TavaresCapstone

Student photos from Mrs. Tavares' class.

Introduction

     Welcome to my Capstone Project. This project was created to fulfill the requirements of the graduate level course EDTC 670 through the University of Maryland University College. This Capstone project is a self-directed project culminating in a portfolio which is developed to demonstrate previously learned knowledge and skills acquired through the courses taken while working toward my Masters of Education Degree with a concentration in Instructional Technology. 

     This course is described by The University of Maryland University College (2012) as a self-directed project where teachers collaborate with colleagues within or across grade levels or departments to incorporate innovations into their curricula. “Throughout the seminar, teachers build a portfolio demonstrating the development, implementation, and outcomes of their project. This is designed as a capstone experience that provides teachers the opportunity to apply previous knowledge and skills gained from other courses in the program” (University of Maryland University College, 2012).

     The Capstone Project is divided into five phases. Each phase is developed to guide the learner through the process of identifying a learning issue and working to create a technology based solution which can be implemented with students. The phases are:

Phase 1: Identifying an Educational Problem and a Proposed Solution

Phase 2: Creating Objectives and Assessment Materials  

Phase 3a: Developing an Implementation Plan

Phase 3b: Preparing the Environment

Phase 4: Implementation of Solution

Phase 5: Documenting Project Outcomes and Recommending Revisions (University of Maryland University College, 2012).

Our School

The school in which I teach fourth grade is located in a small suburban environment nestled within a tree lined neighborhood in Southern Maryland just 30 minutes south of Washington D.C. Our school uses up-to-date technology in all classrooms. In my class I have eight desktop computers (six for student use), a Smartboard, Echo-pen, Canon Visualizer, and Clicker System (student answering device). We recognize the importance of collecting various forms of data in order to analyze our students' strengths and weaknesses and adjust our lessons accordingly. The students are offered after school learning interventions for reading and math, morning small group interventions, and various forms of assistive technology.