VI.A: Teachers model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.

• Copyright Certificate
  The topics of copyright came up frequently throughout our discussions at the SOL Academy, so we eventually devoted a portion of a session to a discussion of legal and ethical issues of the use of electronic resources. I led the discussion as we covered practical aspects of legal and ethical use of technology, including fair use, use of videos in the classroom, use of images in presentation, and software licensing.
• Americans That Matter Powerpoint
  This student presentation includes citation for the resources that she used. As we worked on the presentation, we discussed why it was necessary to cite other people’s work. This indicates that I promote ethical use of technology resources with students.
• Technology Integration Resources for Teachers
  I maintain this page of resources concerning ethical use of technology for teachers. When I encounter issues where teachers may not be observing appropriate use of technology, I can provide them with this link.

VI.B: Teachers apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.

• Heat vs. Temperature Lesson Plan
  Providing the opportunity for diverse learners to succeed in my classes has always been important to me. The beliefs that all children can learn and that children learn in different ways are key to my philosophy. I included a variety of instructional strategies and resources in my lessons to address the variety of ability levels, learning styles, and diversity of students. In this lesson the concepts of heat and temperature are presented using visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic methods. Students watch a video and use an online simulation of the movement of molecules to reinforce the concepts. The visual aspects of this are very helpful to our ESL students. The students are actively involved throughout the lesson with the use of hands-on activities, which promotes understanding for most students but is especially important for students with learning disabilities. Technology is used to present content (video), for simulation (Internet), and to collect (science probes) and analyze data (graphing calculator). Suggestions are given for considerations for special needs student.

VI.C: Teachers identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity

• ESL Resources
  Cultural diversity is an important issue in today’s schools, particularly in Harrisonburg City schools where over 30% of the students do not speak English as a first language. There are a variety of resources available on the web both to support instruction for ESL students as well as to support the celebration of diversity in our classrooms. I located ESL Resources and included them on the Technology Integration Resources website that I created and maintain. Many of the strategies that are suggested for ESL students are valuable for all students, such as the use of technology and hands-on activities to engage students and promote understanding. Another strategy that I have used with classes in the computer lab is learning buddies. Students are paired, a strong reader with a Level 1 reader, to work together on the task.
• Christmas Around the World
  I created this presentation to use with students in 2 nd grade. I included clips from a variety of cultures. Since there are students from many different cultures in the classes, students also spend time sharing the way that they celebrate the holiday. We used this to promote understanding.
  [Note: Due to copyright issues, embedded videos will not play online.]

• Acceptable Use Agreement
  I am familiar with the acceptable use agreement for HCPS and make every effort to make sure student follow these guidelines. I am also aware of the division policies on teacher use of technology and follow those carefully to make sure my use is both legal and ethical.
• Website Publishing Guidelines
  My web pages adhere to the guidelines set forth by Harrisonburg City Schools in Web Publishing Guidelines for Harrisonburg City Schools. These guidelines cover the use of student pictures, information, and work on the web.
• Classroom Technology Plan
  I discuss the safe and healthy use of computers frequently throughout the year as opportunity presents itself. Students are reminded of safe and healthy uses of the computer by a sign posted over the classroom computers.
• Internet Safety and Ethics
  I maintain this web page to provide links to important information for students, teachers, and parents.

VI.E.: Teachers facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

• Classroom Technology Plan
  My classroom technology plan outlines availability, procedures, and uses of classroom technology. I made a conscious effort to make sure that students had equitable access to the technology in the classroom. My students always participated in the Science Fair. As more students got computers at home, they had a distinct advantage in the visual aspects of their projects. Each year, I provided additional time after school for students who wanted to stay and work on their projects using the computers at school.
• Technology Plan Critical Issues
  I serve on the district technology committee. Planning for equitable access is an important part of our technology plan.

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