Check+4

**1. What was the focus of my banner question and how did it relate to student achievement and/or in better service to my "customers" this year?**
 * What technology experiences within each grade level's PYP units of inquiry will ensure mastery of the technology TEKS? **

K- The focus of our banner question related to our programs of inquiry and mastering our technology TEKS. Kindergarteners have a natural curiosity and it makes sense to introduce technology in these early years so that as the curriculum gets more rigorous, they will have more tools for learning. 1- The focus of the banner question was by using the lab and in class experiences, students were able to strengthen technology skills while reinforcing classroom learning experiences, mainly through our PYP units. We have used Kidspiration3, KidPix, Microsoft Word, and teacher posted links. In order to model computer use, the Smart Board was used, and we also accessed United Streaming within the classroom. 2-The focus of our banner questions was to include technology in our all of our PYP units as well as improve on already existing technology. I thought that students were more engaged in the content of our units because we including or improved on the technology of our PYP units. For example, we used Power Point for students to create a informative presentation about an animal that they research for our Sharing the Planet Unit. Students were very engaged in the project and could not wait to use Power Point again for a presentation! 3- Our children's strength in 3rd grade are the technology experiences that are woven into the fabric of our PYP units. We are fortunate to have programs that enhance our units of inquiry and the computer time to facilitate that learning. We have reinforced key boarding, Word, Excel, Power Point, Kidspiration, researched using Net Trekker, and introduced Photo Story. The Smart Board has been used to model expectations and has become an interactive learning tool. 4- The focus was to include technology in our PYP units of inquiry to better our mastery of technology TEKS. Not only did this help students mastery of technology skills and programs, but the use of technology facilitated learning and promoted interest within the units. The students are more motivated because there are more choices presented by the use of different technologies. 5- The focus was to better incorporate technology throughout all PYP units and utilize fully the knowledge gained in tech programs over the course of all years here at Spicewood. Students should leave Spicewood feeling confident about using technology applications for any and all subject projects and assignments when entering middle school. Library- The focus was helping the students incorporate the technology they have learned to the assignments and projects they have so that the technology becomes a tool for producing quality work. I wanted to become more familiar with Connected Tech and Publisher so I could also help students with these less familiar programs. Technology- The focus was on the actual technology experiences of the students. Each grade level has a set of technology TEKS students were to master. By providing teacher hands on training in the appropriate grade level technology programs, teachers were able to instruct their students in the programs appropriate for their grade level, i.e. typing skills for 2-5, Word for K-5, PhotoStory3 for 2-5, Document Camera, etc. The use of technology on a regular basis, once a week in the lab and on demand in the classroom, provided regular use to the students. The librarian and I put together a couple of carts consisting of a laptop, Document Camera, and a projector, which have been checked out to 4th and 5th grade. They are a hit, and teachers are asking for their own!
 * 2. At the beginning of the year, what did I expect/want to happen as a result of my banner question investigation?**

K- We were careful in our planning to ensure that a variety of technology experiences are included in all of our POI's so that we met the technology TEKS. My students have enjoyed learning to use Microsoft Word and have used it for story writing. This supports our unit How We Express Ourselves (on storytelling). 1- I wanted to use technology to support what was being doing in the classroom, especially within the PYP units. I expected students to create products that would reflect their learning and strengthen their computer skills. Microsoft Word was used mainly as a way to reflect on units and work on grammer and writing skills. Kidspiration3 and KidPix was used as a way to practice and reinforce skills. Some examples that they made were: a map, a pictograph, life cycle, and sorting goods and services. To practice reading skills students went on the internet and used Tumble Books, Book Flix, and Go Penguin. And, by the use of United Streaming we watched videoes to support what was being learned in our PYP units, as well as otherr curriculum areas. 2-I wanted the second grade team to collaborate on the technology that we would use in our PYP units. I also wanted to see new technology that we did not use last year be implemented as well as to use technology more frequently than in previous years. 3- During our PYP planning time, we considered our summative assessments and how technology could be implemented within our units of inquiry. We are using Net Trekker to help us with information about our heroes in "Where We Are In Time and Place". We used Word to type our stories for "Who We Are". 4- I wanted to see all of the students and the teachers in fourth grade become proficient and comfortable in using a variety of technology. With consistent immersion into the use of technology, as well as planning and collaboration, this could happen. 5- I expected to see a less wide range of technology knowledge in my students as opposed to previous years due to the fact that the lower grade level teachers are now incorporating more technology applications into their PYP units. Students should be capable and knowledgable about any technology requirement handed to them. If not all understanding, then at least have been exposed. Library- I wanted to see technology seamlessly incorporated into projects so the students have a variety of choices of applications to use to help them become self-sufficient and confident users of technology. I wanted to see consistency in what the students are learning so I know what is expect of each grade level and can better help individuals as needed. Technology- I wanted to provide the teachers with as many technology experiences as I could so they would turn around and provide them to their students. I wanted to see students using a variety of programs and producing a variety of products. I wanted to see teachers and students using the Flip cameras and Document Camera setups.


