Module 4 Application Current State

Module 4 Application

Evaluating Current State

Maddie Birdlebough American College of Education ET5023 - Practices for Evaluating Technological Resources Dr. Frank Tulli October 13, 2024

Hatfield Elementary

Located in Hatfield Pennsylvania 487 Students in Grades k-6 All staff and students receive Chromebooks Google is the Platform used

Learning Goal

To empower elementary students with foundational digital literacy skills that allow them to engage in safe, creative, and meaningful learning experiences, ensuring equitable access to technology and fostering a positive, curious mindset toward digital tools.

CRiteria 1

Integrate Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy Across the Curriculum: Teach foundational digital literacy skills that are appropriate for young learners, ensuring they understand how to safely and effectively use technology.

Rational for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

This initiative earns a 3 for moderate progress in integrating age-appropriate digital literacy skills into the elementary curriculum. Kindergartners are introduced to technology through QR codes for logging in, which is an excellent starting point for familiarizing young learners with digital tools. However, the transition in first grade to typing usernames and passwords poses challenges, as many students may struggle with keyboarding, spelling, and memorizing login information, which can hinder their ability to engage with technology independently. While this shift pushes students toward greater digital literacy, it may not fully align with their developmental stage, given their ongoing mastery of reading and fine motor skills. To improve, schools could implement scaffolded approaches that gradually build students’ digital skills while providing differentiated support. This would ensure smoother transitions and a more effective integration of digital literacy across the curriculum.

CRiteria 2

Promote Engaging, Student-Centered Learning with Technology:Use interactive and engaging digital tools that capture elementary students' interest while supporting personalized learning.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

This approach receives a higher rating for effectively promoting engaging, student-centered learning with technology. Educators at the school do a great job of using various interactive digital tools to capture students' interest and support personalized learning. For example, younger students use Seesaw, which allows for creative and multimedia learning activities that are suitable for their age. Older students, on the other hand, engage with resources on Canvas, a platform that encourages independent learning and collaboration. This variety of tools helps students actively participate in their learning. While the technology use is strong, there’s still some room to enhance personalization features or introduce new tools to better meet individual learning styles. Overall, the school is making significant progress in creating interactive and engaging learning experiences through technology.

CRiteria 3

Foster Creativity and Exploration through Digital Tools: Encourage young students to use digital apps and tools for creative projects, promoting exploration and problem-solving in fun and interactive ways.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Unfortunatley, this receives a low rating for its limited encouragement of young students to use digital apps and tools for creative projects. Typically, teachers dictate which tools students should use, leaving little room for exploration or independent problem-solving. However, one fifth-grade social studies class stands out because the teacher actively encourages students to use Canva for their projects, allowing them to incorporate videos, GIFs, and other creative elements. This innovative approach fosters student engagement and creativity, but it remains an exception rather than the norm. Overall, more widespread encouragement of student-driven exploration and creativity through digital tools is needed to enhance learning experiences across the school.

CRiteria 4

Ensure Equitable Access to Digital Learning Materials: Provide all students with access to digital resources, such as educational games, e-books, and learning apps, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

This approach earns a high rating for outstanding progress in providing all students access to digital resources like educational games, e-books, and learning apps, regardless of their socioeconomic background. During the pandemic, the school ensured connectivity by offering hotspots when needed. Additionally, every student receives a new Chromebook and charger upon enrollment, enabling them to access e-books and online lessons. These efforts create an inclusive environment where all students can engage with digital resources, significantly enhancing their educational opportunities.

CRiteria 5

Teach Safe and Ethical Use of Technology: Introduce concepts of digital citizenship early, ensuring elementary students understand basic online safety, respectful communication, and the importance of responsible technology use.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

This receives a rating of 3 for moderate progress in introducing concepts of digital citizenship to elementary students. While there is some effort to ensure students understand basic online safety, respectful communication, and responsible technology use, there is room for improvement. Currently, students in the elementary grades are often directed to specific platforms provided by the district, limiting their exploration of digital citizenship in a more comprehensive way. Typically, only fifth and sixth graders use the internet during school to locate sources, which means younger students may miss opportunities to learn about navigating online spaces responsibly. Overall, I believe the school could enhance its efforts to teach digital citizenship concepts more broadly and effectively across all grade levels.

