improvement, staff development,
and enhanced student academic performance and learning.
The major impact was that it helped the process of lesson planning, provided
teachers deep training on digital technology and integration, and contributed to school
improvement. Once teachers continue school proficiency in the collaboration, planning,
and engaged lessons student achievement and performance will be impacted greatly in
all content areas thus improving the growth and development of the all stakeholders.

References
Professional Development. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2016, from
https://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/professional-development