Candidates engage in appropriate field experiences to synthesize and apply the content and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions identified in these standards. (PSC 6.3)
Reflection: In the structured field experience log from the Introduction to Online Learning course, I documented my journey through creating my first online teaching module. In the field experience log, I discussed the tasks that were required to help me design, create, and plan for implementation of an online learning course module. This artifact demonstrates mastery of standard 6.3 because I had to apply the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions that I have learned throughout all of my courses in the ITEC program to create an appropriate and effective online learning module. I ensured that my module, tasks, and activities were directly aligned to the ISTE standards and carefully considered which research-based strategies, digital tools, and resources would be appropriate for the content and grade level of my online module. I also reflected upon each aspect documented in this field experience, and used these reflections to guide me through the second course in this endorsement. Throughout both this course and the creation of the field experience log, I learned that adhering to the standards is vital to creating effective and premier experience for online students. I learned that instructions must be explicit and over communicated to ensure that students have a positive online learning experience and are able to work seamlessly through the different aspects of the module. I also learned that it is important to be thorough when planning and testing all parts of the course, ensuring that the learning management system is is thoroughly prepared for students. If I were to change anything documented within this field experience log, I would include the time that I spent planning troubleshooting strategies and steps for students. The contents of this artifact impact school improvement, faculty development, and student learning by providing teachers at my school valuable resources for creating online and blended learning modules. Many teachers at my school participate in blended learning, and many of the research-based strategies that I included in my module can be shared with these teachers, to create best practices when planning and implemented for blended learning in classrooms throughout our school. The implementation of the digital tools and resources included in the online learning module directly address goals and action steps included within the technology improvement section of the school improvement plan. The impact can be assessed by final student projects and teacher feedback at the conclusion of the blended learning activities.