Growth Assessement

Kimberly Pollak EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Spring 2 June 2014

1

Gods Plan for My Life
Kimberly Pollak
EDUC 526 Capstone Experience in Digital Teaching and Learning
Professor Matt Hixson
Azusa Pacific University: Murrieta Regional Center
LiveBinder: http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1156318&backurl=/shelf/my
June 7, 2014

2
Section One
Introduction
Although being a teacher was not in my plan, it was Gods plan for me. I should have
known once I started working at an elementary school as an instructional assistant. I loved
working with the students. They filled my bucket on a daily basis. My journey really began when
I was an in home daycare provider. My two daughters were two and four years old when I
decided to implement a preschool educational program within my daily routine. I enjoyed
teaching the children but always denied wanting to be a teacher until one day when I was
working at my daughters elementary school as an instructional assistant. An incident with a
little girl and her teacher and the support of my principal changed my mind. From that moment, I
knew that aside from being a mom, being a teacher was what God wanted me to do with my life.
Since the beginning of my college career six years ago, I have always known that I would
not be completely done with college until I obtained my masters degree. I fell in love with
Azusa Pacific University when I was working through my bachelors degree and knew I needed
to stay with the university to obtain my credential and masters degree. Knowing I wanted to
become a special education teacher and that technology was the wave of the future, I knew I
needed to get my masters degree in Digital Teaching and Learning. In the special education
environment, technology is a very important component in learning. Having the knowledge and
knowhow to implement the technology into the classroom would be beneficial to all parties
involved.
Currently I work at an elementary school in the Special Day Class grades 2/3 as an
instructional assistant. I begin work at noon and finish as 3:30 pm. I love working with my
students. They all have such different personalities as well as disabilities. Not a day goes by that
3
I dont giggle at something they do or say. My students fill my day with pure joy. I hope I get as
lucky as I am now with the students in my own classroom in the future. My responsibilities
include:
Supervising the students while they perform their daily exercises.
Supervise students during lunch
Supervising the students in the Imagine Learning Lab
Mainstream with my 2
nd
grade students
Guiding students in math and language arts groups
Perform arts and crafts with students
Help teacher with classroom duties such as copying, laminating, cutting, gluing,
organizing, filing, etc.
My goals when entering the masters degree in Digital Teaching and Learning was to learn
about the technology I would use in my classroom. I wanted to have a good grasp on the
technology of the future to enable my student to have the best learning experience I could
provide them. I feel I have succeeded in learning about technology but now want to learn more.
Personal Growth
Since starting my college career almost six years ago, I have learned a lot about myself.
The reason for going back as far as six years is because I dont think in the last two years I have
changed my habits, they started years ago. When first starting college I had not been in school
for 18 years and when I was in school I didnt have good study habits. I had to learn how to
carve time out of my day to get assignments done. It was very stressful at first but once I got into
the swing of things I was very organized and loved the structure. Throughout the process, I
learned that I am a visual learner and love to use different colored highlighters and color code
4
important information to stand out on a page; I also use colored tabs in my books. I usually do
my homework at night once my girls go to bed. I try not to take away from their time with me
during the day except for Sundays when I would sit and write my papers. At times when I do
have to do homework during the day, I hope it leaves an impression on my girls that school is
very important and we need to do what we can to get our work done. When I am under a
deadline I do feel stressed out. I try to get my work done before the deadline but sometimes life
happens and I have to work up to the minute. I much rather work on my big projects a little at a
time until they are done. The smaller projects I can usually get done within a couple days. I
religiously use a calendar (yes, it is color coded) to write down all my assignments on their due
dates. Using a calendar is very helpful in making sure I am on target with assignments and can
review upcoming assignments at a glance.
Throughout my time at Azusa Pacific University I have made numerous personal
connections with other students. I started at Azusa Pacific University in their Human
Development bachelors degree program. I loved my experience and the environment so much
that I knew I had to get my credential and masters degree there too. During my bachelors
degree, I made friends with everyone in my cohort. We were a very close cohort; to this day we
keep in touch and cheer each other on in our careers. I have also made personal connections with
the staff and students at Pauba Valley Elementary where I currently work. I absolutely love my
job and look forward to work every day. The students make me happy and I know I make their
day a little bit brighter.
Being that the university was Christ based was very important to me. I am not a regular
churchgoer but I do pray everyday and thank God for all the blessing he has put in my life. I
wish I could attend church more regularly but at the moment I cannot. Attending a Christian
5
University has made scripture a weekly constant. I feel like God had been taping on my shoulder
to become a teacher for years but I did not get the message. I had to start working at the
elementary school to finally understand Gods plan for my life. Once I got it, I got it and have
not stopped and will not stop until I finish my masters degree.
My completion of this degree is a huge accomplishment not only for me but for my
whole family as well. I am one of nine siblings who have a college degree. Neither of my parents
went to college. My mother graduated from high school but my father only had a ninth grade
education. Needless to say, me graduating with a Master of Arts in Education is extremely
gratifying. To do all this while working part-time and raising my family was no small fete. I
