Kirk CheckwoodInstructional Technology Specialist Electronic Portfolio

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

IntroductionSWOT AnalysisCurriculum VitaProgram CoursesStandards FormField ExperienceDisposition RubricFinal Reflection

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INTRODUCTION

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Why a specialist degree in Instructional Technology – a typical question my peers and colleagues ask as I read, explore, and come to an understanding myself. It began simple I suppose, the next step in the evolutionary process whereas technology is becoming more and more present in the educational system. Using the degree as a stepping stone or proverbial bridge from the classroom to the media center I hope to become an ambassador between the world of technology and the traditional classroom. As a classroom teacher for twelve years, I began working on my Specialist’s Degree in the Fall of 2009 completing the degree in the Spring of 2011. Where will technology take the classroom? Although I cannot foretell the future, I can – with a Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology – prepare myself for the changes to come.

PROGRAM COURSES

MEDT 7464 Integrating Technology

MEDT 8461 Diffusions of Innovations

MEDT 7467 Web Design Instruction

MEDT 8463 Issues in Instructional Technology

MEDT 7466 Digital and 35mm Photography

MEDT 8484 Research Seminar I

MEDT 7461 Instructional Design

MEDT 8480 Program Evaluation

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MEDT 7464 Integrating Technology

Blog Project (NETS II-b, COE 10)Voice Thread Project (NETS II-a, COE 05)Comic Life Project (NETS III-b, COE 04)Digital Storytelling Project (NETS III-c, COE 04Project Based Learning Proposal (NETS III-a & VII-a, COE 08 & 04)Retrospective Paper (NETS I-a, COE 10)

Projects

Reflection

When determining which classes to take, MEDT 7467 Integrating Technology was first on my list. As a high school English teacher I witnessed firsthand the influx of technology in the classroom. MEDT 7467 Integrating Technology introduced me to the wave of Web 2.0 applications on the horizon and allowed me to test drive and evaluate the importance of such applications.

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MEDT 8461 Diffusions of Innovations

The Interview (NETS VIII-a, COE 07) Diffusion and Adoption Reflection (NETS V-a & VII-b, COE 01)Interviewing Stakeholders (NETS II-e & VI-c, COE 06 & 05)Hands-on Technology (NETS III-e, COE 03)

Projects

Reflection

How can one bring about change? As I began to immerse myself and my classes in the various technologies that could bring about dramatic change in education and the learning process the MEDT 8461 Diffusions of Innovations helped in my understanding of such change. In this course I closely studied a multitude of models and innovations speaking with the stakeholders, change agents, and reflecting on my own methods of change to enhance positive change through technology.

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MEDT 7467 Web Design Instruction

Dreamweaver AssignmentsInstructional Website (NETS II-f, COE 08)

Projects

Reflection

For years I have designed and updated websites both professional and educational using HTML without an understanding the many resources and authoring applications. Through the MEDT 7467 Web Design Instruction I gained a greater understanding of such applications and design principles to create an instructional website for the classroom.

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MEDT 8463 Issues in Instructional Technology

Concept Map a Chapter (NETS I-b, COE 01)Personal Technology SWOT Analysis, Goals, and Plan (NETS IV-b, COE 10)Tech Tip (NETSII-c, COE 08)Literature Review (NET V-d, COE 03)The Big Three Questions (NETS V & VI-b, COE 08 & 06) Program and Portfolio Focus (NETS II-d, COE 04)

Projects

Reflection

With change and technology come issues. In the MEDT 8463 Issues in Instructional Technology course I was able – through various podcasts, readings, and reflections – to explore several of these issues and how they relate to the future of technology in education. Technology is here to stay and through an understanding of issues that issue positive change may come about.

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MEDT 7466 Digital and 35mm Photography

Digital Photography AssignmentsE-Portfolio Collaborative Lesson Plan (NETS III-d, COE 05)Digital Storytelling Project (NETS VI-d & VIII-c, COE 01 & 05)

Projects

Reflection

How can photography enhance the classroom environment? How can one make his/her classroom a visual classroom? In the MEDT 7466 Digital and 35mm Photography course I learned about the tools of the trade and the multitude of applications to enhance my own photography. With this knowledge I will be able to use digital photography to promote active learning – bringing the world into the redbrick walls so to speak.

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MEDT 8484 Research Seminar I

Book Review (NETS IV-c, COE 04)Letter of SubmissionArticle Comparison Chart and Narrative (NETS V-b, COE 10)Retrospective PaperResearch Plan Final (NETS VI-e & VIII-b, COE 07 & 10)

Projects

Reflection

Research and writing, writing and research – two components to any successful academic venture. In order for one to understand concepts, ideas, and questions one must look at the work of others as well as ones own ideas closely in a responsible way. In the MEDT 8484 Research Seminar I course I was able to explore different outlets of technology and philosophies on technology and how they influence the learning environment.

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MEDT 7461 Instructional Design

Instructional Design Comparison Paper (NETS IV-a, COE 01)Faculty In-service Project Plan 1 Faculty In-service Project Plan 2 Faculty In-service Project Plan 3 (NETS VI-a, COE 01)Understanding by Design Student Instruction Projects

Projects

Reflection

How can one efficiently design a classroom lesson plan incorporating the standards of the time? As an educator I understand the difficulty of planning – throw the grays we call technology and the difficulty grows. The MEDT 7461 Instructional Design course introduced me to the many models of design and how to effectively use such models in the classroom.

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MEDT 8480 Program Evaluation

Article CritiqueEvaluation ContractEvaluation Plan (NETS VII-c & VIII-d, COE 02)Evaluation Report (NETS VIII-e, COE 09)

Projects

Reflection

It is always difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of a school program as there are multiple purposes and components involved – is the purpose to communicate with stakeholders, post grades, post assignments, et cetera. When evaluating a program where does one begin? In the MEDT 8480 Program Evaluation course I learned about the tools needed and how to use such tools to identify, explore, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.

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FINAL REFLECTION

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Becoming a specialist in instructional technology – what exactly does that mean? Even as I walked through the doors at the University of West Georgia for orientation for the Instructional Technology Education Specialist program my clarity and understanding of the program remained muddled and distant. What did the degree entailed? What was the reasoning behind obtaining it? Why was I here?

Final Reflection Continued

SWOT Analysis