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 **What technology experiences within each grade level's PYP units of inquiry will ensure mastery of the technology TEKS? ** 1. How does my banner question impact student learning in the classroom?


 * K-**We plan our PYP units of inquiry to incorporate the technology expectations for the kindergarten students. These expectations include basic knowledge of the computer and how it operates, basic keyboarding, and introduction to Microsoft Word and Kidspiration. The expectations are very basic for kindergarten and are mostly introduction and practice.
 * 1-** Technology is used to help support 1st grade PYP units of Inquiry. We use Kidspiration, KidPix, and Microsoft Word at the beginning of the year and are moving towards the use of Connected Tech and Smart Board activities, as well. As we support our units, we also focus on 1st grade technology objectives.
 * 2-**Our banner question significantly impacts student learning because it enhances each PYP unit and gives students more choices to present their work. Throughout the year we incorporate Microsoft Word Kidspiration, Inspiration, Power Point, Excel into each unit. Including technology in each PYP unit will allow for student success and differentiation in teaching and learning within the PYP units. This will also lead to mastery of the second grade technology objectives. We plan to use Connected Tech assignments to support all of our units.
 * 3-** Technology is integrated in 3rd grade's PYP units of inquiry whenever possible. Students learn to save to their own files, become proficient in using Word, PowerPoint, Photo Story, etc. and gather relevant information to use for researching their units or displaying their projects in a variety of computer programs. In each unit of inquiry, we have included an activity that addresses at least one technology objective. Students will become more proficient with technology as they use these programs.
 * 4-** The use of techology is present in all of our PYP units. Students use technology to do research in every unit. They also use technology to present information for the projects in some of the units. The skills learned in Connected Tech assignments also help the students in the different units.
 * 5-** Throughout all of our PYP units technology is evident. Every student at some point will use technology to research and/or produce final products. The 5th graders are expected to be able to navigate and use independently PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Connected Tech, and internet tools available through our bookmarked sites. Continued practice and improvement with technology skills impacts their learning.
 * Library -** Having set expectations for each grade level will help me to better assist the students.
 * Technology-** It will improve student performance in the lab. Students will be exposed to a variety of computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Wikis, typing skills, etc) that will lay the foundation for aquiring technology skills, help with learning and gathering information, problem solving, communication, promote creativity, and provide a way to showcase work.

2. What do I hope to learn from my banner question exploration? What data (qualitative and quantitative) will I use to answer the banner question?


 * K-**I will be finding out what my students already know about using the computers from observing them as they work on the computers in our classroom and in the lab. I will then compare what they already know and what they need to know so that we can insure all children have these technology experiences prior to completion of their kindergarten year. I will then be able to use this observation data and the lesson plans incorporating the experiences to be sure students in my classroom have the technology background to move into mastery in later grades.
 * 1-** I hope to learn what my students know about the use of technolgy, as well as their understanding of the Unit presented. In order to know these things I will monitor, observe, and ask questions. Finished products will be printed and may be displayed, and/or placed in PYP binders.
 * 2-**I hope to learn what helps to make students the most successful in their learning. I want to be aware of their current knowledge of technology and how I can enrich that knowledge. I will use checklists of the second grade objectives to track what each students knows. I will also track the PYP lessons and the technology used to meet those objectives.
 * 3-**I need to survey the children to see what programs that they currently know how to use at this point in the year and how they see their abilities using these programs.
 * 4-** I hope to learn the extent of their knowledge about the applications,as well as, how well they can use them in their learning. I plan to continue to assess their abilities through Connected Tech and other projects throughout the year.
 * 5-** I hope to learn how to manage time so that technology sources are more adequately available more often. I also hope to see evidence of prior learning when students are prompted to use certain programs and tools. I hope to also see a variety of strategies and applications used when accessing technology throughout each unit of inquiry.
 * Library -** I hope to see the big picture of where we are heading with technology and see if there are any gaps that need to be addressed.
 * Technology-** I hope to learn what programs are already known and mastered, which ones need more practice and what new programs can be introduced. I am keeping a record of what I teach to each grade level along with what is being used by each grade level. This information will help me fill out the STaR Chart in the Spring. I will also be looking at the quality of student products and performances to see where more practice or instruction is needed.

3. What assessment will I use to measure this impact on student learning? How will I organize the data for that assessment analysis?