Learning Overall Rating :

3.2

The overall rating of 3.2 reflects Hatfield Elementary's moderate progress in integrating technology into the elementary curriculum. The school excels in providing equitable access to digital resources, ensuring every student receives a Chromebook and, when needed, a hotspot to facilitate learning. Teachers effectively use interactive platforms like Seesaw and Canvas to engage students and personalize learning experiences, though there is room to introduce more creative, student-driven technology use across the grades. While the school introduces digital literacy skills early, such as QR code logins for kindergartners, the transition to typing usernames and passwords in first grade proves challenging for young learners. Additionally, more effort is needed to promote digital citizenship concepts and encourage independent problem-solving with digital tools. Overall, while Hatfield has made solid strides in embracing technology, there is still potential for improvement in scaffolding digital literacy skills and fostering creativity and digital citizenship among students.

Teaching Goal

To equip elementary school teachers with the skills, knowledge, and resources to seamlessly integrate technology into their classrooms, creating dynamic, personalized, and engaging learning environments that support diverse student needs.

CRiteria 1

Provide Ongoing Professional Development in Digital Teaching Tools:Offer teachers training focused on using age-appropriate digital tools and methods for integrating technology into elementary-level lessons.

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Reason for Rating

The district rarely provides any training or professional development opportunities for teachers on how to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. As a result, educators may struggle to use digital tools effectively, which limits their ability to create engaging, technology-rich learning experiences for their students. Without adequate support and training, teachers are left to navigate technology integration on their own, hindering overall progress in enhancing instructional practices with digital resources.

CRiteria 2

Use Adaptive Learning Technologies for Differentiated Instruction: Equip teachers with adaptive digital tools that adjust to the learning pace and style of each student, ensuring all learners receive support at their level.

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Reason for Rating

Hatfield effectively utilizes digital tools that allow students to engage with content at their individual academic levels. This adaptability is especially beneficial during station rotations or for students who finish their work early, as it enables them to continue learning at their own pace and address any gaps in their understanding. While the school is doing well in this area, there may still be opportunities to further enhance the variety and integration of these tools to ensure even more personalized learning experiences for all students.

CRiteria 3

Collaborate with Teachers to Develop Engaging Digital Content: Involve elementary teachers in designing and selecting engaging digital materials that are appropriate for younger learners, such as interactive storybooks and educational games.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Unless educators seek out outside sources, they are not typically included in the design process for digital materials. While some teachers do have a say in selecting new curriculum resources, their involvement in creating or choosing engaging digital tools is minimal. This lack of participation limits teachers' ability to tailor materials to the specific needs and interests of their students, which could enhance engagement and learning outcomes. More opportunities for educators to contribute to the selection and design of digital resources would greatly improve the effectiveness of this initiative.

CRiteria 4

Encourage Innovative, Play-Based Learning with Technology: Support teachers in using technology to create playful, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and imagination in young students.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

While students occasionally get to make choices, such as when creating presentations, technology is not often used to foster more creative, exploratory experiences. More could be done to provide teachers with the tools and strategies needed to integrate technology in ways that encourage playful exploration and imaginative thinking, rather than limiting its use to structured assignments. Expanding these opportunities could greatly enhance student engagement and curiosity.

CRiteria 5

Create Teacher Support Networks for Sharing Digital Resources: Establish teacher communities where educators can exchange ideas, share effective digital tools, and support one another in using technology to enhance learning.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Teachers at the school do a wonderful job of collaborating and sharing digital resources, which helps to create a supportive environment for integrating technology into the classroom. This collaboration allows teachers to stay updated on effective tools and strategies, benefiting both their teaching practices and student learning experiences. While there is always room to deepen collaboration, the current efforts are highly effective in promoting the use of digital tools for enhancing learning.

Teaching Overall Rating :

2.6

The overall score of 2.6 reflects Hatfield Elementary's limited progress in integrating technology into teaching due to several challenges. While the school excels in using adaptable digital tools that support personalized learning and fosters strong teacher collaboration, the district rarely offers training on effectively integrating technology into classrooms. This lack of professional development leaves educators struggling to navigate technology independently, which hinders their ability to create engaging, tech-rich learning experiences. Additionally, teachers have minimal input in designing or selecting digital materials, which limits customization and engagement. Technology is also underutilized for fostering creativity and exploration, with most digital use confined to structured assignments. Despite these challenges, the collaborative efforts among teachers are commendable, but overall, more support and opportunities are needed to enhance instructional technology practices.

Leadership Goal

To provide school leaders with a clear vision and strategy for closing the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology, promoting responsible use, and fostering partnerships that support both students and their communities.

CRiteria 1

Focus on Digital Equity for Young Learners: Ensure all elementary students, including those from underserved backgrounds, have equal access to devices and digital learning resources by prioritizing digital equity initiatives.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

For outstanding progress in ensuring all elementary students, including those from underserved backgrounds, have equal access to devices and digital learning resources. The district guarantees that every student has a Chromebook for both in-school and at-home use. Additionally, if a student forgets their Chromebook, the technology department provides a loaner for the day, ensuring no disruption to their learning. These measures reflect a strong commitment to digital equity, ensuring that all students have the necessary tools to succeed.

