For this week I am to describe a time where I had to use specific data to make an instructional decision.  I am not a classroom instructor so thinking of a specific time is hard for me to do.  In doing this post I am going to a time in my homeschool journey. I am going to use my youngest son as my example and how I assessed where we needed to start him within the curriculum I wanted to use.
   
What data did you have?
     The first data I had was the age and grade of my son.  I knew what kind of learner I thought he was.  I also knew that one on one attention was what was needed for him at the time.  I had the data of where I thought he was academically.  I knew that he wasn't reading yet, he loved math.  I also knew that at this time science and social studies would be extras and not a main concern.  I would focus on Language Arts and Math.
 
How did you get it?
     I used different test for the curriculum that I wanted to use to find out where he placed.  I also did my own assessments for him using games and phonics drills.
   
Did you need additional data?  What would need to happen to get that additional data?
      Being that this is my own son I did not need to acquire additional data on him.  Since no data was needed I also do not have any ways that attaining that data would need to happen.

How might technology have enhanced the gathering and use of that data?
     If I had utilized technology to use and gather the data I could have used programs that would keep track of where we started and his growth.  I also could have used daily apps to add some fun to his learning while also keeping records on him.  Using the data I had I could create charts to plot his growth in each subject that could have also been used when he would return to school.

     The Technology Integration Matrix for Florida schools give different levels of technology integration into the curriculum.  After looking at each level I would consider myself to be in the Infusion level.  In this level the teacher is able to provide the learning context and then allows the students to choose the technology tool that they want in order to reach the outcome.  Along with the Infusion level I see myself also in the Goal Directed area.  In this area the use of technology is flexible and seamless.

    For me these two areas work together because the students in both areas are allowed to choose the technology they use.  In the Goal Directed area students are able to set goals for themselves and not just simply complete assignments.  Students can reflect on work they have completed and see and monitor progress made.  This works well with the Infusion area for me since I can be seen more as a facilitator rather than just a teacher giving information in lecture style only.

     I have always seen myself as a teacher that will work in a Montessori or Inquiry based classroom.  These two levels in my opinion will work well in these types of classrooms where students are more responsible for their learning.  I can use a math lesson where I will give the necessary content and then allow my students to set goals and use whatever technology they desire to complete the necessary work.  Students can then review their work and decide if the technology they used worked best for them.  Infusion and Goal Oriented work well together and definitely represent how and where I see myself now interested in technology and educational outcomes.

     In todays society we are very technologically inclined.  Technology has changed immensely over the years.  We have gone from radios to Ipads and other tablets.  Our schools have also changed.  I can remember just having televisions and VCR's and overhead projectors to my children having smartboards and personal laptops in school.  It is amazing to see how much my children know about technology and how they are learning more everyday.
   
     After watching the video History of Educational Technology I was shocked at seeing when certain things came into practice.  There were many developments that were made along the years.  Some of the key developments that I think have been most significant would be the radio, television, VCR, and computer.  I think with the radio we were able to hear many different things and the television brought the ability to not only hear something but also see a show whether it be for entertainment or educational.  With the development of the computer we now are able to research, learn, and communicate with others.
   
     I think that the things that I have chosen to be key development because of off of each of these developments something else has built upon it in my opinion.  If we look at the VCR it has grown to the DVD and blue-ray.  When you look at the television it now has the capabilities of being a smart television, LED, LCD with slim looks.  The computer is now not only desktop but also laptop or tablet.  Each of these developments has paved the way for something better and that is why I think that they are key developments.
   
     When I look at my use of technology in the classroom I think that it has most been enhanced with my time here at Ashford University.  I did have a computer class in high school but I do not think it did anything to prepare me for the way I use technology today.  IIt was more of programming which I do not use today.  I did have overhead projectors in elementary school but it was more of teachers using the technology rather than students being able to be a part of it.  Since starting Ashford I have learned to use the computer more and many different programs and media types.  This has increased my learning because for example I had never used PowerPoint before Ashford and now I am knowledgeable of it and can help my children when they need to use it.  I also feel more comfortable with other programs and apps that I have encountered.  Ashford has opened my eyes to many things and I think that becoming an online student has given me many ways to increase my learning with technology.

                                          10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education