would not have been as successful getting my education without the support from my husband,
family and friends. I am truly blessed to have such great people in my life.
Professional Growth
Going through the Digital Teaching and Learning Masters degree program at
Azusa Pacific University, I have gained knowledge in many different forms of technology.
Learning about each type of technology has given me greater confidence in teaching technology
to students. I feel confident that I will be able to reach each type of learner and keep students
engaged in what I am teaching. My educational vision has not changed since starting my
masters program; I still feel As educators we strive to be the best we can be for our students.
Learning the latest and greatest technologies is important for our students future. Our students
future will be filled with technologies that have not been thought of yet. It is our job to teach
them of the technologies of today so they can carry the information with them for the future.
My new responsibilities since starting my masters program have been to teach the
students how to use the iPad for academic growth. I also help the teacher with her smart board
6
lessons. The students love being able to touch the smart board and find the instant gratification of
learning a positive learning experience. I have learned many different strategies from each of the
courses that I feel I can use in the classroom. During the masters program I have learned about
iMovie, Animoto, Blogging, I built a classroom website, I also learned about a game/app called
Quandary, students can use the game/app to learn real life like ethical issues and situations that
they may face in their own lives.
My Action Research is based on me eating healthy to help my stomach feel better along
with maintaining good health for disease prevention for the future. After years of neglect, I
needed to make a change. I was tired of feeling lousy and knew I needed to change my diet to
start feeling better. Now all I had to do was get in the mindset to change everything, which was
not easy but I knew it was possible. Eating healthy is more work than one would think. I hadnt
been intentional in my habits because eating out is just faster than preparing food from scratch.
The consequences of this behavior had a negative effect on my health. I had gained weight, I had
low self-esteem, fatigue, and my clothes were getting tight.
Technical Growth
Prior to enrolling into the Digital Teaching and Learning Masters degree program my
knowledge of technology was adequate. I knew how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and
Excel, email and Google. I have a passion to learn all I can about technology; this program was
perfect for me. I know I still have a lot to learn, however this program has opened my eyes to the
technological potential for my future.
Through each class I have completed, I have become more familiar with many types of
programs. I learned about new apps and games that will motivate my students to learn. I learned
about technology that will help me be a better teacher. I worked on a classroom website and blog
7
in EDUC 515, and WebQuest in EDUC 512, which will help me digitally inform my students
parents. I was given the opportunity to use Google + along with Skype and Adobe Connect in
EDUC 522 and 515 to interact with professors and classmates. I had an iPad before starting the
program but I had not used it for anything important. Through this program I learned about new
educational apps in EDUC 512 and how to make movies with iMovie in EDUC 514. I was
intimidated at first but once I got use to the program I could produce a movie within a couple
hours. My daughter has come to me to help her make a couple movies for high school. It made
me feel great knowing I knew something my daughter didnt, usually Im the one asking her for
help.
Life Long Learning
We all learn something new every day of our lives. Its up to us whether we take in the
knowledge and do something with it or just leave it alone. As an educator, I believe it is
important to continuously learn and grow. To keep teaching fresh and exciting, it is important to
look for new ideas, strategies, apps, and programs to enhance learning in the classroom. If
students are engaged in their learning then they will retain more information and have fun while
learning.
I chose to get my masters in Digital Teaching and Learning because I knew as a special
education teacher, my students will have more opportunities to learn through technology. Every
classroom will be set up with smart boards, iPads, computers, etc in the future and I wanted to be
ahead of the curve. As a teacher, I want the opportunity to reach all students in new and exciting
ways. I know if I bring technology into the classroom for academic purposes, students will learn
while having fun. I look forward to the opportunity to teach each intelligence while bringing to
life some new ways of learning.
8
I plan to continue to use all of the technology I have learned during the program by
incorporating it into my lesson plans throughout the school year. I also would like to share what I
have learned with friends, family and colleagues. I have already made a classroom website and
blog that I plan to use when I get my own classroom. I would like to use the classroom website
to communicate with parents then use the blog as a classroom virtual scrapbook. With a click of
a button from the classroom website, parents will be linked to the blog to check out what their
children are doing in my classroom. I feel this is a great platform for parents to stay involved in
their childs education.
In the next five years I plan on having my own special education classroom in either an
elementary or high school setting. Both ages have their advantages; elementary students are
sweet and love to learn while high school students are on a different level and understand life a
little more. My past experience having my own in-home childcare as well as working for the last
6 years in an elementary school has given me a lot of exposure younger students. However,
having two teenage daughters and their friends at my home most weekends gives me a lot
experience with high school students. I love being around the kids and they love coming over to
my home, they have actually named me Momma Kim, which I think is endearing. In the end, I
would be happy with either age group. I had been praying daily for God to lead me down the
path he wants me to be on. He has guided me throughout me whole life and I know he will
continue to guide me to the right placement: the right school, classroom, and students.

