Artifact #7: Applications Assignment

My seventh artifact is my Applications Assignment. It was an assignment that was also completed in
Technology in the Elementary Classroom at Medaille College. There is an application for just about
everything. In our world today, some would argue that there is no reason to pick up a phone or do anything
in person, when you can do it right on your smart phone. Children, young adults, and adults are all impacted
by applications. There are subjects, and topics for anyone at any age. This assignment demonstrated
applications that would be appropriate for students in elementary grades, and specifically in the subjects they
are learning in school.
Why did you include this artifact?
The reason I included this artifact is because the applications I included in the assignment are all related to
a subject in school. The applications are able to support a large student body and include: English Language
Arts for Reading and Writing, English New Learners, formerly known as English Language Learners,
Students with Disabilities, Mathematics, Science, Music and Visual Arts. This artifact demonstrates that
applications are important for technology, and that is why technology is evolving the way it is. Six out of the
eight applications are free, which is also convenient that you can find applications are do not come with a
cost. It then puts a parents mind at ease knowing that applications that their children use in the classroom,
and then maybe have to use them at home at no charge. This artifact showcases the importance of
technology, and how it can assist those who use applications.
How does this artifact show evidence that you are prepared for a career in education?
This artifact shows evidence that I am prepared for a career in education because I am able to locate,
demonstrate, and provide information on important applications for students. All of these applications are
valuable, and easily accessible for students to use both in, and outside of the classroom. I feel that this
assignment is unique in itself because it is about technology. In the elementary grades, students are first
exposed to technology, and I think it is important that they are introduced to applications that are going to
assist them in their studies. There is too much material on the Internet that is not appropriate for our

students, as their educator I want them to be able to have a positive learning experience, and share the magic
of technology.
What curriculum and professional standards were used?
InTASC: Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
Standard #1 - Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing
that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social,
emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging
learning experiences.
(b) The teacher creates developmentally appropriate instruction that takes into account individual learners
strengths, interests, and needs and that enables each learner to advance and accelerate his/her learning.
(d) The teacher understands how learning occurs - how learners construct knowledge, acquire skills, and
develop disciplined thinking processes and knows how to use instructional strategies that promote student
learning.
(e) The teacher understands that each learners cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical
development influences learning and knows how to make instructional decisions that build on learners
strengths and needs.
Standard #2 - Learning Differences: The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse
cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high
standards.
(a) The teacher designs, adapts, and delivers instruction to address each students diverse learning strengths
and needs and creates opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in different ways.
(g) The teacher understands and identifies differences in approaches to learning and performance and knows
how to design instruction that uses each learners strengths to promote growth.

(h) The teacher understands students with exceptional needs, including those associated with disabilities and
giftedness, and knows how to use strategies and resources to address these needs.
Standard #3 - Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support
individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in
learning, and self motivation.
(b) The teacher develops learning experiences that engage learners in collaborative and self-directed learning
and that extend learner interaction with ideas and people locally and globally.
Standard #5 - Application of Content: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing
perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to
authentic local and global issues.
(a) The teacher develops and implements projects that guide learners in analyzing the complexities of an
issue or question using perspectives from varied disciplines and cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., a water quality
study that draws upon biology and chemistry to look at factual information and social studies to examine
policy implications).
Standard #7 - Planning for Instruction: The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting
rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills,
and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
(a) The teacher individually and collaboratively selects and creates learning experiences that are
appropriate for curriculum goals and content standards, and are relevant to learners
New York State Code of Ethics for Educators
Principle 2: Educators create, support, and maintain challenging learning environments for all.
Educators apply their professional knowledge to promote student learning. They know the curriculum and
utilize a range of strategies and assessments to address differences. Educators develop and implement

programs based upon a strong understanding of human development and learning theory. They support a
challenging learning environment. They advocate for necessary resources to teach to higher levels of
learning. They establish and maintain clear standards of behavior and civility. Educators are role models,
displaying the habits of mind and work necessary to develop and apply knowledge while simultaneously
displaying a curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. They invite students to become active, inquisitive, and
discerning individuals who reflect upon and monitor their own learning.
ISTE Standards for Teachers (International Society for Technology in Education)
2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating
contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop knowledge, skills,
and attitudes identified in the Standards.
b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual
curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own
learning, and assessing their own progress.

Theres an App for that Assignment

Dr. Mary Beth Scumaci
Miranda Laufman
10117888
Medaille College
EDU 571 Technology for the Elementary Classroom
August 2, 2015

1. ELA Reading App

Subject Area: English Language Arts: Reading
App Title: Sound Beginnings
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students to be able to strengthen their reading skills
through entertaining games. The focus is on phonics and identifying the beginning, middle and ending
sound of a word. There are six different games that students have access to. The app also not only
demonstrates learning sounds it explains how to properly use them.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

2. Communication and Collaboration

B. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

B. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to
support student success and innovation

New York P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Reading Standards: Foundational Skills K-5

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Phonics and Word Recognition
o Item Number: 3.e.
o Statement: Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into
syllables

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Reading

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Reading Unfamiliar Words
o Item Number: 3.2
o Statement: Predict the meaning of and solve unfamiliar words using different types of cues,
including: semantic (meaning) cues (e.g., familiar words, phrases, sentences, and visuals that
activate existing knowledge of oral and written language