 * K-**I will use the observational data from the beginning of the year compared to observational data from the end of the year to make sure the students have been introduced to and have used the technology expected at this grade. Since our curriculum is built on the ARRC and the PYP units of inquiry, there will be a correlation between the units and the technology TEKS/expectations.
 * 1-**I will monitor and observe student use of the technolgy presented. Based on what I see I will plan and model according to needs and to support strengths. I will use checklists to keep track of progress. I will also utilize assessments that are provided within some programs.
 * 2-**I will use the objective sheet provided by NCLB as a checklist to be sure that each objective has been met. This will keep me on track as to what objectives need introduced, experienced or mastered.
 * 3-**I will use the survey in the beginning, middle, and end of the year. This should show growth in the area of technology and the children's use of it within the PYP units of inquiry.
 * 4-** I will use a checklist based on the STaR Chart at mid-year and at the end of the year. I will also provide feedback to the students regarding their progress.
 * 5-** By observing and maintaining communication with the students while they incorporate technology into their daily assignments, student learning will be assessed. I will make notes as to which programs and applications are not being taught/learned prior to 5th grade.
 * Library -** I will mainly be using observation when I am assisting the students.
 * Technology-** I will use the TEKs for Technology Applications to measure student mastery of grade level technology standards. All grade level Tech reps have a copy showing where Introduction, Experience and Mastery should occur. The reps will share and give each teacher on their team a copy of teh TEKs for Technology Applicaitons.

4. What resources and learning experiences am I considering as part of my learning plan?

With the use of these programs students will work on keyboarding, use of computer components, and using it with unit lessons**.**I also have two parent volunteers that assist during Computer Lab time**. 2-**I will introduce computer lesson and objectives in the computer lab during our weekly visits. Students will work on computer stations daily to experience/master keyboarding in the Connected Tech program. Some of the other resources that will be used as part of my learning plan will be Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, enVision Math Online, Online reserch (Gale Kids Infobits). 5- Assign at home online assignments, provide multiple opportunities to continue to strengthen knowledge on already learned programs, give additional instruction using less familiar technology applications, and introduce new ideas and programs to enhance all learning experiences using technology.
 * K-**I will be using our time in the computer lab as well as the use of the classroom computers to address the technology expectations for kindergarten. I will introduce basic keyboarding skills, Microsoft Word and Kidspiration.
 * 1-**I will be using the computer lab to present whole group lessons and allow the students practice. Computers will be used in the classroom. I will use the Smart Board and allow students to experience interactive practice and learning. Programs that will be utilized are; KidPix, Kidspiration, Microsoft Word, Connected Tech, Smart Board, and the Document Camera**.**
 * 3-** I plan to teach the children how to use different technology programs through my weekly use of the computer lab. I have enlisted two parent volunteers to assist me. First,I use the Smart Board with the students and give a short lesson on the program being taught and then they are allowed to work on the programs while being assisted whenever need arises. I have also given my children assignments to help them with their typing skills through Connected Tech.
 * 4-** Connected Tech assignments, enVision Math online, Google Earth, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher are some of the resources I will use for various projects.
 * Library -** The STaR chart will guide the technology team when deciding the responsibilities of each grade level.
 * Technology-** I am providing half day training to all grade levels and the tech team. They will investigate Connected Tech and all its components, enVision Math online, Wikis, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher (once the lab is refreshed).

5. Do I need to revise my banner question in any way to make the information it will provide more useful?

Technology team agrees we need to revise because we cannot measure student learning when the question starts with "How." We revised our banner question to read:  //What technology experiences within each grade levels' PYP units ensure mastery of Technology TEKS?// 6. An educational credo is a personal statement that reflects an individual's belief system about the teaching act and best practices. How do I believe individuals learn? How do I cause learning to occur?


 * K-**I believe that one of the functions of kindergarten is to provide the introduction to and the basis for all future learning. It is my responsibility to provide experiences that are engaging and practical for five and six year olds. These experiences will include technology learning activities so that students will be able to utilize technology throughout their lives, and the computer is the ultimate in "hands-on" learning!
 * 1-**In a technolgy driven world the introduction and practice of computer use will form the building blocks as students continue to learn, grow, and become more proficient. By modeling and allowing student use and interaction this will be achieved.
 * 2.** I believe that it is essential to have students experience technology across the curriculum and daily. Technology is all around us and can be applied to student's real life and future. I also feel that through this differentiation, students are more successful when working with technology because of its appeal for all types of learners.
 * 3-**Students thrive on learning computer programs in the lab thus empowering and enhancing their experiences with technology.
 * 4-** Today's students live in a technology-rich world. To be successful they must learn communicate, access information, and solve problems using a variety of technology. I believe teachers need to guide students to the practical application of these tools, beyond just entertainment.
 * 5-** Students learn by doing and undoing. Technology rich experiences, provided by their educational environment, will better prepare a body for the future.
 * Library -** Students learn best with hands-on experiences that are relevant to them.
 * Technology-** I believe individuals learn best with hands-on experiences and plenty of time to practice that learning. Technology is no longer an add on, but an everyday life experience. Our teachers are experienced but often not to the degree of the students. It is my belief that as educators we must increase our proficiency so we can guide our students in their investigations, help them find the best programs to meet the need and assist them in using and mastering the technology.