Candidates troubleshoot basic software and hardware problems common in digital learning environments. (PSC 3.5/ISTE 3e)
Reflection: I created the Internet Lesson plan for 4th grade students to work through during their Simple Machines science unit. This project was a technology integrated unit utilizing both hands- on engineering activities complemented by digital tools to enhance student’s learning experiences. Students worked collaboratively in groups to build a simple machine, and then used various digital tools to create real-world connected experiences to further their knowledge of the content and make the material more relevant. This artifact supports standard 3.5 because I provided students with examples of common technical difficulties that may occur during the utilization of the digital tools used during this project and provided detailed instructions and screencasts demonstrating how to address the problems. I also made a bulleted list of steps to take in order to problem solve and troubleshoot common problems faced within this project. Students used both the directions and screencasts to independently problem solve any difficulties that they came across throughout the duration of the project. I also created a Padlet discussion board for students to join to post any issues that they had along the way that they were to able to rectify using my directions and screencasts. Through this Padlet “help” discussion board, students could collaborate and reply to posts, helping other work to troubleshoot technical difficulties with either hardware or software components of the project. I would also frequently check the Padlet discussion board to help student work through any issues and correct any incorrect responses from their peers. Throughout the creation of this project, I learned that troubleshooting instructions and screencasts must be detailed, clear and concise in order for the students to be able to effectively work their way through the any technical difficulties that they encountered. By providing students with troubleshooting assistance with these details in mind and using both visual and auditory modalities, I provided them effective resources that they could utilize to work through any technical problems encountered throughout the duration of the project and helped to build their self- assessment, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. The digital tools the students utilized throughout this project directly aligned to the technology improvement sections located within our school’s improvement plan. The impact can be assessed by the student’s products at the conclusion of the project. The technology skills the students both gained and refined through this project directly align to the technology improvement plan located within our school’s improvement plan. The impact can be assessed by the student’s products at the conclusion of the project. The impact of the student products should products reflect appropriate implementations of digital tools and resources.