Concept map on The State of Mississippi.  This can be used in social studies, math, science, reading and english.  You can do oral reports, graph the industries, name the state symbols and locate the rivers on the maps for social studies.  You can use this for all grade levels as a thematic unit.

Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:

a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

This is not the first class I have been required to complete a Concept Map.  I believe it would be very beneficial for students to know how to create and use one of the maps to help organize a project.  It can be used for comparisons or just to help outline a report.  The concept map, if used as a tool during large group discussion, can be away for students to express their ideas and creativity using critical thinking skills.    Concept mapping should be incorporated into every subject area throughout the curriculum.  There are several programs available to students and teachers to make the process easier and it can also be used to help with special needs students as well.  Inspiration is just one of the many tools available to help design concept mapping when brainstorming

Standards for teachers

http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm

NETS for Teachers 2008

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. Teachers:

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.
d.	model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

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 the NETS•S. Teachers:

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.
d.	provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

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. Teachers:

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.
d.	model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.

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. Teachers:

a.	advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
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.
d.	develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools.

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:

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.

 http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008

My Life

Hello, my name is Dawn Lindley.  I am a Christian and a life long resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I live in Ocean Springs with my husband Troy and my 16 year old step-son Tristen, he is a junior at Ocean Springs High School. I have a step-daughter, Kristina, 23, she recently graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and is employeed with Caterpillar there in Oxford and  i have another daughter,Kimberly, my 20 year old, she is a junior at USM in Hattiesburg majoring in Journalism and English.   

I am working on my 2nd career. I sold real estate and when the market crashed in 09 I decided to return to the classroom.  I am currently a TA at Gorenflo Elementary School in the K-2nd grade Special Education Self Contained Class. I recently decided to go back to school and complete my teaching degree.  I am a Dual Major in Special Education and Elementary Education.  Once I receive my BA I will immediately start working on my Masters in Education, I have waited this long, so I figured I would complete everything while I still had the drive and motivation. 

When I am not in school, studying or working, you can usually find me creating recipes, making jewelry or wreaths and always spending anytime I can with my family.

I have worked with different technology since I was 16 years old, from cash registers to special programs for various jobs, but I would not say that I am an expert at any of them.  I know just enough to get me through but I am always willing to learn something new to broaden my horizons.

I feel technology belongs in the classroom and should be used at every age level.  The more experience students have with different types of technology the more advance they are.  They gain knowledge and skills that will assist them with communication, problem solving and thingking skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives.

As a future educator, I will incorporate technology as much as possible in my classroom by using a variety of techniques and tools.  Just as every child is not alike, they will all require different tools to help them become successful.