Jennifer N. Hudson, M.Ed.

EDIT 760 Brief Paper 2

Standard Performance Indicator

The second standard is digital age learning culture. As stated from the International Society

for Technology in Education [ISTE] (2017), the second indicator is that educational administrators

create, promote, and sustain the digital-age learning culture. In doing so, educational leaders are

to ensure instructional innovation, model and promote effective use of technology, and provide

learner-centered environments with technology (ISTE, 2017).

Personally, I believe that this standard begins the process of having the technology

program. In this process, the educational leader is creating and promoting the digital-age culture.

If the educational administrator is doing a great job of planning and preparation, then it will be

easier to get other learners on board with the technology plan. The leader must be aware of the

audience they are serving, and they must know how much it will cost to keep the program current.

After reading the article by Abby Dress (2009), the author stated that the widening gap is

what should concern educators (pp. 282). Educational administrators have to stay current with the

digital-age culture. Learners will already be accustomed to using devices outside of school, and

we will have to make sure we are able to relate the information to them in a way that is motivating

but also challenging (Dress, 2009).

Methods of Understanding

The method I used to gain research for this standard was to observe a teachers classroom

during our summer program at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. I wanted to observe the teacher

on how she uses the program to see if this standard was really being used effectively. I also spoke

with the teacher after her summer class was dismissed.

1
Jennifer N. Hudson, M.Ed. EDIT 760 Brief Paper 2

In addition, I read an article concerning the digital-age culture. I wanted to see what was

stated in research about the digital-age culture and how that relates to my school. It is interesting

to know that there has to be consistency in what is chosen to gauge a childs learning and thinking

process.

Data/Evidences

I remember when I first started teaching the Activote Software was a big technological

device to use in the classroom. It was a handheld device and each child had access to their own

device. Some students felt as if they were so excited because they were texting their answer in.

However, recently another software/program has taken over in classrooms. I talked with a

teacher (A. Tanner, personal communication, June 13, 2017) at my school who uses a

software/program called Kahoot! In using this program, there are many different ways to activate

the educational game. The learner could use a mobile device, a laptop, or even a Chromebook. The

software is mainly used where internet access is permitted. The teacher shared with me that this

software is highly engaging and it motivates the students. The students are able to see who they

are in competition with, and they are able to hear and see some interesting images and sounds (A.

Tanner, personal communication, June 13, 2017).

The teacher is modeling and promoting frequent and effective use of technology for

learning (ISTE, 2017). As I observed the teacher using the program, I noticed that the students

were aware of how to use the program. Students immediately knew what to type in and which site

to click on. The students who needed help did not wait around to ask the teacher, but they asked a

classmate to assist them.

2
Jennifer N. Hudson, M.Ed. EDIT 760 Brief Paper 2

Some students listened while the teacher read the questions aloud because some students

struggled with the words. When the teacher demonstrated this in the classroom, she was providing

the learner-centered environment with technology to meet the individual, diverse needs of all

learners (ISTE, 2017). The teacher is also able to go over the correct and incorrect answers with

her class.

After observing this class and speaking with the teacher, our school is on the right track so

far with following the second standard. However, I was only able to visit one class in a summer

session. I would like to recommend as an educational leader, that different software programs

being used frequently in classes should be sent in school-wide e-mail. In sending out an e-mail,

every teacher would have access to it. If the teacher feels confident in using it, then he/she could

upload it to their personal school webpage.

3
Jennifer N. Hudson, M.Ed. EDIT 760 Brief Paper 2

Resources

Dress, A. (2009). Beyond Technology: Childrens Learning in the Age of Digital Culture, by

David Buckingham, UK: Polity Press (Wiley), 2007. 224 pp. $24.95 paper. ISBN 978-

07456-3881-2. Information Society, 25(4), 281-283. doi: 1080/01972240903028870.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2017).

http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-administrators

Tanner, A. Personal communication. June 13, 2017.