Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers:

A. use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

Since receiving eMINTS training in 2004, I have used the eThemes website regularly to find ideas to supplement my curriculum. Most recently I used the eThemes website to find information about a book I read aloud to my class. It gave me a list of websites to go to for lesson ideas and chapter assessments, as well as links to sites pertaining to topics in the book. I also participated in a professional development opportunity offered from my district for veteran eMINTS teachers to refresh ideas and show new resources. As part of the course work for Technology to Enhance Learning, I was introduced to the KITE database. The matrix I completed as part of Technology to Enhance Learning allowed me to browse the database and evaluate other teachers' activities to check for meaningful learning. I have browsed this database on numerous occasions to find ideas and shared this website with other eMINTS teachers in my district. This electronic portfolio also shows my committment to ongoing professional development by showcasing what I have learned in my Master's Degree program.

B. continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.

My course reflection from Introduction to Technology in Schools required me to reflect upon my coursework as well as my abilities in using technology in my classroom. In my reflection, I found that I already had a pretty good background in using technology in the classroom. The course really allowed to me look at the things I was doing and evaluate how well they were working, as well as see if I could do more. My concept map also allowed me to think about how I view teaching and technology to support student learning. I have served on the Technology Committee in my district for the past three years as well. As a committee, we discuss how technology is being used, if it's effective and what we need to do in the future to keep our district's resources thriving. By meeting like this a few times a year and writing our district technology plan, we can evaluate how we are doing as a whole and see where we need to go in the future.

C. apply technology to increase productivity.

To keep track of student grades I use an electronic gradebook program called Gradekeeper. It allows me to record student grades, keep attendance and upload student grades to the web for viewing by students and parents. I also use Scholastic Reading Counts and SRI to assess student learning as well as CPS clickers to check frequently for comprehension. Using time-saving programs like these allows me to be more productive and more spend time planning curriculum and working with students.

D. use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.

In an effort to communicate with students and parents, I have created and maintain a classroom webpage. On it I include daily assignments, homework, and important links we use in the classroom. I also maintain a page for the entire sixth grade. Another way I try to keep parents informed is by making an electronic newsletter. My sixth grade study hall class uses Microsoft Publisher to create a newsletter about happenings around the school. They write the articles and help with the layout and design. When finished I put it all together, edit and publish it to the web.