 * 3. What do I feel are the significant results, both qualitative and quantitative data, of my banner question investigation? In a word, what is my evidence?**

K- The significant results are that the students are using the computer on a daily basis in the classroom and computer lab. The students create stories and present them to our class. They have also learned many features of Kidspiration and have created characters, settings, and have written stories to go along with these. Most of the students can log on the computer with their own name and password. They can also navigate to specific programs. I keep a checklist for each student to assess mastery. 1- The growth and confidence of the students is more and more evident each week. Out of 20 students, 16 can consistently log on without assistance, and all students are able to exit programs and logoff. The students are able to navigate through Microsoft Word with little assistance. The majority of them are able to make capital letters without using cap lock, use basic punctuation, proper spacing, and search for and insert pictures. They also know how to correct spelling by right clicking on the mouse, save, and print. In Kidspiration3 and KidPix they are able to navigate and use the tools to complete ready-made templates and create their own products. In the classroom, I rarely need to assist students when they are on the computer using Book Flix, Tumble Books, or Go Penguins. 2-There are several things that I have done to collect data to find see significant results of my banner question. I have seen the students grow tremendously this year in their technology skills. Alot of the assessments to check their growth in technology are informal. I have also noticed how much more comfortable and able students are when it comes to navigating and using techonology at this point in the year. As a team, we covered all of the technology objectives within the technology that students used in our PYP units. This was done to help keep us on track of what students know. Another way to see results was formally, this was done when students would independently complete technologoy assignments that were embedded in our PYP units. For example, students completed a webquest in our unit, Who We Are or used Inspiration to recreate the water cycle in our unit, How The World Works. 3- I gave my children a final Reflection on Technology survey. There has been quantitative data to support that they are learning a variety of programs. Each child has rated their knowledge in all areas as between "alot" and "a great deal" compared to the beginning of the year. They continue to improve their skills. They have become very independent. Two parents would come in and help with the computer class at the beginning of the year. Fewer questions are asked of the parents and teacher. Students can save their work in the correct area, increase their speed in typing, and their confidence and skills have soared in Power Point, Word, Kidspiration, Net Trekker, Excel, and making Charts and Graphs. 4- Through my observations I have seen the students become more confident and comfortable using programs, navigating the internet, and keyboarding. This has led to them all being more independent and asking less questions of the teacher. Assessments of projects, where technology was used, have shown definite progress. 5- My students use a variety of technology applications to complete both short term and long term assignments. Evidence of knowledge in the use of PowerPoint, Photo Story, and Publisher when presenting their Exhibition projects, some students readily use the digital cameras, and the new flip cameras when creating Public Service Announcements. Microsoft word is use most often for reports, research papers, letter writing, poetry, etc. Online programs are utilized daily for homework assignments and TAKS preparation. Connected Tech is used to improve typing skills. Library- I see students and teachers incorporating the new technology at every level. There are more requests to check out the hardware for convenient classroom use, and more requests for lessons using the latest purchases (such as the Flip cameras). The primary students are excited to use the fee-based research resources, such PebbleGo, to have fun learning while becoming more familiar with navigating around the databases. Technology- I have seen the lab and the laptops used daily by the students. Students are keyboarding, writing stories, creating shows using PhotoStory3 and PowerPoint. Teachers at 4th and 5th have a Document Camera setup at the grade level. They like it so much, that they each want one. We have created a plan for more set ups using not only the Document Camera, but also webcams. Fifth grade students are required to research a global problem to showcase their IB learning, then present their information using technology. Technology used for this Exhibition were PowerPoint, PhotoStory3, PBwiki, Movie Maker, Publisher, Excel and Word. Third grade show cases a people past and present who have impacted different areas of society. The create PhotoStory3 presentations and oral reports.


