2.

4 Higher-Order Thinking Skills - model and facilitate the effective use of digital
tools and resources to support and enhance higher order thinking skills (e.g., analyze,
evaluate, and create); processes (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making); and mental
habits of mind (e.g., critical thinking, creative thinking, metacognition, self-
regulation, and reflection).

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The artifact was a multimedia design project created in ITEC 7445. Students in my
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition course used a Weebly Webquest that I
designed to support their learning. The Weebly required students effectively use
digital tools and resources throughout the site to learn about the author and novel, and
then create an essay afterwards that demonstrated critical-thinking about the novel.

In creating this artifact, I modeled for others how to create and use a Weebly in
instruction and learning. While teaching the use of the digital resources on the
Weebly, I facilitated student learning at their own pace as they worked their way
through the tools and the novel. Higher-order thinking was facilitated while students
progressed into the stages of writing where they were required to critically think about
the material and the novel.

After completing this artifact, I realized how important it was to my instructional

success that my school has one-to-one computer access. In order to improve the
quality of my artifact, I would need to work more closely with my diverse learners.
My newcomers needed more support in technology and adaptive tools. I need to
address technology learning gaps to improve this artifact.

The work that went into this artifact impacted student learning by providing them a
self-paced learning environment. Students controlled their learning by deciding if they
wanted to view a video, listen to audio, and/or read text. This choice of learning
improved accessibility of material for students. The impact can be assessed through
observing student writing samples. Student writing demonstrated a better
understanding for the critical thinking required in analyzing a text.