Chaparral High School

July 29, 2016

Zulema Solis

July 31, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:
Teaching and Learning with Technology in a classroom is essential and effective for
students in each subject curriculum. I think using technology helps improve a better
learning process and at the same time it supports curricular goals.
After doing some research, I have come to a conclusion, which proves that using
technology in a classroom is not only for teaching basic computer skills and software
programs. Using technology can help students prepare themselves for the workforce.
Technology does not only mean having a computer lab and learning how to create some
form of software. It means combining it with daily lesson plans. Technology can help
students analyze problems, solving skills, work in teams and helps them stay more
focus on the subject. Using technology in a classroom helps students become aware
and learn about a topic. The student is given a task, receives feedback from input
information and in return gains knowledge about the topic. Students benefit more using
some form of technology because they engage more in the subject; using virtual
objects. Technology gives students a learning experience, while at the same time
makes it fun for them. Students who thought Science was boring can find it more
interesting using some form of technology. Students have a better chance of retaining
information seen on a computer and retaining that information rather than reading it
from a book. After taking data from assessments done on the computer, students are
able to compare their grade and work harder to improve it. Students learn to work at
their pace because each individual learns at its own abilities and needs.
When teachers use technology effectively in class they are able to have students
engage more on a subject. Teachers are seeing an impressive feedback from test
results, coming from curriculum used in computer programs. We think it has a positive
impact on students. As educators we are implementing teaching curriculum by using
Smart boards, IPads, computers and cameras. We are preparing students for the future
in the outside world. Another important reason why technology should continue to be
use in classrooms is because it gives teachers an opportunity to work closer with
students who are struggling.
Educators can use technology in the classroom for many activities or assignments. For
example, videos can be watch from YouTube can teach students how to do an
assignment by having a visual presentation of the project. Ipads can be incorporated in
a lesson plan by playing a game which teaches Math, Science, Reading or Spelling.
Students can use media to watch CNN Student News. After watching the news,
teachers can create an assignment where students can do a critical thinking

assignment. A class discussion can also be done which helps the whole class get
involved. Blogs can be created so that each student can do a presentation and other
students are able to read it. Another example, which has help in a classroom, is letting
students work in groups to complete an assignment using a laptop. Teachers can make
lesson which can help diverse students understand each other. Another good reason
why I think technology should be kept in schools is because it also helps teacher use
digital books, get information faster for their lesson plans. It also helps teachers in doing
attendance, keeping up to date with emails from administration or communicating with
parents. I strongly think technology should be kept at schools because all jobs have to
do with some kind of technology. Students need to be preparing for the workforce. The
only way they will learn is, if we continue teaching them in our schools. This in return will
help the generation of tomorrow for their careers. Technology is a need we cannot be
without.
Please consider my explanation of why I think technology is very important and helpful
at our school. Technology and social media is not only important for teachers, but
students who are our future.

Respectfully,

Zulema Solis

Identification of Standards:
Standards are guidelines for schools, teachers, students and parents. They are
important because it gives them a guide to where students goals should be in
education. Students goals can be met at a quarter, semester and end of school year.
Standards provide what a student should have learned in a grade level and a subject.
Each School District creates and provides educators with a State Standard. It also lets
educators know what needs to be taught for each subject and allows them to work on
what standardized test are going to be about.
Standards have differences and similarities. For example, National Standards are made
by national organizations. The teachers have the chance to express what they think
works best for the students in instructional decisions. Whereas, State Standards, are
schools in one state are provided with a standard which all educators must use.
National Standards are not required to be used. Standards are important because
teachers would not know what to teach students in each grade level and would not
know what goal they are striving for. With Standards teachers, parent and district would
know what is being taught in a classroom, what goals are being met and what will be on
a test.
The negative side to having Standards is that they focus on subjects such as, Math,
Reading, and Science. They are not giving teachers the opportunity to focus on other
subjects, like History or other electives. Standards would also require that all students
meet the same criteria of education in every state.
Technology is giving students in all grade levels the opportunity to enter to a new digital
world. It is giving them a chance to take an active role of learning, achieving and

competing in their abilities. Students are able to process, identify and problem solving.
Students can express themselves using critical thinking, tools, formats, and media to
accomplish their goal. For example, in Grade School technology can be used to build
foundations for future learning. Middle School, it provides an opening for high school
level. It provides theoretical concepts in real world applications. At a High School level,
students learn technology applications and systems which will help them in the
workforce.
Standards all are created to provide the best teaching tools for teachers, at the same
time providing the best education for students. Common Core Standards are direct
towards achieving the best education. The difference is that each district and state has
a different set of goals and assessments. All Standards set a goal to students
achievement. Standards shouldnt be politicized. They should have effective
implements; the value of Common Cores equals Equity, Competition and Collaboration.
Standard for Lesson Plan:
NT.K-12.1 BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS: Students demonstrate a sound
understanding of the nature and operation and operation of technology skills.
-Students are proficient in the use of technology.

Reference
Common Core State Standards Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from
http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content2.cfm?ItemNumber=3008
English Language Arts Standards Reading: Literature Grade 6. (n.d.). Retrieved
July 31, 2016, from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/6/
ISTE Standards FORSTUDENTS. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from
http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016
Why are standards important? | Parenting. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/why-are-standards-important/
Word Processing Can Be Lots of Font! (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2016, from
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/02/lp285-03.shtml

Zulema Solis
July 30, 2016
Edu: 214-1003
Lesson Plan: Word Processing Drill
Grade Level: 6-8 Grade level, Special Needs, Gen Ed CC Students
Technology Content Standard: NT.K-12.1 BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS; Students
demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Content Standard Addressed: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5; Analyze how a particular

sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the
development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Accommodations: Special Needs students will be in groups of two if IEP calls it for special
accommodations.
Objective: Will communicate information and text; critical thinking to develop a coherent
understanding of the lesson. Student will support learning, advancing skills and thinking.
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a
text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Materials Needed: Computer in classroom and Smart board, Word Processing, Microsoft Word
Group size: one student per computer, (6 total students)
Lesson Plan Procedures:
1. Students open a Microsoft blank document which is located on the desktop.
2. Students add a header to the top of the page. Next you will right align the heading. Word
Processing Drill
3. Now you will make a title for your story.
4. You will now center the title, font-Times New Roman font size 18
5. Class lets now reflect and take a minute to ensure we are all on the same pace and if you have
any questions let me know.
6. Now we will continue with our assignment. Please type two paragraphs about your summer
vacation/break. Font size 12 and font style to Times New Roman
7. Class please change font size to 14, font style to Calabria
8. Add numbers to, your favorite spotted visited, who you took the trip with, what attractions you
like best about your trip.
9. You will need to add The End as Word Art at the end of the page.
10. We are coming to the end of the word processing assignment. Last everyone will add a
picture of your trip from any website.
11. Finally save your document to your class file.

Word Processing/English Assessment Grading Rubric: (20 Points Possible)

Elements:
Put your header on the page
Right Align Heading, Word Processing Drill
Put a title for your story.
10 points

Points:

Center the title, Font: Times New Roman, Font size 18 2 points will be taken off for
Type two paragraphs about your summer vacation/break
missing information
_______________________________________________________________________
Font size 12, Font Times New Romans
2 points
Change your heading to font 14, font Calabria
_______________________________________________________________________
Add Numbers to:
1. The favorite spot you visited
3 points
2. Who you took the trip with
3. What attractions did you like the best from your trip
_______________________________________________________________________
Add The End as WordArt at the end of the page
3 points
Add a picture of your trip from a website
2 points