Future Plans

With all the new forms of classroom technology that I was introduced to in my classes this semester, I've been considering which ones I'd like to implement. Dues to the nature of my students and their disabilities, I know that I have to continue to be flexible with their inconsistencies. I like the idea of allowing students to work on iPads. At my school, it takes a lot of work to check them out because the entire school is fighting over 30 iPads, but I could at least make the effort. This allows me to differentiate instruction while granting students the ability to learn in their preferred way. Similar to how my students learn on the computers, they would do the same on the iPads. The only difference is that they would be allowed to use various educational apps. My students have missed several of the basics and foundations of vital concepts that they would've learned in previous grades. In order to bridge these gaps, I allow them to spend much time on the computer. Along with the iPads, the students will learn how to blog. I'd like to use blogging as an exit ticket where they can recap concepts learned everyday. This helps to document skills as well as enhance the memory. It also helps with grammar and spelling. I want my students to write more, and the best way to start is to begin typing. I'm excited about my future plans and more excited about the expected academic gains as a result.

Virtual Team

My latest class project was a huge challenge for me. I was assigned to a virtual team to create a technology related resource to implement within a school. We chose a website that benefited teachers by assisting them with technology issues. In order to find out just what teachers needed and how they felt about certain aspects of technology in their schools, we created a Google Survey to distribute to staff members at our three schools. I had never used it before, but now I see how it streamlines the data collection process. We also chose to utilize Google Documents to compile ideas for the site. Google Documents allowed each of us to simultaneously type onto the document. It fascinated me and I could see how efficient it made the information gathering process. Towards the end of the project, we knew that we had to present our presentation using a voice recording program. I had never heard of such a program, but after my teammates taught me, I learned quickly. We decided to use Voicethread, which is a great program. We were able to split up the PowerPoint slides and record our voices at our own pace. I was amazed at how the program put everything together and made it sound so professional. I would definitely use these tools in the classroom. It's a different way to communicate and compile ideas. I think that students would really enjoy the presentation part. It's a great way to illustrate real teamwork!

Jing-A-Ling

One of the requirements for my 7510 class was to create a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation had to teach the main points of a topic learned in class that would be most useful to a digital-age leader. Not only was I required to teach the points, but I had to SELL my classmates on its importance and usefulness. I have to admit that this assignment confused me for over a week. I'm pretty good with PowerPoint, but it took awhile to figure out exactly what was expected from me. Once I created the PowerPoint, I then needed to attack the monster that they call Jing. I have never heard of the software, so aside from having difficulties signing up, I had no clue how to use it. As I was creating login credentials, the voice-over app on my computer turned on unexpectedly. I had never used voice-over either, so I thought it was part of the Jing program. I tried to exit from voice-over several times. I was unsuccessful, so I restarted the computer three times. Finally, after many unsuccessful attempts, I found voice-over and disabled the app. I was very relieved. At this point, I still didn't know how to use Jing, so I decided to find a YouTube video that explained the process. Thankfully, the video was very informative. After gaining understanding, I recorded my presentation and actually had fun. I can visualize this program being very useful for student projects in the classroom. I teach in an elementary setting, so I feel that Jing might be somewhat complicated for young students. But from the middle school grades up through high school, students would find much success and confidence using this program.

SCREENCAST PRESENTATION

Weekend Job

On the weekends, I work in the technology department for my church. It's a job I don't need, but I've been doing it for 10 years, so I keep at it for now. I operate the screens, so I'm responsible for designing the presentations and displaying them properly. I also work as a back-up camera operator. My role is quite basic, but tedious. I take much pride in what I do, and my perfectionist side always shows. In 10 years, we've seen so many people come and go. From camera men, to audio engineers, we've seen a lot of employee turnover. With all that said, I'm amazed every time I show up at work. The other guys use the video switchers, the live streaming connections, Facebook to check the social media comments, and Pro Tools for editing purposes. We have screens and monitors all over the church. I've always wondered how someone has the ability to get all of these machines working together as one big unit. We didn't start off with this very expensive set up, but with growing trends comes expansion for us too. The technology department started off with just a home video camera and a device to record cassette tapes. Now we can do just about anything, and the cool part is that most of the crew aren't even professionals. We've just doing what we enjoy doing with the little talent that we have. Technology is great!

