Standard 3.

2 Managing Digital Tool and Resources

Candidates effectively manage digital tools and resources within the context of student learning
experiences.

The artifact that represents the mastery of standard 3.2 is the Multimedia Design Web quest that
was developed for ITEC 7445. The implementation and design of the web quest reflect the
management of digital tools to create instruction that is engaging, and meets the diverse learning
needs of the students. The project was developed for my fourth and fifth grade Interrelated
Resource Classroom. This is a diverse group of students with developmental learning disabilities
of varying levels. The integration of digital tools created a visually stimulating format that held
the attention of the students in the group with attention deficit disorder.
The use of digital tools allowed students to work independently and research topics on the
internet with read aloud software that gave equal access to the content. The read aloud software
is installed on both the computers in the classroom, and on all of the computers in the computer
lab. We went to the computer lab twice a week since there are only three desktop computers in
my classroom. Students had to take turns using the desktop computers on days when we did not
go to the computer lab. Without the digital tools, the majority of this class cannot work
independently due to reading deficits. Being able to navigate through the lesson independently,
increased the confidence level of my students who are non-readers. There are many students in
todays classroom that are highly intelligent, but learn in alternative formats. I developed this
web quest to allow for differentiation of instruction that would address these learning needs and
allow the students to participate fully and feel successful.
Confidence is a big issue for this group of students. Many of these kids have speech language
issues, learning deficits, and are English Language Learners. These students often try to linger in
the background and not volunteer ideas or offer to answer questions. The installation of the
Promethean Board captured the attention of these students and motivated them to volunteer for a
turn writing on the Promethean Board, or navigate through a flipchart. Students who had never
volunteered before, were clamoring to be the first to use the board. The web quest was engaging,
because students were very interested in being able to use the new technology on a daily basis.
This project will impact future lessons that I teach. I will strive to incorporate digital tools that
will be engaging, and will address content standards at the reading ability level of my students. I
would like to try blogging with my students this year. Many of these students have great ideas,
but struggle to get them down on paper. There are many digital word webs, and graphic
organizers that they can use to organize their thoughts and publish their ideas. Simply changing
the format from paper and pencil writing assignments to digital publishing has motivated even
my most resistant writers.