Section Two
History of Coursework and Course Evaluation

9
EDUC 511: Essent in Ed Tech and Learning
Professor: Joanna Gilbreth, Summer 2013
Key Learnings: Google+, Wordle, Microsoft Word, LiveBinder

This was my very first masters class. Starting with EDUC 511 was helpful. During this class I
learned how to use Google + to virtually talk to Dr. Gilbreth. I learned how to set up my Live
Binder and I learned about Wordly. Dr. Gilbreth was helpful by giving me advice to pick one
topic and use that topic throughout the program. At the time I did not understand what she meant
until I was in EDUC 512 and had to pick a unit topic, then again in EDUC 522 I had to make a
unit plan. I then understood what Dr. Gilbreth was talking about. I finally got the big picture. If
she hadnt given me that small piece of advice I would have wasted a lot of time on different
projects that I would not have benefited me in my Capstone class.

EDUC 512: Instructional Applications of Productivity Software
Professor: Jim Sullivan, Fall 1 2013
Key Learnings: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Web Quest, iPad

Jim showed us different types of technology and apps including the iPad, Excel spreadsheet, and
educational apps. He gave me a different perspective on the iPad such as using it in the
classroom to teach students. Jim gave me the same advice as Dr. Gilbreth, to use one topic for all
big projects throughout the program. During Jims class I had to make a Web Quest, which I had
never heard of prior to the class. Jim was very thorough when teaching us about Microsoft
products and the iPad. The information will help me utilize the programs and devices to their
10
fullest potential. I enjoyed Jims class and will use the information I learned in my personal and
professional life.

EDUC 514: Digital Video in the Classroom
Professor: Tory Templeton, Spring 1 2014
Key Learnings: iMovie, Rule of Thirds, Animoto

At first I was excited to take this class but had a difficult time understanding some of the
assignments. Tory was fun and energetic but not always the best at explaining himself. His
expectations were that of someone who was teaching a masters in video production not simply
video in the classroom. I hung in at the top of the class with my grade but it was not easy by any
means. By the end of the class I appreciated the assignments I had produced but was glad when
the class was over. I wish I had learned more about how to use video in the classroom from a
teachers perspective. I did learn a lot while in the class but wish the class were on a lower
production level such as teaching a lesson, which would have been more useful to me.

EDUC 515: Evolving Educational Technologies
Professor: Dr. Jeffrey Lee, Spring 2 2014
Key Learnings: iMovie, Blogging, Prezi, Podcasts, Video Podcasts, Weebly
In this class I learned how to make a podcast and also video podcasts. Once I figured out how to
make them I enjoyed the process. No guidance was given from the professor as to how to make a
podcast or video podcast so I used YouTube to figure it out myself. I made a classroom website
from Weebly, which I will definitely use when I get my own classroom. I also made a blog and
11
learned how to follow a forum to see if online users are using digital citizenship. I plan on using
a blog for my classroom as well as the website. The level of instruction was not what I was use
to but I figured out how to get along without it.

