Name: Amanda Caparell
Date: October 4, 2024
Grade Level and/or Content Area of Teacher or Instructional Coach:
Signature of Teacher or Instructional Coach:
Date of interview:
Directions: When you meet with the teacher or instructional coach, ask him or her the questions below. Feel free to ask a few more related questions. Make sure you inform the teacher that you will take notes during the interview. After the interview, reflect on the interview experience by answering the reflection questions, making sure to delete the directions and brackets after you type your responses.
1. What is your background, training, and experience as an educator?
I have a background in secondary Biology, I acquired this degree through WGU. After college I worked as a director in the schools and also worked as an outdoor education director. I am currently a Digital Integration Specialist for the South Bend Community School Corporation.
2. What digital apps, digital programs and digital media do you use in your classroom?
Some of the current digital programs that I am using are, Canvas, Google Suit, Slides, Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Youtube, Canva and Screen Castify.
3. How do you stay current with key research that supports technology’s role in improved student learning outcomes?
Every year all D.I.S in the corporation get together for a two day MACUL Conference. We do monthly program training with instruction on how to use new technology. We have connection meetings to stay up to date and I like to watch Youtube videos and listen to Podcasts.
4. When you learn that a digital tool or a pedagogical practice is not as effective as you originally thought, how do you adjust?
I adjust and revamp a procedure that is causing the problem. I will also go analog until the problem is fixed or adjust and switch to a comparable program.
5. How do you engage in conversation about current research or findings from the learning sciences?
I run Wired Wednesday’s, with teachers throughout the day. I cover what is good educational practices, what is most needed and what tech will help teachers get to where they need to be.
6. How do you make educational research meaningful in your context?
I think about what the teachers need for productivity or what will help teachers in the classrooms.
7. What is your experience in online or blended learning environments?
I am involved in setting up training for teachers to help prepare them for elearning days. I do multiple staff training throughout the school year. I was part of the team that coordinated tech when the pandemic happened and the schools switched to virtual learning.
8. What strategies do you use to engage students in active learning in online or blended learning environments?
I oftentimes need to plan transitions with built in ease when moving from one program to another.
9. How do you manage technology use in the classroom and in the online or blended learning environment?
I initially will set up expectations of the time frame that is the most efficient use of our time and the best way to retrieve devices.
10. How do you engage students in setting clear ground rules and parameters for technology use?
I set clear expectations at the beginning, but I also involve the students in deciding what should be the classroom norms.
11. Reflecting upon your class, how does this specific group of students create a completely unique learning group and environment?
The challenge can be differentiating for each student’s needs. While this can be a challenge, I enjoy learning from my students as well. This helps me grow as a Digital integration Specialist.
12. How would you recognize and describe diversity as an asset?
Diversity is an important aspect in the classroom. Bringing together a diverse group of students also brings together all of their viewpoints. This can make for a more well rounded learning environment.
13. How do you model cultural understanding for your students?
When I worked for another school district I used Mayan documents and presented images on Ipads for the students and gave them an open ended question, “What do you think of this?” This led to some very interesting conversation. We talked about Mayan culture and as the discussion progressed students were able to learn more about this rich culture. This then lead to deeper discussions about some of their background and personal experiences. We all came together from different backgrounds and learned about Mayan culture together and about each other.
14. What are the factors that affect your student’s learning?
A big one is broken technology, basic classroom management or the Wifi being down.
15. How can technology enhance your student’s strengths and remove barriers?
If all students have access to school technology and Wifi it removes a barrier that may be holding them back from learning and completing work for school.
Technology Goals
[Describe how the teacher or instructional coach stays current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes. Describe how the information connects with any personal experience or content learned in this course (e.g., research, theory, a scholar’s work). Include one step for improving your professional teaching practice based on reflection and analysis of the interview.]
Our DIS (Digital Integration Specialist) Bradley Cogdell is super enthusiastic about working with the teachers and training is in technology to help enhance what we already do in the classroom. He meets with us every Wednesday and helps us navigate new technology. We are switching from Google Classroom to Canvas and for me I am not excited about this switch, but Bradley is working hard to keep myself and all the other teachers up to date on how to make this transition and all the benefits of this switch.
Manage Technology Use
[Describe how the teacher or instructional coach manages use of technology and student learning strategies in digital platforms, virtual environments, or in the classroom. Describe how
technology supports student learning outcomes. Include one step for improving your professional teaching practice based on reflection and analysis of the interview.]
Since virtual learning began during the pandemic, the way schools handle learning has shifted. We now are back in person, but also have a virtual option for students to choose from if that is a need for various reasons. When we have snow days or teacher record days, we will teach online to keep up with current schooling requirements. This is helpful to students and assists in negating learning loss due to low in person attendance.
Cultural Competency
[Describe how the teacher or instructional coach demonstrates cultural competency in his or her classroom. Describe how diversity is an asset. Include one step for improving your professional teaching practice based on reflection and analysis of the interview.]
Diversity is an important aspect in the classroom. Bringing together a diverse group of students also brings together all of their viewpoints. This can make for a more well rounded learning environment. I don’t use much technology in my classroom, but I can see the advantages of using it more in my classroom. This switch to Canvas is pushing me to include more technology in the classroom.