Reflection for ISTE NETS Standard #5

For my final project, I created a screen cast regarding how to use Del.icio.us, an online bookmarking site, using Camtasia. This process was completely new to me and very exciting. I have been wanting to create a screen cast for a while and I really enjoyed putting this together. The hardest part for me was editing. When I first started, I had over twenty minutes of screen cast, not including the introduction, the teachable lesson plan, or the quiz at the end. Needless to say, I had to cut it down quite a bit. The next thing that I found most challenging was videotaping myself. It was really difficult to get the lighting right and I still didn't like the quality of video that I received from my laptop camera. But, sometimes you just have to work with what you have. I also really enjoyed editing the final copy of the screen cast. It was a lot of fun creating and altering the zooms and pans on what was captured. These effects gave the piece an even more high-tech feel, helping to emphasize certain aspects of what was recorded. Plus, they made me look even more skilled in relation to using Camtasia.

The standard that relates to this project is ISTE NETS Standard number five: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. Below is more detailed information about the standard:
a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
b. exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning
d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

Ironically, the fact that I use Del.icio.us on a regular basis in my own life meets the needs of (a) on its own. Creating this screencast regarding how to use Del.icio.us expands on (b) by explaining how to use the skill of bookmarking as well as how current technologies enhance the use of that skill. Although this just skims the surface in relation to the regularity with which (c) needs to be addressed, through the use of Del.icio.us with other educators once can certainly learn even more about other emerging tools for student use. By sharing this screencast with other teachers, (d) will most certainly be accomplished.