Artifact 1

This activity was created to allow me an avenue to integrate technology in my classroom. The link takes you to a site I created where both students and teachers can revert to when doing this assignment. Given a rare, but modern object, the students must create a new use for their object. Using creativity and group involvement, the students will write up a news letter for the class describing their new invention. There are helpful examples and links for the students on the web site to guide them through the activity.

Impact

This activity not only allowed me to familiarize myself with Netscape Composer to create web pages, but it will also give my students that same opportunity. Also by having my students publish their work on the internet, their confidence in their work will be reinforced, and other students and teachers will be able to view their creativity.

Alignment

By developing this activity, I was able to fulfill many competencies set forth in the curriculum. Of the ten INTASC Principles I was able to fulfill two through this activity. Since I was able to understands and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills, I met the fourth INTASC Principle. Also, since I use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in
the classroom, I was able to meet the sixth INTASC Principle.

By developing this Modern Fashion and Invention project, I was able to fulfill a slew of technology competencies too. First, I plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities, as well as for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities, therefore I meet technology competencies II D and II E. In creating this activity, I facilitated technology enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards (tech comp. III A), I also used technology to support learner centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students (tech comp. III B), and since I applied technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity, I met technology competency III C.

During this project, I applied different skills to fulfill certain competencies. I learned to apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques (tech. comp. IV A) and to apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity (tech. comp. IV C). Finally, since all the students were able to work on computers either individually or in small groups, I was able to facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students (tech. comp. VI E).