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The Growth of a Well-Educated Teacher Jessica Bernal EDUC 526 Capstone Experience in Digital Teaching and Learning Professor: Dr. Gilbreath APU Main Campus http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=937303 March 3, 2014

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SECTION ONE: As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I would play school with all of my friends on the playground. I would play school with my sister at home. Growing up in my private elementary school, I felt like I had the most inspirational teachers that ensured that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I chose to get my teaching credential and masters at APU because I had always heard such great things about their programs. I liked that it was a private university where I would be getting that one-on-one interaction with my professors. I chose to get my masters in Digital Teaching and Learning instead of Education because I felt like it would help me become more marketable when looking for a job. I have learned so much through this program that I feel like I can be put into any classroom with technology and be able to incorporate it into a lesson. Throughout this program, I expected to learn different strategies in how to incorporate technology into the classroom. I also expected to learn about how technology could be used to reach all types of learners in the classroom. Personal Growth Throughout this program, I feel like I have seen so much growth in myself spiritually, academically, physically, and mentally. I have always been somewhat of a procrastinator in my academic career, and that definitely hasnt changed. I feel like I work best under stress. I, of course, wish that meant I wouldnt wait until the last second, but I am a very hard worker who will always get their work done, no matter how much time I have left. In this program I have truly enjoy most of my cohorts. Throughout this program, I have also made a real connection with one of my classmates. This is someone that I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life. Her and I have been in every class together since the beginning of our Credential program and both know exactly what we are going through. I also feel truly grateful for some of the professors I have had

Bernal, 3 as well. I have luckily liked all of my professors, through both programs, but there are some that I made more of a connection with. Some showed me exactly the type of teacher that I want to become and one professor in particular knew how to push me intellectually into becoming the best teacher I could be. Luckily, this teacher also ended up being my mentor through student teaching. During this program, I have felt like my relationship with God has only gotten closer. I will say the years leading up to grad school, I was drifting away. I dont feel like I was becoming a bad person by any means, but I do know that my relationship with God was suffering. Throughout both of these programs I had the opportunity to reflect and have a deeper relationship with God. I had to turn at him in times of stress, but was also able to thank him for getting me through the hard personal times I suffered throughout the program. Not only will I be coming out of this program with a Teaching Credential and a Masters, I will be leaving with a closer relationship with God. I honestly dont even know if I can explain in words how much this Masters degree means to me. First, I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate college with a Bachelors Degree. Even now I am the first person in my generation to graduate from grad school in my extended family. Throughout this program, I have continued to live at home with my parents and worked full time. I feel like this credential will finally prove to my parents all of the hard work that I have put in isnt for nothing. I havent been living with them and not exploring the world, for nothing. I know once I receive that diploma I will feel the greatest feeling of accomplishment and know that all of those long nights and early mornings werent for nothing, and they were all worth it. Professional Growth When first thinking of my growth as an educator through this program, it is an overwhelming thought. I know that through both the masters and teaching credential program, I have grown exponentially. Through the credential program I feel like I discovered what kind of teacher I want to be. I was lucky to have such a

Bernal, 4 great student teaching experience. For my first student teaching assignment, I joined a fifth grade classroom. I ended up completely falling in love with all of my students and I feel like that is where I was able to grow as a teacher. I learned so much about a student-teacher relationship. Even though I was only with these students for a short amount of time, we were able to create a bond of trust. During my second assignment of student teaching, I was placed in a Kindergarten classroom. This was a much different experience, but where I actually feel like I learned the most. I dont feel like I was able to create as much of a bond with my students, as I was in the fifth grade class but they taught me a lot about patience and preparedness. What I most loved about my Kindergarten experience and where I grew the most, was through my master teacher. She was a clear example of the teacher I hope to be. She was a believer of God, and she honestly showed that through her teaching. Even though she may have been having a bad day, it never showed. She loved each and every one of her students, which showed through the preparation and the dedication through her class. My educational vision has also changed drastically. I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but honestly, Im not sure if I really knew everything that went with it. I now am so aware of every type of learner that will be out in my classroom. Knowing all about the different types of learners helps me become aware of how to put together a lesson or a unit. I feel like I have learned so much about how to reach student individually in the best way that they will learn in my classroom. I feel confident going into my future classroom knowing that I have learned strategies that will address all types of learners. What I also have learned and realized through both of these programs is that I can teach through my faith. I had always thought I would have to hide my religion if I taught in a public school, but I know that the students will understand my faith through my teaching. This is what I have truly loved learning through this program. I started this program in the summer of 2013. I had just finished my student teaching that spring and was finishing up the last of my credential classes. Because of student teaching I had to quit my office job that I had. What I really enjoyed was when I began this program full time I was unemployed. However, in October I

