Every adventure begins with a single step, and integrating technology in the classroom is no exception. As with most things in life, change can be scary and intimidating, but that should not be a reason not to try. Since I have been outside of the American classroom for almost five years (!!!) I have not stayed up to date on all of the current changes in educational policy and standards. Coming to the realization that I have not stayed current on these topics is one of the main reasons that I am here today. This blog is meant to document my journey through learning about technology in the classroom.

There are a number of components teachers should use to help inform and guide their instruction. Among those are the ISTE Standards for Teachers and Students. Here is an overview of the five standards for teachers:

Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity:

My example of something I do: bring technology and multi-media resources into my instruction so that language learning comes alive and remains relevant for all students. (i.e. Skype, using Google Docs for pen pal letters, etc.).

Something to improve on: Finding more free resources to share with my students so that we can learn together about new technologies.

Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments


My example of something I do: I am very good at creating lessons which are appropriate to the multiple learning styles. I always offer my students different options, and the final choice, for how to demonstrate mastery of a concept.

Something to improve on: Incorporating the use of technology during class. Right now, I only work with small groups of students (2-5 students per group) and there is only one laptop in the room, which is used to show the mandatory curriculum for Cambridge English.

Model Digital Age Work and Learning


My example of something I do: When I was a classroom teacher in Michigan I had a class website where I posted weekly newsletters. I also communicated with parents and students regularly via email.

Something to improve on: Trying to use other forms of technology to share information with students (for example, Loom, to explain or summarize information for students, especially those who were absent.)
Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility


My example of something I do: At the beginning of the school year, I explicitly discuss digital responsibility, especially at it relates to plagiarism, as this is a huge problem in France. Many students simply copy and paste information they find from the internet, and this is something that is not discussed or explained in other content areas.


Something to improve on: Rather than simply explaining why students should not do something, I would like to incorporate more real-life examples of this problem. For example, many companies in France use copyrighted images without the owner’s consent.

Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership


My example of something I do: Taking courses like this one, when available. I also try to stay current by reading different articles and research papers related to technology in instruction.

Something to improve on: More regularly seeking out PD opportunities, rather than just when it is time to renew my teaching certificate. Reaching out to my teacher friends around the world to create a data base of technological resources.

This is just a brief overview of what I have learned so far. For more detailed reflections, please read this document highlighting my current goals: 21 Things Basics

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton