Natalie Profita

About Natalie

 

Welcome to my website! My name is Natalie Profita and I am a Technology Instruction Coordinator for North Palos School District 117. I have 7 years of experience providing professional development in technology integration. Prior to beginning this role, I taught 3rd grade at Oak Ridge Elementary School in Palos Hills, IL. 

 

I currently hold Google Certified Trainer, Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2 status. Since achieving these certifications, I have provided ongoing support to teachers in the use of Google Apps for Education with students. I currently work at Conrady Junior High School where students use Google Apps for Education on Chromebooks daily. 

 

My philosophy of technology integration is that simply using technology in schools isn't enough. I believe that:

• It's all about the curricular need and how technology can support that need.

• Technology is a tool that can improve or hinder learning depending on its use. If we are to use technology effectively, we must design learning experiences for students that allow them to express their creativity, work collaboratively and think critically.

• The use of technology should make the task at hand more efficient and provide a more enriching learning experience for the students.

• As educators, we have a responsibility to model the digital and media literacy skills that our students need in order to be successful in the 21st century.

 

Our students come to us with a great deal of experience using technology in their daily lives. Utilizing technology to support them academically is a very natural way to connect with them on a personal level and engage them in the learning process. My ultimate goal as a Technology Instruction Coordinator is to support teachers as they learn about ways to engage students in technology-rich learning experiences and design learning opportunities that foster 21st Century teaching and learning.