Test Prep

Sooooo these days, the entire school has been quickly preparing for the upcoming GA Milestones test. All of the teachers are nervous because they don't know much about it. I'm a bit apprehensive myself, but I'm trying to prepare the students the best I can. The majority of the students will be testing via technology due to their read aloud accommodations, so I've been looking for online computer programs designed to train and prepare students for testing. I think early preparation is a good idea seeing how they have issues with short term memory. Lately I've been teaching the standards while being focused on repetition to help my students with remembering what they learned. I feel that this year has been my best year so far as a teacher, so I want to cap it off with good test scores from my students. My principal gave me compliments on my students' scores from last year, so this time around I want to do even better. Based on my teaching and their work ethic, I definitely think it's possible. I think it will be hard to steer away from the standards for a couple of weeks, but I think I will get the hang of it after awhile. As much as I would like to solely focus on the upcoming testing, I don't think I'll be able to focus on it completely without getting into trouble with administration. What I've been considering is to split time between the two somehow. I could teach for half of the period and allow the students to practice for the remaining half. I possibly could alternate days, which might be a logical decision. Either way, I will begin to get my students prepared. I need to get them excited about the test and dedicated to performing well. How will I do this? First of all, whenever I speak about the GA Milestones test, I'll need to speak with excitement. I will also have to explain why the test is so important and what positive results could come from earning a high score. It'll be like GA Milestones boot camp, and I'll be playing the role of drill sergeant!

Too Busy to Teach

As a special education teacher and non-traditional department head, I have MANY responsibilities. Aside from teaching 6 classes a day, I have the responsibility of what we call a Lead Teacher as well as being the point of contact for the department. My days consist of instructing and multitasking. I could be in the middle of teaching a lesson, and someone will barge in or call needing me for something. It's one thing for my unstable students to interrupt me, but for adults to see me doing my job but still continue irks me fully. I know I have to split time between students and my other responsibilities, so I ALWAYS entertain my coworkers and their concerns.

This week, our regular Lead Teacher was out due to bereavement, therefore all of her duties fell right into my lap. She called me on Tuesday to ask if I would conduct 5 meetings for her by Thursday. I didn't think I could do it, but I did somehow. I usually don't like to toss my students on computers while I work, but I hate to say that I've done that all week. At first I felt bad about the situation, but then I realized that sometimes the lessons done on the computer are just as beneficial as if they were delivered by a teacher. The students have many options of educational lessons to do, and there are even assessments that I can use for my data records. As the weeks progress, I'm starting to see the many options of technology. I'm even seeing myself use it more and more in my classroom.

Technology Takeover

The more I interact with my students and the more I learn about integrating technology, the more I begin to understand the need for it. I teach special education, so all of my students perform below grade level. I make it my duty to at least introduce them to the grade level standards, and still have high expectations. Aside from the grade level work, I feel the need for remediation. I utilize a lot of time working with them on basic reading and math skills. In order for them to continue learning with the hopes of one day performing on grade level, they will have to improve with the basic concepts missed. I share a classroom with one other teacher who teaches special education as well. We work very well together, although our teaching styles are very different. I work better in front of the class, teaching using hand gestures, lots of energy, and the dry-erase board. She works better either in small groups, or by assigning students computer programs to use. For years, I viewed the computer use as a way of taking the easy way out. This year, I'm starting to see things a bit differently. We have one particular student who has a tough time focusing and learning anything, whether it's on grade level or below grade level. The only thing he likes to do is play computer games and cuss me out when I don't allow him to. She continues to allow him to use the computer, but we try to train him to complete his virtual math and reading lessons first before he gets free time. He will do the math, but the reading is like pulling teeth. Since the students have been spending more structured learning time on the computer, they've been more focused and eager to learn in class. The basic skills are covered through the computer activities, so that gives me more time to teach. I can also use the computer time as a good incentive to get the students working on a consistent basis. Thanks technology!

Online PD Session

On February 18, 2015, I just happened to check my KSU email that evening to see a "gift" from my professor. He informed the class of a webinar that was scheduled for tonight. It was a great opportunity to take advantage of for the next class assignment. I wasn't doing anything at the time, so I made sure I clicked the link and waited an hour for the session to begin at 6pm EST. When the session opened, I could see that it was well attended and had many participants from all over the country. After listening to the conversations that were going on, I muted my speakers and focused on the presentation. The presentation was called "The Flipped Classroom" and was presented by former chemistry teachers Aaron Sams and Jon Bergmann. Flipped teaching is a concept that is brand new to me. After learning about it, I can honestly say that it makes a ton of sense. Instead of using class time to lecture, test, and constantly review for students who were absent, the teacher simply prepares video lessons. These videos help the students to study beforehand, with reserves class time for applying the knowledge and doing hands-on work. More importantly, it allows the teacher to devote attention to the students that really need the most assistance. The presentation gave me a lot to think about, and it's definitely something I would consider implementing in my classroom. It is known that I have to review way too often with my students. A pre-recorded video presentation would free up so much class time...brilliant!!

Living a Tech-Savvy Life

It seems like ever since I read the book about the iStudent, I've paid more attention to technology in my life. The book introduced me to the concept of using mobile devices and social media for learning. Before reading, I had never heard of such a thing. I found the concept to be amazing, but I also doubted it. At the present stage, I wouldn't even consider using anything other than books, pencils, and paper in my classroom. Aside from the basics, I've even begun using my Promethean Board more. I use it to introduce lessons, morning work, display the problem of the day, show videos, movies, and to even review problems by allowing the students to use it. It's a very convenient tool that even the students enjoy using.

For a class assignment, I was required to create an online survey to distribute to teachers. Luckily, this was a group assignment, because I've never created a survey before. My group members chose to use Google Docs, because one person said they have previous experience using it. As he was creating the survey, I watched in amazement. At one point, all three of us were typing into the document simultaneously. I had never seen anything like it. The more I typed, the more intrigued I was. Eventually we concluded the edits to the survey and chose to finalize the entire thing. As excited as I was to send out the survey and begin analyzing results, I was told by my principal that I wasn't allowed to initiate surveys in the building. Now whaaaaaaaaaat?!

New Technology Concepts

In another class I'm taking, I was recently required to read a book called "Teaching the iStudent" by Mark Barnes. In this book, Barnes introduced me to the concept of utilizing mobile devices and social media as educational resources. I was blown away after reading this book, because I have never considered such a thing. Halfway through the book, I figured that the suggestions just might be crazy enough to work! Aside from all the new ideas and insights, what I really absorbed from this book is the fact that using mobile devices in the classrooms can open student's eyes to more of the world. It is a good form of differentiation and would provide a boost in classroom participation.

Yesterday, I was having a conversation with a fellow educator friend who lives in Washington, D.C. He just got back in town from a trip and was telling me that his students need to be working on a project, but he didn't get the supplies yet. I asked him what the project was about, and he said they are working on documenting the engineering design. He said he's giving them a simple design to a race car that they have to assemble and document the steps taken. The students must present the documentation using a Weeby or some other online presentation method. The purpose is to show them the importance of documenting their work and getting patents for their inventions. I asked if his students are free to use apps and mobile devices in class. He told me that they are very free with their phones. Each student has their very own Chrome Book. I thought about the book I had just read and became excited that I know someone who actually has experience with the new form of classroom technology that I just discovered. The sad thing is that many districts can't take advantage of this...YET.

More Surprises?

