The Instructional Technology artifact I chose which aligns with VCSU’s Core Value: Effective Use of Instructional Technology is a digital binder I created in EDUC 675, Teaching with 21^st Century Tools in the summer of 2012. This digital binder exemplifies good teaching in connection with the National Board of Profession Teaching Standards proposition 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students. For the last ten years, I have been passionate about integrating technology into the classroom.  I currently teach professional learning courses in technology integration to my school district’s foreign language and ESOL teachers. These courses include how to use technology for assessment and evaluation as well as how to improve students’ speaking proficiency skills by using online tools. 

The Live Binder digital toolbox highlights my sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.  In addition, it demonstrates my ability to include methods and strategies for applying technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.  This artifact also showcases my knowledge and skills necessary for effective use of current instructional technologies in order to enhance learning.  My knowledge of technology contributes to positive school change that supports a learner-centered environment.   

I will be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to provide an excellent reference tool for both students and colleagues, as it includes online bookmarking portals, Web 2.0 tools, Apps, foreign language and ESOL resources, videos and numerous online educational tools. The toolbox also includes my online Quia webpage, which includes online activities, projects, an online testing system, surveys and access to activities to maximize learning opportunities and better understanding of the content. 

This course afforded me the opportunity to research new technology tools and to understand how they serve to better educate students.  In order to complete globally, students can use technology to enhance critical thinking skills, solve real-world problems, and to collaborate and communicate as an integral part of 21^st century education.