Running head: GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 1

Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014









Answering the Call
Diane D. Jones
EDUC 526 Capstone Experience in Digital Teaching and Learning
Dr. Jennifer Courduff
Azusa Pacific University Azusa Campus
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1039109&backurl=/shelf/my
June 9, 2014
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 2
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
Section One
Introduction
My name is Diane Jones and I am completing the capstone course for a Masters degree
in Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL). As I reflect on my journey through the last four and a
half years at APU I realize that it began, as God would have it, before I had become fully aware
of what I was about to embark upon. I was an administrative assistant in a large sales office for a
worldwide company. I enjoyed my work and was very good at it, however at the end of the day I
went home feeling as though I did not make a difference. For almost 10 years I commuted to and
from a job that gave me little satisfaction. Upon the death of my mother I received a corporate
sympathy card signed, Regards I knew that I had more to offer this world. Since my
children were grown and no longer required my attention I chose to return to school in search of
a career change. I knew that I loved working with people and I was interested in psychology.
During the course of obtaining an Associates degree at a local community college I came
to realize that I wanted to work with children in some capacity. It was not until I was more than
half way through earning a bachelors degree in the CAPS undergraduate program at APU that I
discovered that it would be in education. I decided to volunteer in special education classrooms
to fulfill the mandatory requirements of observations in classrooms for a couple of the courses
for the bachelors degree. That is when God revealed to me that my heart belonged there with the
students with moderate/severe disabilities.
The next logical step was to achieve a moderate/severe credential and then a
mild/moderate credential because I had little experience and wanted to know as much as I
possibly could about the special needs population. It was during my experience in doing the
student teaching for the moderate/severe credential that I noticed there was technology in the
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 3
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
classroom. The teacher had been issued a new Mac laptop, and had a SmartBoard. There was a
desktop computer for the paraprofessional, two iPads and five classroom computers for six
students.
However there was very little experience or knowledge of how to use any of it. I spent a
half a day teaching without the SmartBoard because it had gone into a sleep mode and the adults
in the classroom, including the teacher, did not know why it would not work. Then during the
mild/moderate student teaching there was very little technology and no experience or desire to
use the little that was provided. There was one teacher-issued iPad, one classroom computer, one
teacher computer, an elmo document camera, a projector, and finally Apple TV. The teacher was
only able to use the iPad to check her email and eventually to show YouTube videos through the
projector. Because I am a digital immigrant this left me with a thirst to become more aware of
the types of technology available and how to use it in the classroom. It is my desire to learn how
to make the most of any technology regardless of how limited. So my next obvious step was a
Masters degree in Digital Teaching and Learning.
Personal Growth
During EDUC 522 I learned that my learning style is mostly Logical. I am also high in
naturalist, musical, and intrapersonal learning. This means that I prefer to have order to my work;
preferably lists. I can figure out what must be done and order it myself if necessary. I also
remember pertinent information if it is set to music or a catchy tune. My study habits are
intrapersonal. I study better alone and it must be quiet with no distractions. I can certainly work
under pressure to meet deadlines, but I prefer to have plenty of notice so that I can plan my work
accordingly. I would rather have the time to ponder my work and make any necessary
adjustments. Knowing this helps me to understand how to organize my life both inside and
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 4
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
outside the classroom.
In my time at APU I have established many personal connections. I met a few friends in
the CAPS undergraduate program, both peers and professors that I keep in contact with
regularly. I have built strong relationships in both credentialing programs that continue to grow. I
have attended teacher conferences with them. And now in the Masters I have continued to make
more friends that I can depend on and can collaborate with on any issue.
I have made significant spiritual growth on this journey. I can see Gods hand in my
entire life. In times of some serious spiritual warfare I can see where God was sharpening me to
become stronger and better prepare me for the next battle. He always sends just the right people
at the right time to encourage and mold me into a better person. If I had not lost a longtime job
for reasons far beyond my control, I would not have found the time to go back to school, to
change careers, and become a special education teacher. I am so glad that no matter the highs or
the lows in my life, God is always in control and knows exactly what is best for my life.
Recently my 16 year old granddaughter came to live with us. She was raised with a very
different background, but is now agreeing to follow Christ. God has used the last four years here
at APU to not only prepare me for the classroom, but for my personal life also. At APU I
particularly appreciate the opportunity in most of the courses to reflect through faith integration.
That helped me to sort through lifes trials and allow them to strengthen me through the current
ones.
To me, the completion of the Masters degree goes beyond the sense of accomplishment.
It means that I am better equipped to teach children with special needs in a way that they will be
able to learn. Many children with special needs also are digital natives. It will help me to connect
with them on their level. I feel better equipped with traditional technology, but more than that,
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 5
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
with the assistive technology needed for this population to better communicate.
Professional Growth
When I started my study at APU as an undergraduate, I did not know that I was going to