CRiteria 2

Set a Vision for Technology in Early Education: School leaders must articulate a clear, developmentally appropriate vision for integrating technology into elementary education to support learning and growth.

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Reason for Rating

This is rated low for not articulating a clear, developmentally appropriate vision for integrating technology into elementary education. Currently, school leaders have not explicitly communicated such a vision to staff. Despite this, teachers consistently use at least two educational apps daily to support learning in the classroom, which shows individual efforts to integrate technology. However, without a unified, school-wide vision, these efforts lack strategic direction to fully support learning and growth in a cohesive manner.

CRiteria 3

Develop Policies for Safe and Responsible Technology Use for Young Students: Establish guidelines that protect elementary students when using digital tools, emphasizing the importance of privacy, safety, and age-appropriate online behavior.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The school uses an app that allows teachers to monitor students' activities, push out resources like websites, and even close screens if needed, which is a helpful tool for managing technology use. However, there is room for improvement in consistently reinforcing expectations for privacy, safety, and appropriate online behavior. Teachers would benefit from regularly reiterating these guidelines before students use devices to ensure that responsible technology use is a key part of their digital learning experience.

CRiteria 4

Build Community Partnerships to Support Elementary Digital Access: Engage with local organizations and businesses to provide resources, such as devices and internet access, to young students who need them most.

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Reason for Rating

This effort is rated 1 for low progress in building community partnerships to support elementary digital access. While the school does not currently engage with local organizations or businesses to provide resources such as devices or internet access, it is fortunate that the school is able to provide students with the necessary technology without relying on community support. However, establishing these partnerships could still be beneficial in expanding resources and support, especially for students who may need additional assistance outside of what the school provides.

CRiteria 5

Continuously Evaluate Technology Use in Elementary Schools: Regularly assess how technology is being used in elementary classrooms, ensuring it aligns with developmentally appropriate practices and supports learning outcomes

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

In assessing how technology is used in elementary classrooms to ensure it aligns with developmentally appropriate practices and supports learning outcomes. Several apps are utilized to help students address gaps identified from assessments, providing targeted support where it is needed most. This focused approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also ensures that technology use is intentional and beneficial. While the current practices are effective, there may still be opportunities to expand the assessment process to include more diverse technological tools and strategies that further support student learning.

Leadership Overall Rating :

The overall score of 3 reflects Hatfield Elementary's steady but uneven progress in integrating technology effectively. The district excels in ensuring all students, including those from underserved backgrounds, have equal access to digital tools like Chromebooks, which supports digital equity. However, the school lacks a clear, unified vision for integrating technology into elementary education, leaving teachers to rely on their own initiatives without strategic direction. Additionally, while there are tools in place to monitor and guide students' technology use, more emphasis is needed on consistently reinforcing online safety and privacy expectations. The absence of community partnerships to enhance digital access further limits opportunities, though the school does provide necessary technology without external help. On the positive side, the use of digital assessments and apps to address learning gaps shows promise in aligning technology with instructional goals, but further improvements could ensure a more comprehensive and developmentally appropriate approach to using technology in the classroom.

Assessment Goal

To develop and implement age-appropriate digital assessment tools that provide real-time feedback, track student progress in digital literacy, and inform individualized learning plans, ensuring technology enhances educational outcomes.

CRiteria 1

Assess Early Digital Literacy Skills: Implement assessments that measure elementary students' basic digital literacy, such as their ability to use devices safely and navigate digital learning tools.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Although there is no formal assessment specifically for this criterion, staff observations indicate that students are effectively navigating and utilizing digital learning tools, such as the markup pen. I have observed students using this tool to solve math problems, demonstrating their ability to engage with technology safely and effectively. This practical application of digital skills suggests that students are developing a solid foundation in digital literacy. However, implementing a more structured assessment could further enhance the evaluation of students' digital literacy skills.

CRiteria 2

Use Formative Digital Assessment Tools for Immediate Feedback: Leverage technology to provide elementary students with real-time feedback through educational games, quizzes, and activities that help them track their own progress.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

My school effectively leverages technology to provide elementary students with real-time feedback through various educational games, quizzes, and activities that help them track their progress. For instance, some teachers utilize Google Forms for quizzes, allowing students to see their scores immediately upon submission, except for written pieces. Additionally, teachers incorporate games like Kahoot to review material with students before tests and quizzes, making the learning process engaging and interactive. These practices not only enhance students' understanding but also promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

CRiteria 3

Analyze Data to Inform Individualized Learning Plans: Use data from digital assessments to inform teachers about individual student needs, allowing for more targeted instruction and support in early education.

