Master's Portfolio of Carol Shaffer

Problem Statement
As part of the Fall 2003 Current Trends and Issues class taught by Chuck Ferguson, we were to select a trend or issue for detailed study and prepare a report and presentation for the class. Through the combined efforts of myself, Sherry Agard, and Betty Becker, a report was created investigating the promises of Wireless Mobile Technology in the K-12 Classroom. The increasing capabilities of wireless networking is allowing schools to differentiate their computing resources. Because this type of resource is relatively new, the problem is that many people do not understand how the technology works, or how to use it to its fullest extent.

Situation Analysis
This project was presented before the members of the IT 6750 class at the University of Colorado at Denver, which was composed of both educators and business professionals. Because there was a mixture in the occupations of class members, our group decided to focus on using the wireless technologies in the K-12 setting, because the three of us are all a part of it. As a result of this informational presentation, our goal was to inform the classmates on the basics of wireless computing, and also give them ideas of how wireless technologies could be used in the classroom setting.

Rationale for Approach
Our group decided to focus on Wireless Technology, and then individually focus on aspects that were of greater interest to us. Because of the increasing number of laptops at my school, I decided to focus on the use of laptops in the classrooms, as well as teacher and student management, along with the issues that schools may face when trying to implement wireless networks of computers. Other areas of study included the use of handhelds in the classroom and wireless networking basics. The 50-minute in-class presentation highlighted these areas, and also allowed for an example in which laptops were used to briefly teach a lesson to the class that involved using the Internet.

Results
When presented in front of the IT 6750 class, the reaction was very positive. Having an activity for the class to participate in was beneficial in that the class members were able to have first-hand knowledge of a lesson that utilized laptops with learning. When the laptops were distributed for the lessons, class involvement increased, and the participants were very excited to be learning using a different tool. In regards to the actual report that was produced by the teammates, it would serve as an excellent source for someone who would like to learn the basics behind how wireless computing actually works.

Evidence of Value
I felt that this project was of great benefit not only to myself and group members, but also to the rest of the class to which it was presented. Peers were able to ask questions during the presentation and have immediate feedback, as well as experience a lesson that was taught with laptops. Class reactions were very positive, with many remarks such as "Can I have these laptops?" and "This is great!" Teacher Evaluation was also positive, with our group earning the full amount of credit.

Through this project, group members were able take information about wireless technologies that we already knew, added to it, and also were able to reflect on how we are using wireless technology in our own classrooms. Just recently, I was able to use this report to explain to someone how wireless computer connections work.

Reflections
As someone who has a laptop computer, I wanted to learn more about the technology behind how they work. It was also interesting to investigate the ways that other schools and districts are pioneering wireless technology. I am very excited to discover the further ways that wireless technologies will assist teachers and students in the future.

Responsibilities Fulfilled
This project demonstrates ILT Responsibility #1, which states that continued improvement of professional practice that requires critical inquiry, professional development, and reflective practice. In order to create this report, the group members each took on a designated section and conducted extensive research, then worked together to compile the final product.


Wireless Artifact Report Problem Statement As part of the Fall 2003 Current Trends and Issues class taught by Chuck Ferguson, we were to select a trend or issue for detailed study and prepare a report and presentation for the class. Through the combined efforts of myself, Sherry Agard, and Betty Becker, a report was created investigating the promises of Wireless Mobile Technology in the K-12 Classroom. The increasing capabilities of wireless networking is allowing schools to differentiate their computing resources. Because this type of resource is relatively new, the problem is that many people do not understand how the technology works, or how to use it to its fullest extent. Situation Analysis This project was presented before the members of the IT 6750 class at the University of Colorado at Denver, which was composed of both educators and business professionals. Because there was a mixture in the occupations of class members, our group decided to focus on using the wireless technologies in the K-12 setting, because the three of us are all a part of it. As a result of this informational presentation, our goal was to inform the classmates on the basics of wireless computing, and also give them ideas of how wireless technologies could be used in the classroom setting. Rationale for Approach Our group decided to focus on Wireless Technology, and then individually focus on aspects that were of greater interest to us. Because of the increasing number of laptops at my school, I decided to focus on the use of laptops in the classrooms, as well as teacher and student management, along with the issues that schools may face when trying to implement wireless networks of computers. Other areas of study included the use of handhelds in the classroom and wireless networking basics. The 50-minute in-class presentation highlighted these areas, and also allowed for an example in which laptops were used to briefly teach a lesson to the class that involved using the Internet. Results When presented in front of the IT 6750 class, the reaction was very positive. Having an activity for the class to participate in was beneficial in that the class members were able to have first-hand knowledge of a lesson that utilized laptops with learning. When the laptops were distributed for the lessons, class involvement increased, and the participants were very excited to be learning using a different tool. In regards to the actual report that was produced by the teammates, it would serve as an excellent source for someone who would like to learn the basics behind how wireless computing actually works. Evidence of Value I felt that this project was of great benefit not only to myself and group members, but also to the rest of the class to which it was presented. Peers were able to ask questions during the presentation and have immediate feedback, as well as experience a lesson that was taught with laptops. Class reactions were very positive, with many remarks such as "Can I have these laptops?" and "This is great!" Teacher Evaluation was also positive, with our group earning the full amount of credit. Through this project, group members were able take information about wireless technologies that we already knew, added to it, and also were able to reflect on how we are using wireless technology in our own classrooms. Just recently, I was able to use this report to explain to someone how wireless computer connections work. Reflections As someone who has a laptop computer, I wanted to learn more about the technology behind how they work. It was also interesting to investigate the ways that other schools and districts are pioneering wireless technology. I am very excited to discover the further ways that wireless technologies will assist teachers and students in the future. Responsibilities Fulfilled This project demonstrates ILT Responsibility #1, which states that continued improvement of professional practice that requires critical inquiry, professional development, and reflective practice. In order to create this report, the group members each took on a designated section and conducted extensive research, then worked together to compile the final product.


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