Wednesday has always been the day that is designated for staff meetings. My principal is known not to schedule many meetings, but teachers still cross their fingers every week hoping that she doesn't require us to meet. This past week, teachers listened carefully for the announcement on the intercom system as usual. Instead of calling a traditional staff meeting as a collective in the cafeteria, she asked the staff to meet in the classroom of their grade level chairperson. Since I'm a grade level chairperson, I wasn't particularly happy about that. Then the announcement asked the chairpersons to check their emails and quickly read up on the instructions explaining how to access the meeting presentation. It was some sort of training about a program called Study Island. I've heard of it before, but since this was last minute, I frowned. Apparently I needed to figure this out within 15 minutes and the presentation was said to last over an hour. Luckily the process wasn't difficult at all, so I got the presentation ready pretty quickly. I just needed my staff to arrive on time for once, and hopefully leave the drama and pettiness in their purses. With 5 minutes to spare, I ran to the employee lounge to grab a Coke and some crackers. I came back to see that some teachers showed up on time, but they instantly ran to me to complain about the length of the meeting. Obviously I don't control anything pertaining to meetings, so I told them to leave when they needed to. We are all grown, but I will document early departures.

With all this being said, I like the concept of breaking up into teams and having professional development with the use of technology. To me, it gives teachers flexibility and helps to pass leadership responsibilities down to the teachers. It also helps individuals to focus more on what is being taught or reviewed. Typically in large group settings (just like with the students), it's easy to lose focus and drift off. In smaller groups settings, we are prone to concentrate more on the presenter. We are more engaged and are more likely to offer feedback. Overall, we accomplish more in small group settings.

Technology Surprise

So the journey to becoming a tech-savvy leader continues. A few weeks ago, one of the vice principals approached me to inform that the school is planning to hold a mock GA Milestones test in just a few days. The purpose of the mock test was to ensure that all forms of technology were in tact and operating properly. She told me that the students that usually receive read aloud accommodations on state testing would receive them via the computer. It turns out the the computer program will read the questions to the students. How convenient!! Unfortunately, the last minute notice caught me off guard, because normally I like to be aware of things in advance. Then reality kicked in and I remembered where I work (ha-ha). I should be used to being approached with last minute duties and requests from what seems like every soul in the building. But, I was excited nonetheless. This particular administrator wanted me to gather her the updated list of accommodations and supports from all 70 students with disabilities throughout the school. Luckily I stay on top of my spreadsheets and try to remain organized, so the request wasn't difficult to complete. She also needed me to distribute a letter to parents informing them of the test and to gather all students on the test day. To make a long story short, when the test day came, the test never happened! They couldn't get the test to work on the computer! Yes, I did everything that was asked of me as usual, but the important thing is the evolution of technology within the school. I never would've thought that students would be able to take a state test on the computer. That is simply amazing to me!

My First Blog

In the field of education, we all recognize the changes in schools with the integration of technology. I'm sure many have opinions, but it's one of those evolutions that we just had to prepare for because it is not going away. While veteran teachers and administrators become frustrated and struggle with the lack of knowledge needed to operate new technology, newer teachers have an advantage because they most likely were exposed to tools and forms of technology in courses. Educators are obligated to learn and use the expanding forms of technology in their schools. In most cases, we must support each other in order to perform our duties and promote student achievement. I share a classroom with another teacher on my team. We've been sharing a classroom for the past 4 years, so we just consider ourselves roommates. She's about 20 years older than me and has been teaching about 10 years longer, so she's a veteran by far. The thing is, she is not tech savvy at all. I can see the frustration in her face when she's trying to write an IEP or use the Promethean Board. In these cases, I make sure and lend a hand or help when she asks. As department chair, assisting my department is part of my job, right? I try to do anything to makes us look as competent and knowledgable as possible. During my 8 years in the classroom, I've seen MANY changes and technological advances in schools. It's been enjoyable, to say the least. With that being said, I look forward to the journey through this course.