In my opinion, this standard wants me to recognize the importance behind effectively

using a variety of computer systems to complete daily classroom tasks. As technology continues

to advance over the years, certain classroom routines, such as taking attendance, are becoming

easier and more convenient. It is crucial to be able to effectively use technology in this way.

Certain routine tasks can be done quicker and more efficiently so that more time is available to

use for providing students with the best education. I think this standard also wants me to

recognize the benefits of using technology to enhance the learning process. By using technology,

such as digital cameras and video camera, there is a wider variety of activities that can be used to

support instruction.

For this standard, I chose to use a screen capture of the grading system used in my

student teaching experience as the artifact to demonstrate my understanding and application of

the standard. This artifact clearly demonstrates my understanding of “how to run computer

software; access, generate, and manipulate data; and publish results.” Throughout each week,

student grades are simply recorded in a traditional paper copy of a grade book. At the end of

each week, the grades are then entered into this particular grading system so that the weekly

grades can be calculated and published for both parent and student awareness. Since these grades

are made available online at home for parents and students, this is also an example of “using

appropriate technology in written and oral communications.” Although I have successfully used

this artifact in practice during student teaching, I will improve my basic level of understanding of

the program in the future to further meet this standard. For example, this program offers a variety

of other functions and tasks aside from the basic grading system. Without knowledge of these

other possible functions, the technology is not being used to its full potential.
 After demonstrating the importance behind effectively using technology to access,

generate, and manipulate data, I feel more prepared to teach and learn in a diverse society.

‘Diverse’ can be defined in multiple ways. For one, it can be interpreted as an ethnically and

racially diverse environment. With an ethnically and racially diverse student population, it is

necessary to consider students’ family backgrounds and home environment. If students and their

parents do not have access to the internet at home, this information must be made available for

those particular students and their families in another way. ‘Diverse’ can also be interpreted as an

academically diverse environment. By satisfactorily meeting this standard, I have demonstrated

the importance in using technology to generate and manipulate data for each student’s grade.

Students will perform at all different ability levels for different assignments. This must be taken

into consideration when grading assignments, projects, tests, etc. This will prepare me as a

prospective teacher to provide the best education for a diverse group of students. I look forward

to using this knowledge in my future and am confident that my future experiences will further

build upon these understandings as well.