 * 4. What conclusions can I draw about the results of my Banner Question investigation?**

K- It is never too early to introduce technology. The students are not hesitant to try new things and they transfer information from school to home and vice versa easily. 1- It is amazing what 1st graders are able to do on the computer. It is exciting to see them transfer their learning from the classroom to technology products. It is evident within those products that they support our PYP units and that the students are applying that learning. 2-It is essential to include technology cross-curricularly and especially in our PYP units. Exposing students to a technology-rich curriculum is vital because we live in a technology-rich society. Doing this will better prepare students for their future as students as well as members of a global community. 3- Since we have made a concerted effort to add technology to our PYP units, it has made the children aware of the possiblities of technology and the interesting products as a result. 4- I have realized that I have to think of technology first when planning instruction. In this 21st century, children look to the latest forms of technology for information, and it has become their first choice. It makes sense to for us to use the tools children are are motivated to use. 5-The effort on behalf of all the lower grade level teachers has greatly impacted the way we use technology in the 5th grade. The students are more clearly comfortable and knowledgable about the different applications and programs available for our use. Thus allowing us to more freely incorporate technology throughout all of our curriculum. Library- The teacher and students are embracing technology at every grade level. The students are naturally unafraid to learn new things and love doing anything that has to do with computers and technology. Technology- All grade levels are using technology in their curriculum. Inquiry and creativity are evident throughout. Teachers overall are pushing their students to create more indepth products with more thoughtful commentary.


 * 5. How did my expected results match up to the actual results of my banner question investigation?**

K- Judging from past experience, I think we are right on track. 1- The students love going to the computer lab and are anxious to use the computers in the classroom and the library. I see improvement over last year. 2-For the most part my expected results match up to the actual results of my investigation. In the future, I would like to expose students to newer technology and improve on the existing technology in our units. 3- Children want to learn and use technology. They are very engaged and truly want to work with anything that is related in that area. They want to succeed and like the challenge of new programs! 4- Again, the students have exceeded my expectations. I still continue to learn something new from them, too. 5- My expectations were well exceeded by what the students could actually execute. Each year they are more and more knowledgable and each year I am more comfortable incorporating more applications. Library- There is always room for improvement, but I think we are where we should be, and are probably ahead of many schools. Technology-


 * 6. What has been the most difficult aspect of the ABC process for me?**

K- The most difficult aspect of this process has been adding meaningful technology experiences for the young learner. 1- It has been hard at times designing lessons to support our PYP units. I feel limited in what programs I can use. I want to be able to use more/different technology than just the computer. 2-Finding time to research new technology and giving students time to work on technology. We only have computer lab once a week and just have a few laptops to use in the classroom. 3-We have noticed that some of the programs are not the same version as on the laptops. That has been difficult for me as I try to explain to the children the change and remedy it for them. 4- Finding the time to locate new technological resources is always a challenge. Getting hardware or online resources to work can also be challenging at times. 5- Finding time to make sure the students are on computers. My computer lab time was not good for me so we never use it. Laptops are not always dependable for online work. Making sure each and every student is at the same level of understanding. Library- The most difficult part of this has been making the time to keep up with everything. Technology- The most difficult aspect was getting teachers to provide examples and explain those examples when they answered the quesions.


 * 7. What have I learned about how my students learn?**

K- I have learned that my students learn by practice! 1- My students seem to learn best by teacher modeling and then practicing on their own. 2-They do their best work when I model and then give them time to explore and practice on their own. 3- They have great attitudes towards learning and want the opportunity to practice until they become skilled. They approach it as a video game. 4- I think they learn best when they are told why they need to know certain skills and what things they can do with different technological applications. They often do a great job learning from their peers. 5- Practice, Exlpore, Apply, Peer tutor Library- I say ditto to all the responses in this section. The students and teachers need time to explore, practice, and play with the technology before they feel comfortable incorporating it into lessons or assignments. Technology- My students, the teachers. are visual and kinesthetic learners. They require time to go "play" with the technology.


 * 8. What have I learned about how I learn?**

K- I also learn best by practice! 1- I need viual to get going, but I then need kinesthetic. 2-I learn by practicing so kinestheticly and visually. 3- I learn through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic means. 4- I learn best if I read first, then practice on a consistent basis. 5- I learn by taking the time to practice and explore. Library- I also need time to explore, practice, and play with the technology before I feel comfortable incorporating it into lessons or helping the teachers and students. Technology- I am also a visual and kinesthetic learner.