IT+Pre-Competency+Verification

I have an ingrained love of history and constantly study my subject matter to increase my knowledge of the content including technology. I design lessons plans that include student group interaction, direct instruction (using technology), student led discussions, and include the opportunity for students to use their own technology in the classroom. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and incorporate internet resources into their homework. Student homework and projects include a mix of textbook assignments and technology driven assignments. Question and answer sessions always follow a lesson and often the questios students have will be answered by other students using technology in the classroom. My knowledge of content and standards are my greatest strength. I am also constantly open to new ideas and revisionist history where technology has shown us where we have erred in the past. My weaknesses include limited technology resource knowledge (why I have chosen this Masters Program)
 * 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity**
 * Artifact 1: ** See attached PowerPoint Presentation on World War 1
 * Strengths and Weaknesses **

All of my lessons are designed and taught using some form of technology in the classroom. All home work require the use of technology at home or in the computer lab, in addition to the worksheets and text. Grading and comments to students and parents are done using the progress book program we use at Stow. My evaluations of test and quizzes and class by class achievement are done using the programs available in progress book. For this artifact, the students were to research their family immigration history from conversations with parents and the use of genealogy websites to complete the worksheet based on their individual families. The data was compared to the patterns of immigration in American history and the students history matched those patterns. It is one of my more popular assignments. Again my strength is content knowledge and enthusiasm for the content. My weakness includes limited technology resource knowledge and knowledge of digital tools available.
 * 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments**
 * Artifact 2: ** See attached Immigration Family History Worksheet
 * Strengths and Weaknesses **

I am constantly using my collaborative networks to search out new ways to use technology in the classroom. I have enrolled in the Instructional Masters program to facilitate my learning of new material. My students lessons are designed to make them think globally using history to show how the world has evolved to the point in history we are in right now and to show the students their place in it. I encourage all my students to increase their knowledge of technology and think towards attending college using global thinking to set their goals for their future. I use all the resources the school has available including computer labs, educational journals and newsletters, training opportunities including technology, progress book, and Google apps. NASA Distal Learning Programs (Astronaut in the Classroom) (periodic presentation, no attachment) My strengths include openness to learning and using new materials and positive attitude toward changing technology in the classroom. My weakness here is having viable interesting backup plans when I've build these lessons up and the technology fails.
 * 3. Model Digital-Age Working and Learning **
 * Artifact 3: ** Progress Book for grading and communication with parents and students (no attachment)
 * Strengths and Weaknesses **

As a teacher, modeling proper moral and ethical behavior is always my goal. Throughout the school year, I always look for opportunities to teach these lessons in the classroom and integrate them into the lessons. The use of technology to cheat is very tempting to many students. Plagiarism, copyright issues, privacy issues, acceptable use policies, and other items are a constant conversation in my classroom. Respect for students and teachers in something i model and attempt to instill in my students. My strength in this area are my classroom management skills and ability to relate to students. I am also aware of the seriousness of many of these issues with a law enforcement background. My weakness is keeping current with what the students are doing and using to help themselves. I am also very trusting of my students which I wouldn't change but has hurt me in the past.
 * 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility **
 * Artifact 4: ** None
 * Strengths and Weaknesses **

Increasing my knowledge of content, standards, and technology is something I take very seriously. I am constantly networking with other teachers and staf members about what they do in the classroom. I belong to several different collegial groups at Stow. During the summer, I take additional workshops and travel to increase my content knowledge. I am currently enrolled in the Masters program at the university of Akron to continue my education. [|http://popplet.com/app/index.php#/1396179] My strength would again be willingness to learn and change. I have the resources and time in the summer to travel and lean. My weakness here is lack of time during the school year. Most of my learning and lesson changes come in the summer when I have time. I coach baseball and serve on several collegial groups at the High School. A wife, three kids and Masters courses take a lot of my time.
 * 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership **
 * Artifact 5: **
 * Strengths and Weaknesses**