6) How have you applied your understanding of social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools in your practice as a teacher? (extra narrative)

As an educator I teach from the heart. The children are all special and can succeed in their own ways. Technology facilitates the learning of all children in the classroom. As indicated in the common core of Teaching for the State of Connecticut (page 6) teachers need to be passionate and caring. Each child comes to school with their own circumstances and should be treated with kindness and respect.  I offer several solutions for students who do not have computers and would like to do their homework on the computer. Many students travel between houses due to divorce situations, this situation can be very difficult for a student to deal with. In the event that students misplace important science paper; all of my notes, homework, class work and resources are available on my website. Again, I try to be empathetic and offer solutions to them. Teachers can help close the Digital Divide, as described by Holmes and Gardner (2006), make the technology accessible to all students (pg 135-139).

I work diligently to provide the most interactive class room for each child. My goal is to immerse my students in the world of scientific inquiry, foster resourcefulness, and pass on the love of learning. I am able to create an authentic educational setting for my students through the application of technology; student collaboration, research (track star class work), project design, and constant communication via my school website.

I have a diverse team of students; some are gifted and need enrichment while others are in need of severe modifications to successfully engage in class work. Through the use of technology I am able to efficiently present several lessons within one class period. All students no matter who they are or what the standardized test indicates can participate in class along side their peers.

I have gained numerous resources to aid in the enrichment of classroom management. By class room management I mean how I will arrange the activities and projects to promote a positive social experience. I found the jigsaw method of grouping beneficial for my 7th grade classes. In this approach each piece--each student's part--is essential for the completion and full understanding of the final product; thus the students depend on each other and have to get along in order to collaborate! (Aronson 2009 Social Psychology Network). Please see Appendix f and my Philosophy as examples of how I apply my new learning to these important issues.