be called to teach special education or in the field of education at all. I did not have a teaching
style. The teaching style I have developed is a direct result of my experience at APU and the
guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of Him my educational vision has evolved into being an
effective educator, by following the wise direction of the influential people He has placed in my
life, and using my newfound knowledge of multiple intelligences and technologies. Since
beginning the Masters DTL program I have been substitute teaching for two school districts.
Even though I do not know before entering the classroom what type of technology I will have
access to, I am now better prepared to use whatever technology is available.
I have completed two credentialing programs to qualify me to teach students according to
their disability needs. Now, as a result of EDUC 522, I am prepared to instruct according to the
preferred intelligence of each individual. If I encounter a student that is talking out loud on-topic
about the lesson, I will allow it, because I will know that he/she is a Verbal learner. The same
would apply to a person walking about, because I would recognize that the student is a
kinesthetic learner. I have learned to step back, learn the Multiple Intelligences (MI) of my
students, and teach them accordingly.
My Action Research Study is on effectiveness of an organized homework space. Could
the homework environment be the cause of zeros that impacts the grades? After my
granddaughter moved in, we set up a place for her to do homework. Her grades improved
immensely. Then just over a year we noticed a dramatic drop in her grades. As I looked over at
her, she did not look very motivated. There was a stack of books and papers in disarray. We did a
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 6
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
little research and learned that the environment does affect the work, so we conducted our own
experiment. We purchased a file sorter so her papers could be filed according to subject. A new
bookcase she chose contains her books and supplies. We monitored her improvement on a school
generated website.
I found that I could use this same concept in my classroom for my students unfinished
work. Instead of my students having it on their desks or stuffed inside their desks to be forgotten,
I will have a laminated enforced manila envelope taped to the side of their desk to hold any
unfinished work. This will have a dual purpose; the class will not have to wait while a student
looks for paperwork and the student having immediate access to unfinished work.
Technical Growth -
Prior to the Masters in DTL, the extent of my knowledge of technology was Microsoft
Office Suite, some specialized software, and internet research. I started the Masters in DTL as a
digital immigrant. EDUC 511 opened the world of educational technology for me. I learned how
to create a LiveBinder and save my signature assignments there. I also learned how to do my first
Word Cloud in Wordle. Simultaneously in EDUC 514 I was learning that there was more to
making a video than pointing an iPad or phone and clicking the start button. I learned how to
frame the object of the video and then how to edit videos using iMovie. This will be valuable for
me in the process of video self-modeling. I can now video a student and edit out any bad
behavior to show the student what he/she is like during preferred behavior. I learned the art of
taking pictures using the Rule of Thirds. Pictures are also important in a special education
classroom to create memory books they can make themselves of a field trip or event.
From my experience in the corporate world, I knew how to use the Microsoft Office
Suite. But in EDUC 512 I learned many additional tips for Excel and Word that I continue to use.
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 7
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
I was given assistance in exploring my first experience with a Macbook and an iPad. I learned
how to create a blog, create a WebQuest in QuestGarden, and presentations in Keynote. I learned
about Numbers on the iPad which is similar to Excel, yet seemed easier. In EDUC 515 I learned
how to create a classroom website. This will be beneficial for the parents to be kept current of
classroom activities along with homework assignments, parents rights, and resources.
EDUC 522 not only focused on learning about the MIs, but on using technology to meet
the needs of each MI. I learned how to create word clouds and QR codes in various colors and
shapes. One of the most valuable of all the numerous apps and websites that I was introduced to
throughout this program is the website for Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI).
This website will be valuable for me in knowing about the laws and how to use assistive
technology for any and all student that can benefit from it. EDUC 526 showed me how to take all
of the technology that I learned over the course of the program, apply it to my life, and put it to
use in my classroom. Every course provided time to share apps with the class; I have learned and
continue to use, many apps as a result of the DTL program.
Life Long Learning Plan
I appreciate that the DTL program teaches the cutting edge technology for education, yet
at the same time informs us that this technology will continue to change. It is important to stay
current with the latest innovations for the classroom. My plans for continued development
include a course that I am currently enrolled in SPED 11 to work towards clearing my
credentials. I learned of free EdCamp teacher conferences in EDUC 514. I have already attended
two and found them to be helpful in applying technology to any classroom at any grade level. I
am also registered with CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) who send daily emails
containing news and latest updates on practices in the field of special education. They also send
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 8
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
tools that can be used in the classroom. There are lesson ideas and curriculum for many subjects
at any grade level. I am also registered with ISTE (International Society for Technology in
Education). I have attended one event and am looking forward to attending more of their events
in the future. In addition to staying abreast of the general technology in the classroom I plan to
stay abreast of any new technology for augmentative and alternative communication devices.
This is important for me to know as I plan to be in a special education classroom for a minimum
of the next five years and hopefully for 10 years.
Section Two
History of Coursework and Course Evaluation
Name:

