Capotosta_Moodle

==**My name is Amelia Capotosta and I am in my final semester of the Master's Instructional Technology program through The University of Akron. I am in my 5th year of teaching. I taught 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies my first two years of teaching, and made the switch to 4th grade LA and SS 3 years ago. I absolutely LOVE fourth grade! My undergraduate degree is in Grades 4-9 Middle Level Education: Language Arts and Social Studies. I currently teach LA and SS to two groups of 4th grade students. I see 60 students total a day (30 in each class.) This masters program has made me more aware of the importance of using technology in the classroom to enhance learning, and shown me how technology isn't just there as an "add-on", but rather as a way to help students achieve higher levels of learning than ever thought possible.**==

==**The topic I chose for my presentation is use of Moodle in the classroom. Moodle is a software that can be used to create Internet-based courses, enhance face-to-face courses, and assess learning. It is a learning platform that is designed to help educators create a personalized learning environment for each class and student.**==

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**Here are some other useful videos and articles on using Moodle in the classroom:**
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Why Moodle? How it can improve your classroom!
==Moodle is a dynamic Online Learning Environment. When preparing students to be 21st Century Learners, technology integration is a must in the classroom. In the 4th grade classroom, this technology integration can be tough due to students' knowledge of technological resources, navigation, and tools. I plan to explore using Moodle to create an OLE where students can learn, practice, and be assessed on new concepts. For example, in my video above you can see a 6th grade grammar unit. Rather than teaching grammar in a traditional way, I could provide my students with links to videos and games in Moodle for them to learn about parts of speech. They could then take a quiz right on Moodle to check their understanding of this concept, and give immediate feedback. I could also use the WIKI feature for students to collaborate on projects, and submit authentic assessments on topics.== Using Moodle in the Elementary/Middle classroom aligns with some of the ** ISTE NETS-S Standards for Students: **
 * **2. Communication and Collaboration** **//Students use digital media and env//****//ironments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.//**
 * b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats


 * **3. Research and Information Fluency //Students apply digital// //tools to gather, evaluate, and use// //inf////ormation.//**
 * d. Process data and report results

Moodle also aligns with many of the ** ITSE NETS-T Standards for Teachers: **
 * ** 1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity: Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.**
 * a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
 * b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
 * c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes
 * **2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments //Teachers design, develop and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes identified in th////e// //NETS-S.//**
 * a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
 * b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
 * c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources


 * **3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning //Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital// //society.//**
 * a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations
 * b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
 * c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats


 * **4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility //Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.//**
 * b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
 * c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information