Bernal, 5 became a full time nanny for a family with a currently 10 month old and 2 and a half year-old. This has put on a whole new responsibility because I care for them all day. At this young of an age, both of them need so much of my attention, which I think can only help me in the long run with teaching. I am looking forward to applying for jobs for the following year. Throughout this program there have been so many instructional strategies that I have been taught that I am so excited to incorporate into my future classroom. In EDUC 512, I was introduced to Google Drive. I have found this tool extremely helpful throughout the remainder of the program. I have also incorporated this into my lesson plans throughout the program. I like that all of the students can be working on the same document at the same time. So if I am lucky enough to have a 1:1 ratio with technology, my students will be able to all collaborate on an assignment. Another feature of Google Drive that I like is all of the applications that come with it like Google Presentations, Blogger, and Google Spreadsheet. All of the applications can be used in any type of curriculum. For my Action Research Study I have decided to propose the question, Will running at least 3-4 times a week increase the amount of miles that I can run at one time? A little insight as to why I proposed this question is because one of my goals for this new year is to run a half marathon. Now about a year ago, I would have thought that this would be impossible. But in the past year I have lost 75 pounds doing Crossfit and absolutely love it. However, running can usually be incorporated in the workout and I am not a fan of it. I decided this year I wanted to push myself with my goals, so I decided to pick up my running regimen. So far I have found really great results in running 4 times a week. My times have gotten faster, except for a couple of off days, and I have always increased the amount of miles that I can run. I started at 1 mile and am now currently at 3 miles. I look forward to the rest of my research. Technical Growth Starting this program, I will say that I was not very tech savy. Throughout this program I have had to step out of my comfort zone quite a bit and learn all new

Bernal, 6 technology. I did have my MacBook before starting the program, but was not familiar with all of the programs that we learned throughout the program. It is interesting because now that I know of so many technologies I use so many more in my lesson plans. I know which ones will fit in perfectly and can be used in a realistic classroom. In EDUC 514, I was able to learn all about iMovie. I feel like this is such an easy and exciting way for students to create their own videos. This program was completely new to me and I feel extremely comfortable making videos with it now. Another tool that I found extremely useful for my future classroom is when we had to create our own classroom website in EDUC 515. I feel like it would be extremely helpful to have one place where the students, teacher, and parents can all use as a resource. The students will know exactly what is due for homework that week and each individual day, the parents will have access to contact the teacher if there are any concerns, and the parents will be aware if there are any announcements. I feel like there has been technology that I have learned from each course that I use on a weekly basis now, even if its in my everyday life or my school life. Life Long Learning Plan Throughout this program I have learned of many different ways to help me stay up to date with technology. Once I have finished this program I have plans to join ISTE and CUE to keep me professionally prepared. By joining both of these programs, I feel like it will keep me up to date with what is being revolutionized by technology. I already feel like I have learned so much through this program, but to be a part of those two types of communities, it will keep me in this type of community where we all have the same goals in mind with our students. Like I have previously said, I have always known that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. This is my ideal job. I have gone to school through all of these years for the end result. I know that something like teaching will keep me happy and feeling full of life forever. In five years I hope to be teaching at a school that I love and teaching a grade that I have learned to love. I am pretty open with the grade right now, thats why I hope to get to move around in my first couple of years to explore the right age group for me. In my personal life, I hope to be married with maybe a child on the

Bernal, 7 way. I also hope that my relationship with God continues to remain strong. In ten years, I will hope for the same dreams. Honestly, my goals in life are pretty simple. I want a family, I want a relationship with God, and I want to be a teacher. I know that all of these will happen for me if I keep the same integrity I have learned throughout this program. SECTION TWO: History of Coursework and Course Evaluation
Course Title
Course & Instructor

Term

Key Skills

Name

Completed Acquired

Comments/Suggestions Creating the Livebinder in this class was a little hard at first because I was not familiar with Livebinder. But, I like that it is a place that I can look back on all of my past assignments and work I did throughout the program. I also like that it is the foundation for this masters program. Google Drive is something that I first learned in this class and I now use it in on a regular basis. I love that students can collaborate with this type of tool. For me, this class was online, so I was also introduced to Google +. I like that the Webquests were also included in this course because it was another tool that can be used in the classroom.