Term:
Diane Jones

Spring 2014

LiveBinder
URL:
http://www.livebinders.com/play/pla
y?id=1039109&backurl=/shelf/my
Course
Course Title &
Instructor
Name
Term
Completed
Key Skills
Acquired
Comments/Suggestions
EDUC
511

Foundations in
Digital Teaching
and Learning

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Joanne
Gilbreath
Fall I
2013
LiveBinder
Digital
Citizenship
Word Cloud
So What? Who
cares? essay

Dr. Gilbreath opened a whole new
world of technology to me. I was
particularly interested in digital
citizenship for my 16 year old
granddaughter. She was patient
and helped me to plan the course
for completing the Masters in
DTL.
EDUC
512

Instructional
Applications
Productivity
Software

INSTRUCTOR:
Kristi Hernandez
Fall II
2013
Using a
Macbook
WebQuest
using
QuestGarden
Create a Blog
Keynote
Numbers
The one thing I most appreciated
about Kristi was the feedback on
my work. Every assignment
turned in had comments about
what was good and what needed
improvement.
EDUC
514

Digital Video in
the Classroom

INSTRUCTOR:
Bill Selak
Fall I
2013
Create and edit
videos
Take pictures
Using the
Thirds Rule
Videos and pictures are important
in a special education classroom.
They are important for students
with special needs as many may
have short term memory loss. Bill
Selak was enthusiastic and
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 9
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
knowledgeable about technology.
However, he gave little feedback.
EDUC
515

Evolving
Educational
Technologies

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Jeffery Lee
Spring I
2014
Creating a
website
Having a website will provide an
effective way for me to provide
information to the parents who are
not able to come in for a
conference.
EDUC
522

Learning in the
21st Century

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Jennifer
Courduff

Spring I
2014
Multiple
Intelligences
Create word
clouds in
designs
Create QR
codes
How to
determine what
technology
students may
gravitate to
This class changed the way I walk
into any classroom and through
life. I have a better understanding
of why people behave/learn the
way they do; myself included. It
also helps me in the classroom to
understand which forms of
technology will be most beneficial
to each student. Dr. Courduff
clearly explained the Multiple
Intelligences, and which
technologies fit best with each
one. I appreciate the feedback on
all assignments.
EDUC
526

Capstone
Experience/
Digital Teaching
and Learning

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Jennifer
Courduff

Spring II
2014
Curriculum
Development -
Applying the
knowledge
gained from the
EDUC courses
into one
detailed three
week unit plan
Action
Research
Having all of the courses
contribute to one unit plan that I
can take with me into my
classroom is ingenious. Dr.
Courduff walked us through every
step of developing the final
curriculum.

Evaluation of the impact of the Digital Teaching and Learning Program
The one instructional strategy I look forward to using in the classroom is to take time to
establish which Multiple Intelligence my students prefer. I will get to know my students,
observing them in various situations understand which intelligences they prefer, so I can teach
accordingly. With all of the apps I have learned about and discovered I will be able to teach any
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 10
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
subject using the computer and iPad to reinforce learning. It has been my experience in student
teaching that the computer and iPads are only used for rewards. I plan to use them as often as
possible, to enable me to teach to each childs intelligences, as a regular part of the curriculum.
Program Evaluation
My experience at APU has been a challenging, yet rewarding adventure. Most of the
professors were excellent. I started in the CAPS undergraduate program, which was intense for
me as the field of education had changed so much since I was in school. I particularly
appreciated the art course being the final course for the program. I was not able to draw anything
and because of that was afraid of it, but Melanie Weaver taught me how to draw simple forms.
She also taught a variety of other ways to provide art without having to draw. It gave me a whole
new outlook on art that reinforced my desire to teach children with special needs because they
learn more effectively through art. The professors in both of the credential programs were
excellent. They were attentive and gave constructive criticism on all assignments.
The administrations of the programs at APU were frustrating at times. This was
particularly true of the finance department. I was asked to fill out the same paperwork multiple
times and some unnecessarily during the CAPS program. During the credential programs Jon
Krimmel of financial aid was knowledgeable and informed me in plenty of time of each
requirement. However, the administration seemed unsure of most of the procedures. I know that
the staff is probably already stretched, but it would be beneficial for the students if the advisors
knew the financial aid requirements before creating a plan that was going to leave the student in
a financial bind.
For the moderate/severe credential, my mentor was also my advisor. I was advised of the
courses and followed them accordingly. The mentor/advisor rarely visited during the student
GROWTH ASSESSMENT

Diane D. Jones EDUC 526 Growth Assessment Page 11
Azusa Campus Spring II June/2014
teaching, and has not yet provided a letter of recommendation for me. For the mild/moderate
credential, I had both a mentor and an advisor. I had to meet with the advisor three times to learn
of the correct courses to take next. The mentor, however, met with me on all of the
predetermined days and had a letter of recommendation before the term was over.
My only recommendation for course improvement is in regards to EDUC 515. Dr. Lee is
a good professor, but many of the assignments were redundant, and covered in other courses.
The syllabus was unclear and the only unique project was completed in one week, when we
created a website. I was not given any feedback on the other assignments to know if they were
done adequately. It seems as though the program would benefit from more meaningful
assignments in this course.