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Reason for Rating

Hatfield excels at utilizing various digital probes to gather data that informs teachers about individual student needs. This approach allows for more targeted instruction and support in early education, ensuring that students receive the specific help they need to succeed. By effectively leveraging data from digital assessments, teachers can tailor their instruction to address the diverse learning profiles within their classrooms, enhancing overall educational outcomes. Continued focus on refining this process could further improve the effectiveness of individualized learning plans.

CRiteria 4

Evaluate the Impact of Digital Learning Tools on Elementary Students: Regularly assess the effectiveness of digital tools and educational software used in elementary classrooms to ensure they positively impact student engagement and learning.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The pandemic prompted a shift in how technology is used in classrooms, leading to positive academic changes and, in some cases, a complete overhaul of technology to enhance effectiveness for students. However, there has been little assessment of these tools' effectiveness since the pandemic. Without regular evaluations, it is difficult to determine whether the digital tools and educational software being utilized are genuinely benefiting student engagement and learning. Establishing a systematic assessment process would help ensure that the chosen technologies continue to meet the needs of students effectively.

CRiteria 5

Adapt Digital Assessment Strategies for Young Learners:Ensure that assessment tools are fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate for young children, minimizing anxiety and promoting a positive attitude toward learning.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The district does a commendable job of selecting curriculum that includes a digital component, ensuring that assessment tools are fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate for young children. These engaging digital elements not only minimize anxiety but also promote a positive attitude toward learning, allowing students to enjoy the assessment process while acquiring new knowledge. This approach effectively supports young learners and fosters an environment where they feel motivated to succeed. Further enhancements could be made by regularly reviewing and updating these digital tools to maintain their effectiveness and engagement levels.

Assessment Overall Rating :

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INfastructer Goal

To build a robust, secure, and equitable digital infrastructure that ensures all elementary students have reliable access to technology and the internet, supported by ongoing technical assistance and sustainable digital solutions for learning.

CRiteria 1

Ensure All Elementary Students Have Access to Devices and Reliable Internet: Make sure every elementary student, both at school and at home, has access to age-appropriate devices (like tablets) and reliable internet to support their learning.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

Ensuring all elementary students have access to devices and reliable internet. Upon registering in the district, students are provided with Chromebooks that can be folded and used as tablets, offering versatility for various learning activities. Additionally, during the pandemic, students received hot spots as needed to ensure they could connect to the internet. While students have access to these devices, homework is typically not assigned through them unless they did not complete an activity or project during school. Expanding the use of devices for homework assignments could further enhance student engagement and learning outside of the classroom, ensuring that technology is fully leveraged to support their educational needs.

CRiteria 2

Develop Safe and Secure Digital Infrastructure for Young Students: Build and maintain infrastructure that ensures online safety, privacy, and secure access to digital tools for elementary school students.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The district supports these initiatives by using ClassWise, which allows staff to monitor students' activities in real time on their computers, enhancing online safety and privacy. While this tool is effective, it does rely on being turned on to function properly. Additionally, the district receives notifications if students access inappropriate sites, and certain sites are blocked to protect young learners. Overall, these measures contribute significantly to ensuring secure access to digital tools, though ongoing training and reminders for staff to utilize monitoring tools consistently could further strengthen these efforts.

CRiteria 3

Provide Ongoing Tech Support for Families of Young Learners: Offer technical assistance to families to help them navigate devices and platforms, ensuring elementary students can access their learning resources at home.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The district effectively offers "How To" resources in various languages, helping families navigate devices and platforms. This accessibility ensures that elementary students can access their learning resources at home, fostering a supportive learning environment. By addressing the diverse needs of families, the district empowers parents and guardians to assist their children with technology, enhancing students' overall learning experiences. Continued expansion of these resources, including more targeted workshops or support sessions, could further improve tech support for families.

CRiteria 4

Implement Scalable, Child-Friendly Technology Solutions: Invest in digital tools and platforms that are specifically designed for young learners and can grow with their educational needs over time.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The district has invested in curriculum that includes digital components designed for young learners, which effectively allows students to fill in learning gaps or pursue higher levels of growth. These tools are tailored to meet the developmental needs of elementary students and can adapt as their educational requirements evolve over time. By focusing on technology that is both engaging and age-appropriate, the district is supporting personalized learning pathways for students. Continued evaluation of these digital tools to ensure they remain relevant and effective will further enhance their impact on student learning.

