This module has helped me think about self-directed learners and the role of differentiation in the following ways.....

If I have students that are accelerating at a rapid pace and others that are struggling academically, I should meet their needs by differentiating their instruction. In order to provide a successful classroom for my students, I need to take the time to research various teaching strategies, as well as researching ways I can accommodate them through tools, techniques, etc. I have learned that I do not have to come up with extra projects or longer assignment to challenge my gifted/talented students. Instead, I can model and coach them, allow them more time to develop a complex idea or thought, and offer them several choices on how they could present their research to me. I can also guide them in their time management, goals, and flow of their projects. I can offer special needs and nonnative speaking students a variety of tools (hardware and software) that will help them with their reading, speaking, and comprehension. I can offer a variety of materials for these students through a classroom website, so that students and parents can access materials at any time. If I can be more flexible in my teaching strategies, and provide alternative assessments to my students, I can help them be successful no matter the learning level.

How can technology be used most effectively to support and assess student learning?

I think that technology can be used in many different ways to support and assess student learning. It can be used in the classroom to support a lesson. Images and video clips can be used to show examples, introduce a lesson, make a point, challenge students, etc. Teachers can assign projects that utilize tools found online that are easy to use and are free. This helps students present their ideas in other ways that are not written by hand or typed on a computer. Technology can challenge students to think critically and be creative. Online games and quizzes can be used as a fun way to reinforce student knowledge. They can help students practice a newly learned skill, reinforce a previous skill, or challenge them beyond what they know. Technology can also be used to assess what a student should know at the end of a unit. There are many tools available out on the world wide web for all content areas. For example, if a student has just finished learning all six elements of design - line, shape/form, color, value, texture, and space/perspective - the teacher should be able to assess their knowledge by having the student present what they learned using a technology tool (presentation, reflective blog, wiki, newsletter, etc.).

This module has helped me think about the impact of the internet on my students’ learning in the following ways:

I think that my students' learning is impacted by the internet in that it provides them with many resources in one place. They can research, find examples, compare items, order materials, etc. Since most of the students today are computer savvy, and have access to a computer at home, at school, at a public library, etc., the internet provides opportunities for them to learn content, study, and have some fun doing it.

There are many tools out there for students to use, and new ones are coming out everyday. As teachers, we should embrace it and use it as an extension of our classroom beyond its four walls. The internet is definitely here to stay. We don't necessarily have to use it everyday, but we do need to be responsible in how we use it and when we use it. Teachers should be aware that there is false information, distractions with popups and inappropriate websites. I plan to utilize the tools on the internet into my classroom when it is appropriate.

This module has helped me think about using standards, CFQ’s or formative assessment in the following ways...

I can incorporate standards for visual arts through a project-based learning strategy that will provide more opportunities for my students to gain deeper levels of learning the content.

Each project can be based on one standard or cover several standards at a time depending on the standard and the project.

The CFQ's for a project are based on specific standards that allow teachers to keep their students focused on the learning outcome.

Formative assessment is really important when it comes to finding out what the students' needs are while encouraging strategic learning, as well as demonstrating students' understanding. In visual arts, a final critique of the finished artwork is the best way to access whether the student understands the material I have covered in class. An understanding in technique, principles, media, etc. are evident in each artwork a student creates.

"This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways..."

I need to incorporate project-based learning into the classroom as a learning strategy and not allow negative thoughts to sway me otherwise, as in the following: not really understanding project-based learning, thinking it would take to long, thinking the students would not really benefit from it, etc.

I need to allow my students to work together on projects more.

I also need to create opportunities for my students to meet and get involved with local artists in the area by either inviting them into the classroom or taking a field trip to hear an artist talk about their work. This is definitely a way that I can extend learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.

I can definitely make learning more beneficial by allowing my students to play the part of an expert artist during the critiques of their final projects.

I feel like I have a responsibility to my students to teach them in ways that will ensure their learning of the content is a long-term benefit rather than simply memorizing information.

Although I have a lot of choices to make and time to invest up front, I know that by offering more project-based learning models in my classes will be a wise investment for both myself and for my students.