Clinical Field Experience D 1

Clinical Field Experience D: The Cultural Effect of Technology on a School Campus

Michelle Martelli

Grand Canyon University: EAD 513

Clinical Field Experience D 2

Since I was unable to walk through classrooms due to COVID, I watched videos of

classroom instruction utilizing technology and discussed with my principal mentor, Mrs. Resetar.

I observed technology being incorporated within the curriculum and instruction and determined

that the use of technology not only raises student achievement, but also positively affects the

culture of the classroom and school. Classrooms that used technology had higher levels of active

engagement. I also noticed that often students took responsibility of their own learning.

Classrooms that used technology, were an overall more positive, inviting learning environment.

There for schools that integrate technology, are more positive as a whole. Students, teachers,

and families are happy to be there.

Technology is used in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. I was able to see teachers

using Poll Everywhere to access prior knowledge. Students submitted their responses by using

their cell phones, ipads, tablets, or computers. I also saw math teachers using Khan Academy for

students to participate in a flipped classroom. With this model, students take responsibility for

their own learning. Science teachers were able to use virtual labs to instruct their students safely.

These labs were high interest and the students were definitely engaged! Class Dojo was also

used in alignment as a positive behavior incentive system (PBIS). Observation of social studies

teachers using Comic Life to have students present historical events was fascinating. Students

were so proud of their work! I also witnessed Kahoots and Quizizz being utilized for assessing

student learning. Using these technology tools for assessment, added an element of fun and

students were happy to participate. Many teachers also use online portfolio builders to document

student learning and as a reflective tool. These experiences are great examples of ISTE 4

(Systems Designer.)
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This year, technology accessible for all, by having computer labs and mobile carts shared

between two classrooms. ISTE 5 ensures Connected Learners. While speaking with Mrs.

Resetar, I learned that next year, all students in our school will have their own Chromebook.

This is a district wide initiative. We were planning on going one to one within the next five

years, however, this pandemic sped up the process.

Not only does technology impact students, but also teachers. The technology promotes

participation in local, national, and global learning communities of staff. Teachers are now able

to join virtual learning communities such as attending conferences, training, and collaboration

groups. This year, our district put PLCs in place integrating local schools. Due to time, driving

to the site is not always practical. We have been using Zoom and Google Meet to collaborate

across schools. This definitely stimulates innovation, creativity, and digital age collaboration.

Technology also lengthens the school’s reach into the community. Emails are a great way of

communication. Also, schools can utilize tools such as Survey Monkey to seek input from all

stakeholders.

While creating a vision and plan for use of technology, the leadership plan elicits

information from staff. They identify strengths and weaknesses of staff with technology and

then plan differentiated professional developments throughout the year for staff. Teachers that

have strengths will be presenters to others. This empowers teachers to be leaders (ISTE 3). The

PDs are differentiated so that different technology levels and applicable interests can be chosen.

ISTE 1 applies safe, ethical, lawful, and responsible online behavior. In order to ensure

the safe use and care of technology, a technology compact is issued to each student. It is a

contract that explicitly states the expectations for use and care of technology. Each student and

each device is assigned a number. This is to identify if there was something wrong, who to go
Clinical Field Experience D 4

to. Next year, it will be even easier to zone in on technology since each student will have their

own device. Our district IT department also does a great job of blocking inappropriate sites and

monitoring technology usage and care.

All teachers are encouraged and expected to integrate technology into their daily lessons

and activities. This is to achieve our school mission of being ready for our “ever-changing

world” and our vision of being “flexible and innovative.” ISTE 2 of Visionary Planner is at

work here. If a teacher is not using technology effectively, then that is addressed on an

individual basis. The instructional coach will work with that teacher(s).
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References

Desert Sky Middle School. (2019). Mission and Vision / Mission and Vision. Retrieved from

https://www.dvusd.org/domain/839

ISTE Standards for Education Leaders. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2020, from

https://www.iste.org/standards/for-education-leaders