EDUC 522: Learning in the 21
st
Century
Professor: Lisa Rodriguez, Fall 2 2013
Key Learnings: Google+, Multiple Intelligences, Three Week Unit Plan,

I enjoyed this class. It was virtual over Google +, which I had never used prior to this class. The
online platform had glitches, which made the classes run longer that usual. I believe we had too
many students on Google + and was unable to let all students attend at the same time. Once we
started using Adobe Connect all students could attend at the same time. Lisa was very thorough
in her instruction for this class. Lisa shared educational videos, pictures, and articles in an effort
for us to learn about different intelligences. Although there was a large amount of work for this
class, all assignments were evenly spaced out to not overwhelm us. I liked that the assignments
were in stages and one built upon the next. Some of the intelligence portions of the assignments
were a little redundant but it helped me to remember what each intelligence was able to do.
Overall, this class was great; I did not realize how much it would help me in me during my
Capstone class. I enjoyed learning about the different multiple intelligences and know I will use
the information in my future classroom to help each learning style.

EDUC 526: Capstone Experience in Educational Technology and Learning
Professor: Matt Hixson, Spring 2 2014
12
Key Learning: Portfolio Proposal, Growth Assessment, Action Research, Curricular
Portfolio, Curricula Vita, Wesleyan Quadrilateral, iMovie, Weebly

The primary focus of this Capstone experience is to reflect on my previous classes and the
projects I produced. I hadnt given much thought to the masters as a whole program as I was
going through it. I was simply trying to finish the program and get as much out of each class as I
could. This class has allowed me the time to reflect on all of the projects I have completed and
how they will suit me in my teaching career. EDUC 515 had prepared me with enough
knowledge to help me make a website for this capstone portfolio. Assembling my online
portfolio enables me to showcase my skills and concepts I have learned over the last year. Matt
has treated me as an adult and gave great direction as to what was expected. I felt since I am a
organized person that I would not have a problem finishing my assignments with ease. I enjoyed
how Matt laid out the course of the class and was available to us when we needed him. He made
my last masters class very enjoyable and stress free!
Evaluation of the impact of the Digital Teaching and Learning Program
Throughout the course of my masters degree I have learned about many new instructional tools
and strategies I can incorporate in my classroom. The instructional tool that I will incorporate
into my classroom is the classroom website and blog. I will use these tools to help my students
while at home. I will put information on the website to enable students to do fun educational
games at home as well as keeping in touch with their parents. The blog will enable me to
showcase the students work as well as upload assignment information for easy retrieval. I will
add all pertinent information a student will need to be successful in school.
Program Evaluation
13
Overall, I have had a wonderful experience in the Digital Teaching and Learning program
at Azusa Pacific University. I have learned a great deal about all types of technology. I feel more
comfortable with all of the technologies I have learned over the past year and will use them in
my future classroom. The professors were knowledgeable, supportive, and available when
needed and treated us with respect. I have been with Azusa Pacific University since 2010 when I
started my bachelors degree. I have enjoyed the Christian atmosphere throughout the Murrieta
campus. I looked forward to attending class knowing that when I entered the campus, the front
office staff was happy to see me and acknowledged me by name. Once in the classroom my
professors were professional and were invested in my education. I would recommend Azusa
Pacific University to any of my friends and family. When I am asked where I am attending
college, I proudly say Azusa Pacific University. I also proudly display an APU sticker and
license plate holder on my car.
The only recommendation is to have all professors who are teaching the same subject
have the same syllabus. While taking EDUC 515, I was asked to change from one class to
another after the first week of the class due to class size. I wish I had never changed classes. I
feel that I would have learned more from my original professor. He explained technology in a
way that made me want to learn more. If anything he went above and beyond what was expected.
Although Dr. Lee is a nice guy, I do not think he should be teaching a technology class. He had
us do busy work that did not relate to the class for participation. Although the class was hybrid,
he did not want us to use the camera on our computer, which made communication difficult. I
was unable to see my other classmates even though we had group assignments. His instruction
was very confusing and he would get flustered if we asked too many questions. I feel like I have
paid for a class that I taught to myself. While doing the assignments I had to YouTube how-to
14
videos just so I could do my assignments. It was not at all the experience I was hoping for when I
agreed to change classes.

Growth Assessement

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Growth Assessement

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kimberly Pollak EDUC 526 Growth Assessment

Murrieta Regional Center Spring 2 June 2014

You might also like