CRiteria 5

Create Policies to Ensure Safe Digital Use for Elementary Students: Establish and enforce strict policies that regulate the online activities of elementary students, ensuring they only access age-appropriate content in a secure learning environment.

Reason for Rating

Rating for current state of instructional technology at Hatfield:

The district has implemented a system that notifies principals whenever students search for inappropriate content, ensuring immediate awareness of any issues. Principals are proactive in addressing these incidents by contacting parents, even on weekends, to discuss concerns. This level of vigilance and communication helps maintain a secure learning environment where students are guided towards age-appropriate content. Such comprehensive policies not only protect young learners but also foster a culture of accountability and safety in digital learning.

Infrustructure Overall Rating :

4.8

The overall score of 4.8 reflects the district's exceptional commitment to providing all elementary students with access to devices and reliable internet, ensuring a versatile and supportive learning environment. Each student receives a Chromebook that can function as a tablet, and the provision of hotspots during the pandemic has further facilitated connectivity. Although homework is rarely assigned through these devices, expanding their use for out-of-class assignments could enhance student engagement. The implementation of ClassWise allows real-time monitoring of students' online activities, bolstering online safety and privacy, though consistent use and staff training could improve its effectiveness. The district's "How To" resources in multiple languages empower families to assist their children in navigating technology, and targeted workshops could further strengthen this support. Moreover, the investment in age-appropriate digital curriculum components enables personalized learning and addresses individual student needs effectively. The proactive system for notifying principals about inappropriate content demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining a safe digital learning environment. These comprehensive policies and practices collectively contribute to a secure and engaging educational experience for students, underscoring the district's dedication to leveraging technology for optimal learning outcomes.

Best Practice Recommendations

Digital Use Divide:

Best Practice: Integrate interactive digital tools that offer real-time feedback to students. Recommendation: I would recommend using tools like Google Forms or Kahoot more regularly to give students immediate feedback on quizzes or activities. This would not only keep students engaged but also help them track their progress, especially in foundational subjects like reading and math.

Digital Design Divide:

Best Practice: Involve educators in the co-design of technology-enhanced learning experiences. Recommendation: Encourage more collaboration between teachers and tech coordinators to tailor digital tools to the specific needs of elementary students. For example, using digital storybooks or math games that align with the curriculum would create a more engaging and age-appropriate learning environment for younger learners.

Digital Access Divide:

Best Practice: Ensure equitable access to devices and reliable internet for all students, including those from underserved communities. Recommendation: Continue providing students with Chromebooks and hotspots, as was done during the pandemic, to ensure all students have access to learning materials at home. Additionally, incorporating more digital homework assignments could help maximize the use of these resources and promote digital literacy beyond the classroom.

current state of instructional technology at Hatfield Elementry

In summary, Hatfield Elementary is well equipped in many areas of instructional technology, providing Chromebooks and network access to each student in the district. Many teachers have embraced the shift toward new technologies, especially during the pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of essential digital tools for assessment and learning. While the district could continue to enhance its support for teachers in preparing students for today's digital world, Hatfield has made significant strides in integrating modern technology into the school system, ensuring students are equipped for the future. However, there are some challenge areas that need to be addressed to further improve the effectiveness of technology integration. One significant issue is the lack of structured training for teachers. Despite the availability of technology, many educators may struggle to effectively integrate these tools into their classrooms due to insufficient training, limiting their ability to create engaging and technology-rich learning experiences. To tackle this, the district could implement regular professional development workshops focused on effective technology integration strategies, tailored to the specific needs of teachers. These workshops could include hands-on training with various digital tools, best practices for using educational apps, and strategies for creating interactive lessons that leverage technology. Additionally, establishing mentorship programs where tech-savvy teachers share their expertise with colleagues could foster a collaborative environment for learning and support. Another challenge is the limited encouragement for student-driven exploration. Currently, students have few opportunities to explore and choose digital tools for their projects, which can stifle creativity and independent problem-solving skills. To address this, teachers could be encouraged to provide students with the freedom to select their digital tools for projects. For example, allowing options like Canva, Google Slides, or other multimedia tools could empower students to express their creativity and personalize their learning experiences. Furthermore, organizing regular "technology exploration days" where students can experiment with different digital tools and applications would foster a culture of exploration and inquiry. By addressing these challenge areas with targeted strategies, Hatfield Elementary can enhance its instructional technology practices, further engaging students and preparing them for success in a digital world.

Reference

Office of Educational Technology. (2024). *A call to action for closing the digital access, design, and use divides: 2024 National Educational Technology Plan*. U.S. Department of Education. https://tech.ed.gov/