Foundations in Education Technology EDUC Summer and 511 2013 Learning INSTRUCTOR: Doyle Potter

Created Livebinder Class Advisement Wordle

Instructional Applications Productivity EDUC Fall 1 Software 512 2013 INSTRUCTOR: Mark Rounds

Google Drive Weebly Google + Webquest Apps/iPad

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Livebinder Fluency 21 Sophia Digital Age Literacies EDUC Spring 1 INSTRUCTOR: 513 2014 Linda Muhlhauser One of the most frustrating assignments that I had in this class was Fluency 21. I just had a hard time with the format. However, what I did like about using this tool was that everything was broken down for you. I like that the students are able to see exactly what is expected from them and are able to use this tool as a resource through their lesson. Honestly, I only have positive things to say about this course. Of course there were assignments that I did not like 100%, but I feel like everything I did in this class helped me learn how to become a better teacher. I loved Jennifer as a professor and I love how she taught the class. Learning about Blooms Taxonomy in such detail helped me better understand every type of student I have in my classroom and how to address each student in my lessons. In this class, I was able to learn all about making movies, when I knew absolutely nothing. I liked using iMovie to make the videos. I didnt mind learning about the lighting, rule of thirds, composition etc. but it did feel a little unnecessary for elementary school. Students will need to

Multiple Intelligences Blooms Taxonomy Learning in the 21st Century EDUC Fall 2 522 INSTRUCTOR: 2013 Jennifer Courduff

EDUC 514

Digital Video in the Classroom INSTRUCTOR: Bill Selak

Fall 1 2013

iMovie YouTube Digital Video Mechanics of video (lighting, rule of thirds, sound, picture composition) Copyright images

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know these for future classes, but Im not sure if they will need to know it at such a young age.

EDUC 515

Evolving Educational Technologies INSTRUCTOR: Jeffrey Lee

Classroom Website Blogger Case Study Podcasts (video/audio) Fall 2 2013

I really liked learning about different podcasts. This was something I was again, not familiar with. I had a little bit of trouble with my video podcast, but I believe that I was able to successfully use it in the right content. I believe that this would also be a great tool for some of our auditory learners in the classroom. I also really liked the idea of using Blogger. Such an easy way for students to have a journal online. In this class, I was not expecting an action research project. But, I have really grown to enjoy this project. I like that it is on a topic of our choosing. I also really liked that it is throughout the course, which allows us to have proper research for our assignment.

Capstone Experience/ Digital Teaching and EDUC Learning Spring 1 526 2014 INSTRUCTOR: Joanne Gilbreath

Action Research Growth Assessment Curricular Portfolio

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Evaluation of the impact of the Digital Teaching and Learning Program Before this program I had not ever used Google Drive, well really Google at all besides as a search engine. I did not have a personal Gmail account until I joined APU. However, now I use Google and all of the tools on a daily basis. Google Drive I feel can be easily incorporated into a classroom. Through Google Drive, students are able to collaborate on projects and different assignments. I like that students are using technology and collaborating at the same time. Even though Google Drive offers many tools, one that I really enjoyed using throughout the program was Blogger. In EDUC 515 we were required to join a forum to explore the ideas of digital citizenship. Through this process we were to use Blogger to document our experiences through the forum. What I liked about using this was that it was simple for all ages to use. I enjoyed having a place to go and informally write down my thoughts. Another plus of Blogger is that this can be shared with the teacher and the other students, which allows for other people to comment on your blog. I personally can see this type of instructional tool easily being incorporated into my future classroom. With this type of tool, it can be used for all different subjects. This can be a place where students reflect on a book that they are reading in Language Arts, or it can be a place where students communicate through a project that they are working on together. Instead of students writing in a journal they keep in their desk, they should be given the opportunity to use Blogger to explore their thoughts and their writing. Program Evaluation When I started the Credential Program, I was honestly not sure what to expect. Always wanting to be a teacher, I knew I would eventually have to go to Grad School. I am so grateful for my time at APU, because I feel like everyone that I came in contact with made grad school such an easy transition. I will say that before starting APU my relationship with God wasnt the greatest. I had always had a strong relationship with him growing up but throughout my undergrad it sort of

Bernal, 11 drifted off for a little while. What I love about APU is that I was able to learn how to teach through my faith, which helped my relationship with God grow so much stronger. I felt so much closer. I also felt so thankful for putting me in a program where I was really able to find my passion in life that he gave me. I feel really lucky to have gone through this program (both teaching credential and master in digital teaching and learning) with my cohorts and professors. The credential program was a very stressful and amazing time for me. When the credential program began I was working full time at an office job. I was up early in the morning for work, had class at night, or I was finishing up homework at night. I really enjoyed the classes that were given throughout the credential program. But honestly, a lot of the professors are what I learned from most. Throughout this program I felt like all of the professors were extremely supportive. I know there was a point where most of us ladies were stressing out about those TPAs and I cant imagine that it was fun to teach us. As draining as the TPAs were, I have never felt such a sense of relief when those were turned in. I also really liked how the classes were arranged in this program. Besides first day nerves, I felt extremely prepared going into my student teaching. I really dont have negative things to say about the teaching program, I consider myself extremely lucky to have gone through it at APU. As for the Digital Teaching and Learning Program I feel very similar. I like that we were given a class advisement in EDUC 511 so that I was aware of my exact plan throughout the program. I like how the courses were planned out as well. There are some classes that I felt a little overwhelmed in with the amount of work that was expected, but I always pushed through and all of my assignments were given 100% of my effort. The only thing I struggled with in the Digital Teaching and Learning program was that a lot of the courses would have been so much more beneficial if I had already had my own classroom. It was sometimes hard for certain assignment to create lessons when I didnt have a classroom to use. But again, the support from the professors in this program was always encouraging. There were times throughout both of these programs that I honestly felt like giving up with the amount of stress I was under, but with the help from my cohorts, professors and God I have been able to finish. And now I will be the first person in my family to

