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!