Artifact #9: Weebly Website EDU 571 Technology in the classroom

Overview
The Weebly Website project is my final artifact for this portfolio. It is a website that I
created for students and parents to access as a resource to learn more about several different
topics ranging from internet safety to mathematics. It is still a work in progress and will
continue to be so as I find new and interesting material that I think would help students learn. It
is currently divided into five sections starting with a welcoming page and then moving on to a
digital safety and citizenship page, author study page, technology page and a student resource
page. Each of these pages provides links, videos or audio components that can help students
explore concepts and ideas on their own.
I chose this artifact because it shows my ability to navigate and use technology to
produce material that can aid my classroom instruction. Putting this website together was done
using several kinds of programs, websites and methods to create unique materials that will
benefit both parent and student alike. Since the classroom and learning in general are taking
more of a turn towards technological integration, it is important that I develop my abilities in
exploring new developments. The rate of change of technology means that a teacher must be
open to professional development devoted solely to educational technology. It is important that
I am able to navigate the ever changing technological world and this artifact shows that I have
experience in doing so.
When it comes to educational theories, technology is quickly becoming a useful tool in
creating a virtual environment that students can easily access to discover and use information.
This website provides numerous tools and pathways that allow students to grow their
understanding and develop connections between different pieces of information. This speaks to

the concept of constructionism put forth by Piaget in the 1960s. It is so much easier now to
guide students to content that can help students out or provide information yourself directly to
students so they may access it at their convenience. This also speaks to Bruner and his ideas
involving discovery based learning. The internet can be a perfect setting for students who are
actively pursuing their own inquiry-based learning. Teacher created websites can serve as a base
of operations for students to set out and explore, building concepts up and linking them together.
This is the operational format of my website and the structure of it was designed with this
concept in mind.
Connections to Standards
INTASC STANDARDS
The ITASC Standards that apply to artifact nine are numbers 1 and 3. It encourages
student development by providing learning websites and tools, not to mention easy to access
instructional videos that are good for students who need extra help or information. The website
is a virtual environment that allows students to progress into the rest of the web in an educational
journey.
NYS Code of Ethics for Educators:
Principles 1 and 5 apply here to this artifact because it shows my efforts to nurture
students to become independent in their educational journey and support parents so they too may
join their sons and daughters and become more understanding of what is going on in their school
life.
The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards:
The CARE and TRUST standards apply here. The website shows interest and insight to
develop student potential by providing links to websites that will help them understand different

topics. Creation of a portal that parents can access to help their children (and maybe themselves)
to understand content and curriculum builds trust with the teacher.
P-12 NYS Common Core Learning Standards:
The NYS Common Core learning standards that apply to this artifact are as follows.
Standard Strand Mathematics: Operations and Algebraic thinking for Grade 1. The embedded
video shows how to add and subtract within 20.
NYS Learning Standards:
Ontario Ministry of Education Expectation:
The Ontario Ministry of Education Grade 1-8 standards apply to this artifact specifically
for the video that teaches grade 1 math. It addresses the topic of number sense and numeration.
TEAC/CAEP Claims:
TEAC claims 1 and 3 apply to this artifact. The material on the website and its links
show knowledge of subject matter and the online safety component of the website shows that I
want my students to be careful and protected.
ISTE Standards for Teachers and Students (ISTE):
The ISTE Standards for teachers #1, #2 and #3 apply to this artifact. The creation of this
website facilitates and inspires student learning and creativity. The design and development
provides a digital age learning experience for students. It shows them that the creation of these
sites is possible and they too can be involved in technology.
Council for Exceptional Children (ECE):
Standard 1.5 applies here due to the selection of specific apps and websites that will assist
the student in their understanding of math and other subject matter. Numerous websites have
interactive games (Prodigy Math) that are used to enhance and make math learning fun.

My Weebly website: http://mrkolodziejsclass.weebly.com/