EDTC+600+Intro+to+Instructional+Technology

For this course I have chosen to include a link to the panning tool we developed. Here is a link to that wikispace.

__Reflection:__
//Explain why you selected the artifact.// I selected the wikispace not because it is a tool that I use in my teaching, but because of the symbolic nature of the wikispace. The wikispace was my contribution to the entire cohort process. I had used a wiki for over a year before we started the Masters cohort, and I had seen some of the potential for the use of a wiki as a collaboration tool. It may not have been the best tool for the job, but it served to set the tone for future courses and for our cohort learning to work as a team. While it did not get as much use as it was built for, mostly due to the instructors in following courses seeing the value in wikis and building a new one for each course. I did find myself going back to it during this capstone project to find things we had included on it prior to using a new wiki per course. It was a good prototype, like auto manufacturers create before they settle on a new design.

//Include how the skills and knowledge gained from creation of the artifact advanced your skills and teaching practice.// This artifact became a catalyst for me personally. I began to wonder why there was not already a tool in place to facilitate the collaboration of the cohort members throughout the program. While it would have been better to have set it up in advance, the experience of figuring it out for ourselves helped to strengthen our bonds. I am always up for a new tool to replace one that has worn out its welcome, so far the wiki does the job for me adequately. While there are things about it that I wish were different, higher level of customization for starters, the things that it does, it does well.

//Identify what gaps in your skills and knowledge still exist. Suggest solutions to address the gaps.// My skills with the use of the wiki are fairly adept, yet the organizers continually make improvements, so I continue to learn and keep up with the changes. One new item that has recently been added to the wikispace repertoire is the projects tool. I have only skimmed the help section to see what it is about, and I need to find and spend some time looking in to this potentially powerful section of the site that could aid in project based learning. As my district has embraced the Google Apps for Education, they are asking that the teachers and students in my district use Google Sites. As the computer coach for my building, I need to spend more time becoming familiar with the ins and outs of Google Sites. I should be as comfortable with Sites as I am with wikispaces.

__Standards:__
> Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:
 * 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership**
 * a. || participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. ||
 * b. || exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others. ||