2. ELA Writing App

Subject Area: English Language Arts: Writing
App Title: Lets Do the Writing
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive too for students to allow them to be able to practice printing.
It allows students to use tracing effects to follow both upper and lower case letters. Tracing allows eyehand coordination, and will give beginner writers a positive experience. Students will also find pleasant
music with the app, and it provides easy instructions and directions for students to follow.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

D. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternate solutions

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

C. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students diverse learning styles, working
strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

New York P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Writing Standards K-5

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Production and Distribution of Writing
o Item Number: 6
o Statement: With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and
publish writing, including in collaboration with peers

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Writing

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Preparing for Revision
o Item Number: 2.6
o Statement: Identify elements of their writing that need improvement, including content, organization,
and style, using feedback from the teacher and peers

3. English Language Learners

Subject Area: English Language Arts: Learning English
App Title: Sight Words
App Price: $1.99

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students who are newcomers to the English language.
Many words cannot be sounded out, and therefore, are learned through sight. The sight words are
delivered through the use of an interactive flash card application. This specific application is targeted for
grade one students. It is visually appealing with many graphics and backgrounds.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

2. Communication and Collaboration

C. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

D. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others
in face-to-face and virtual environments

New York P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Reading Standards: Foundational Skills (K-5)

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Key Ideas and Details
o Item Number: 1
o Statement: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Reading

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Reading for Meaning
o Item Number: 1
o Statement: Read a few different types of literacy texts (e.g., pattern books, rhymes, books from home,
simple fiction stories), graphic texts (e.g., calendars, environmental print, signs), and informal texts
(e.g., morning messages, strategy charts, instructions, simple non-fiction books, labels)

4. Students with Disabilities

Subject Area: Mathematics
App Title: Sort the Socks
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students with physical disabilities. It is a simple fullscreen game that makes sorting fun for students. It assists students with their visual acuity and track-pad
skills. As multiple socks do appear on the screen this can be adjusted to suit the students preference. This
app allows students to practice life skills through the use of mathematics while still having fun.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

C. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

A. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student
learning and creativity

New York P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Geometry

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Reason with shapes and their attributes
o Item Number: 1
o Statement: Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus
non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining
attributes

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Mathematics 1-8

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Geometry and Spatial Sense
o Item Number: 2
o Statement: Identify and describe shapes within other shapes (e.g., shapes within a geometric design)

5. Content Area
Subject Area: Mathematics
App Title: 123 Number Magic Line Matching
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students to be able to strengthen their number
concepts from 1-10. It allows students to match a quantity of an object to another quantity of an object
with four types of counters. As well students can match numerals to quantities using the same method.
This is a good app to reinforce number concepts through addition and subtraction.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

C. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

A. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student
learning and creativity

New York P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Operations and Algebraic Thinking

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Add and subtract within 20
o Item Number: 5
o Statement: Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2)

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Mathematics 1-8

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Number Sense and Numeration
o Item Number: 1
o Statement: Solve a variety of problems involving the addition and subtraction of whole numbers to
20, using concrete materials and drawings (e.g., pictures, number lines)

6. Content Area
Subject Area: Science
App Title: Water Circulation
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students to be able to learn about the water cycle. It
allows students to navigate over each of the pictures, which will then show them a blurb about the roles
that each picture plays in the water cycle. Some of the pictures include the lake, the river, the ocean, the
sun and a cloud. Water Circulation provides students the opportunity to go on their own water world
adventure.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation

C. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

B. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and
resources

New York State P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Science

o Grade: 1
o Topic: The Living Environment
o Item Number: 4
o Statement: The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction and development
o

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Science & Technology 1-8

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Understanding Basic Concepts
o Item Number: 3.1
o Statement: Identify environment as the area in which something or someone exists or lives

7. Choice Item
Subject Area: Music
App Title: Music Notes
App Price: FREE

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for families and students to recognize music notes as
they appear in our world. There are two different modes to this app. They are known as the train or
learning and play mode. Typically, a student is able to train their ears and learn about different notes
in the first mode listed. In the play mode a student has 60 seconds to recognize as many notes as possible.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation

D. Identify trends and forecast possibilities

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

A. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

New York State P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Music

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Producing Music
o Item Number: 1.b.
o Statement: Read simple standard notation in performance, and follow vocal or keyboard scores in
listening

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Music

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
o Item Number: 2.1
o Statement: Express initial reactions and personal responses to musical performances in a variety of
ways (e.g., move like an animal of which the music reminds them)

8. Choice Item
Subject Area: Visual Arts
App Title: Kids Paint
App Price: $5.79

Rationale: This app serves as an interactive tool for students to be creative and imaginative. The clean up
is by the click of a button. Students will be able to add colors and elements to templates provided by the
app. Once students become comfortable with the app they may add detail to their own canvas. The app
provides various tools to allow this engagement. Students can express themselves in their own unique
way.
Standards
ISTE Standards for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation

B. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression

ISTE Standards for Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

A. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

New York State P-12 Common Core Standards:

Standard Strand: Visual Arts

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Painting
o Item Number: 1
o Statement: Experiment and create art works, in a variety of mediums (drawing, painting, sculpture,
ceramics, printmaking, video, and computer graphics), based on a range of individual and collective
experiences

Ontario Curriculum Expectations:

Standard Strand: Visual Arts

o Grade: 1
o Topic: Creating and Presenting

o
o

Item Number: 1.4

Statement: Use a variety of materials, tools, and techniques to respond to design challenges