Kim Woodard

Standard III

Task Appropriate Tools in Problem-Solving

     Use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

Reflection

     As I have found out during the past year, there are many, many technological  tools available for the successful completion of problem-solving situations that arise for both individuals and groups.  I have also found that it is very important to find the appropriate tool to complete the task at hand.  If the appropriate tool is not found, it could lead to a disastrous ending.  However, I also realized during this TATC process that the appropriate tool for one person might not be the appropriate tool for another.  With the number of software programs, computer systems, and other technological tools, there is no one way to complete a specific task for everyone.
     My goal is to continue to let my students know what tools are available and allow them to choose the path toward completion of a task, whether it be individually or in a group.  I feel that teaching them topics in this manner allows not only for individual creativity, but also gives them the skills to work in a self-sufficient environment.  

Caption 11

Indicators:
     Standards I, II, III, TA TEKS 8.14s, 9.1s, 9.12s, 9.17s, 9.20s, 9.27s, 9.39s, 9.40s, 10.1s, 10.3s, 10.4s, 10.9s, 10.13s, 10.15s, 10.16s, 10.18s, 10.33s, 10.34s, 10.35s, 10.43s

Artifact #11

Descriptors:  
     Creation of a Budget for a Video Classroom,  Research of Items for Inclusion in a Video Classroom, Review of Budget Proposal

Title:  
     Revised Budget Proposal

Course:   
     205 Extended Video Technology

Date Created:   
     May 18, 2003

Source:   
     Individual Project

Media:   
     Internet, Microsoft Excel

Description:
     The revised budget proposal was the continuation of an earlier assignment titled "Design a Video Classroom."  The original assignment, which was assigned during the first week of the class, required me to design a classroom for my video production class.  I was given a budget of $30,000 and was to assume that there would be twenty students in the class.  I was to include the type and number of computers, video cameras, still cameras, microphones, storage devices, lighting equipment, instructional software, videotapes, batteries, and any other items we deemed necessary.  It was to be submitted in the form of a spreadsheet.  Then, after covering the various topics for the extended video class, I was to review the budget proposal, make modifications to it, and give explanations for any changes.
     In order to complete this assignment, I looked at the hardware available in our district and what was being used in our video class.  While creating and then revisiting my budget, I decided to base my decisions for my classroom on what seemed to work in our school district, the research I had obtained from the Internet, and what I had learned from the various topics covered during the extended class. 

Rationale:
     This assignment gave me the opportunity to actually see what it takes to develop a budget for a new classroom.  This is something that I had never done before.  I have purchased various software packages and resource materials for my existing classroom, but never have I developed a classroom from scratch.
     I included this artifact because in order to complete the budget, I had to use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge.  I had to research what type of classroom would be best for my school district and then synthesize all of the information I gathered.  I had to create a solution in the form of an Excel spreadsheet that explained all aspects of my classroom.  I later had to go back and modify my  solution after gaining more knowledge on the topic of video production.  Finally, I had to submit the spreadsheet for evaluation from my peers.  I feel this budget shows that I can take information from various sources and create a solution for evaluation.

Implications for Future:
     I do not know that I will ever be in a position of having to create a budget for an entire classroom on my own.  However, I am sure that at some point in my teaching career, I will have to give input as to what I think should be included in a technology applications classroom.
     As for the classroom, I am not sure that I will use this exact assignment.  I do, however, think this type of budgeting assignment is a great learning tool for the students.  Therefore, I feel that I might modify it to fit each of my classes and have the students create a budget for setting up a new business.  I think they need to see the actual costs that are required to purchase the necessary items to start a business that is associated with the technology applications class they are taking.

Reviewer's Comments:
     Your budget spreadsheet is well designed and easy to follow.  It looks like you have given this a lot of thought, and you seem to have every major area covered.  The storage device seems to be a good addition.  As you mentioned, the video files get very large and can overwhelm hard drives quickly!

Reviewer's Name:   
     Kathleen Markwardt

Title:  
     02-03 TATC Student

Date Reviewed:  
     June 16, 2003