Bernal, 12 graduate with my masters degree. I will forever be grateful to APU and their amazing programs for educating me on how to become a teacher and ensuring me that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.

Unit Level Dispositions Azusa Pacific University School of Education has articulated the following as our unit disposition in keeping with our unit conceptual Framework of Ethical, Responsive and Informed Practitioners. Our candidates reflect National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) definition of dispositions. The instrument below reflects the agreed upon indicators of the dispositions of Ethical, Responsive and Informed Practitioners who operate on the foundational basis of fairness and the belief that all people can learn.
Instrument
Directions: Please complete the Candidate Dispositions Rubric, aligned to ethical, responsive, and informed educator dispositions, as evidenced in your graduate work. Candidate Dispositions 1 2 3 4 N/A NCATE defines dispositions as professional attitudes, values and beliefs demonstrated through Not Sometim Usually Always Cannot both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as educators Displaye es Displaye Displaye Assess interact with students, families, colleagues and d/ Displayed d/ d/ communities. These positive behaviors support Not / Acceptab Target student learning and development. The two Acceptab Approach le professional dispositions that NCATE expects le es institutions to assess are fairness and the belief that Acceptabl all students can learn. (NCATE 2008) e Ethical educators who are able to understand and articulate the integration of a Christian worldview in their professional communities of practice display: Personal integrity Collaborative, cooperative and respectful behaviors Fairness in educational settings by meeting the educational needs of all students in a caring, nondiscriminatory and equitable manner Sensitivity to cultural and individual differences Personal and professional maturity Personal integrity X X X X X X

Comments regarding your strengths/areas for improvement (Ethical): A strength that I have learned about myself throughout this program is that I am very aware of meeting all students needs. I have learned that no student should be treated because of a cultural difference and that all students should be given an equal opportunity for education. Another strength is that this program has definitely helped with my professional maturity in this field. I have learned so many instructional strategies that can be incorporated into my classroom, but I also now know what is expected from a teacher, beyond what people may think.

Responsive educators who practice reflective critical thinking in their engagements with diverse communities of learners display: Responsiveness to the expectations and standards of the professional community Responsiveness to conditions that promote learning, health and personal safety in the P-12 school and community X X

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Effective communication within the educational community Commitment to fair academic practices that ensure all students can learn Responsiveness to the impact of discrimination based on race, class, gender, disability/exceptionality, sexual orientation and language on students and their learning Effective time management Appearance and dressing appropriate for ones professional setting X X

X X X

Comments regarding your strengths/areas for improvement (Responsive): An area that as a student I need to work on is my time management. I am someone who works well under stress, but as a teacher it is important that we are always prepared. This is something that I know I definitely need to improve on.

Informed and collaborative scholarly educators who are dedicated to professional growth and lifelong learning display: Commitment to adapting and applying the best research-based ideas to improve clinical practice Understanding of current and emerging trends in their field of practice Knowledge of standards and expectations of their discipline through relevant activities and projects in the program Ability to apply and communicate current research effectively in coursework Ability to synthesize and apply course content, projects, clinical practice and professional work X X X X X

Comments regarding candidate strengths/areas for improvement (Informed): As a student, I have felt like I have put 100% into this program and my education. I feel like I have learned how to do all of the above throughout the many courses I have taken. Throughout this program I have seen tremendous growth in myself personally and professionally. I look forward to applying everything I have learned to my future classroom.

Summative Score for Candidate Dispositions: Additional Comments:

Additional Comments: Throughout this program, there have been so many courses where I feel like the focus is that all students have the equal opportunity to learn. As teachers, I feel like it is our job to make sure that this happens. Going through this program I have learned to be knowledgeable in cultural diversity but not use it to judge my students. I have always believed that students should all be able to have the same resources, but this program has really showed me how to become a better teacher and use these resources to mine and the students advantage. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ __ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________