Princess Wade's Teaching Portfolio
Graduate Work Showcase
Below are a few samples of the work I've completed throughout my time as a graduate student at Michigan State University. I've categorized each piece into four themes which include Learn, Explore & Play, Reflect and Dream It. The themes I've chosen reflect my learning process as an educator. My showcase not only represent my work but also my experience as a graduate student. Once you view the various pieces of work I've presented, I hope you understand the relationship between my learning experiences and my teaching practices.
Learn
Throughout my experience in the Master of Arts Educational Technology (MAET) program, I've taken full advantage of the Practice Based Learning opportunities the program provided. This portion of the showcase displays my understanding of how to efficiently evaluate Course Management Systems (CMS), create virtual learning environments that mimics my classroom procedures and apply my learning experiences to my classroom.
Evaluating
Course Management Systems
Gaining knowledge on how to productively evaluate Course Management Systems (CMS) reinforced my understanding of the importance of correlating the content, my teaching practices and the technology. During the process of familiarizing myself with the various learning platforms, I also learned how to analyze each CMS using an assessment checklist. The checklist help me focus on the criteria that was relevant to my teaching needs.
Creating a
Course Management System
Creating a Course Management System (CMS) or a virtual learning environment was initially intimidating. After exploring various platforms, I chose a CMS that I felt would support my students' learning needs and my teaching philosophy. In this platform, I began creating the European Unit related to the topics in my 6th grade Social Studies class. In order to introduce the new learning platform, I created an introduction video.
After I created my mock virtual classroom using CourseSites, I decided to put my learning experience into practice. Below my final product, I provided evidence of application in my 6th grade Social Studies classroom.
Explore & Play
Evaluating Technology as a tool is vital to students success. Regardless if you hold a leadership position or you're a classroom teacher, one way to examine technological tools is to explore & play. During the process of exploration, the evaluator should compare, contrast and assess the tools provide within the application.
Problem of Practice
For this piece, I investigate three different math technologies that attempt to help students understand how to solve two-step equations. In this video, I compare the interactive tools provided in solving two step equations, evaluate the guided practice, and access the method of feedback.
How to Evaluate Technologies through a Leader's Lens
This presentation gave me the opportunity to explore a leader's responsibility in providing guidance, resources and techniques for evaluating technological tools for teachers. There are a few interactive activities embedded within the presentation. Feel free to explore the various STEM interactive activities.
Reflection
Reflecting on my journey through Technology in Education has inspired me to find various ways to teach for transfer and make learning more meaningful using technology. During this journey I was able to apply my understanding of Assessment for Learning with my professional practice.
Self-Assessment
Creating a Blog to reflect on my teaching practices placed me out of my comfort zone. However, through this experience, I was able to examine my personal growth during various lessons. Keeping a visual journal influenced my efforts for improvement.
Redesign
In the beginning I struggled with understanding the difference between summative assessment and ongoing assessment. Once I understood the concept, I revised the lesson for the upcoming year and adjusted my way of thinking for the remaining activities for the unit.
Revision
After multiple attempts, I reexamined and revised the Treaty of Versailles formative assessments in Google Classroom. Since the Treaty of Versailles is one of the dominant themes in the unit, I began to understand the significance of providing ongoing assessments. Below are examples of Assessment for Learning and Assessment as Learning. Eventually, I learn to differentiate between the two concepts. Both the assessments are components of my Formative Assessment Design 3.0.
Dream It
Prior to my introduction to educational research, I maintain a habit of underestimating my teaching practices. However, through the "Dream It" project, I gained confidence in my methodology. I realized I can go beyond my practices to bring about change. From this point on, I will continue to acknowledge my skill sets and dream big.
Educational Research
For this piece, I've gained an appreciation for the process of research. I also learned to challenge my personal educational beliefs and practices by exploring literature of scholars with similar ideas. Lastly, I recognized my ability to contribute to best practices in education.
