Week 4 -Wimba

Using Technology to improve Reading Project




I attended Week 4 Wimba, but my internet went out and lost connection for the rest of the night.  Needless to say, I was not able to present.

I consequently got critiques from 2 friends.  We planned a short meeting at my home.  We discussed my research project and viewed the keynote presentation.
Here is what they had to say:

Natasha Tillman -Special Education Paraprofessional. I work with self-contained 11^th graders in Maryland. I know that a program like Study Island will be beneficial for learning disabled students. I’ve found that students like computer generated learning systems, such as Imagination Station and Study Island because they offer a variety of subjects in a manner that entertains as well as educate.  I have been able to see students engaged with technology. It is my experience that it is a great tool to help students learn. Keep doing what you’re doing.

Kathy Bourage says:  As a Social Worker for the Exceptional Family Member Program for USMC, I found this research project very useful. I am always looking for the best programs for my exceptional clients. Children need to participate when they learn.  It seems like this a program that the children I service could use. I would like to get more information about this web-based program to share with my parents and the schools I work with. Looking forward to seeing more information from you.  

Week 4-Publishing/Leadership Project

I have decided to do a presentation at the Powering Up With Technology Conference in Maryland. This conference is held yearly in Prince Georges County. My colleagues from Maryland Public Schools are familiar with it.  This conference offers dynamic hands on sessions and engaging lectures.  It is especially designed to expose educators to technology in education.  Since I specialize in working with Special Education students, I could bring something different to the table. I would like to be a part of this powering up conference.  Application submission is July – September. My second choice is

I choose The Maryland Society for Educational Technology  Conference because the organization  is for everyone interested in Technology and Education. I would like to share what I have learned in my action research as it relates to struggling readers and technology.

Using Technology to help improve Reading

Think Out Loud - Blog 2 

Think Out Loud Blog 1

Week 4 -Comments on Classmates Blogs

Ishia Granger says:

My dream teaching environment would be a classroom big enough to seat 20 students (max.) in a myriad of seating arrangements. Lots of closet space for all the novels that each of them could keep forever. Each would have a workspace configured with a laptop and an extra seat for their parents or partners. Parents would be required to attend one class a week. (This would be stipulated in the merit pay legislation recently made law in our state.) My students would be surrounded by neutral shades of green and brown as well as pictures of themselves in various states of learning. And lets not forget my Wall of Fame of successful students from the past. Students would come to class nourished and alert for the days activities which would include a warm-up followed by a discussion and then activity centers based on individual data that students would have access to. An LMS system would be great and would enable me to walk around the room, observe and question.

image from Discovery Education

My reply




Ishia,


I really like your idea about the Wall of Fame.  Students need to see role models  -  see who they can be.  This is a great builder for self-concept.
Jo

microsoft  office image

Bryan Hammitt says:

I have to say that I think I really am close to my dream job right now. My dream job is teaching in an area that I love and to kids whom I really enjoy. Currently, I really have both of those. There are aspects of my job that could be better, but I really enjoy teaching video productions. I’ve been told I’m a bit of a techie – guess I’d have to agree with that- and teaching video offers me the freedoms to explore new computer avenues and apply them to my classroom. Also, the students and the area I teach in are very enjoyable. Being in a rural setting, many of my students have fairly good family values and offer many positive aspects to our school. Our county is the third poorest county in Minnesota and we do have many issues with drugs and alcohol, but as a general whole, the students and their families are very pleasant to work with. This blog made me appreciate my job a little bit more….

My Reply







Bryan,
You are definitely making a difference in your student's lives.  I am sure exposing your students to video productions will open doors for them.  You have the dream job  - making a difference in an area you love.  I am sure the families appreciate you. Keep doing what you do!

Week 4- Art of Possibility ( Chapters 9-12)

The last chapters of the Art of Possibilities gave me a sense of self-awareness. This is a unique book that makes one see the possibility – a way of improving one’s view. I especially enjoyed chapters 9 and 12. In chapter 9 the author talks about practicing generating a spark of possibility for others to share. Special Educators often have to find ways to motivate  and create lessons in order to engage the struggling student. When the right spark is found, this will open the door for all possibilities for the student. 

Chapter 12 the author talks about the “Telling the We”.

We as educators need to move on from the “I” to the “We”. The teacher must have the boldness to speak on behalf of all the students. The author also suggests that leadership that is not based on what qualification you hold, but how can one incorporate what you know into what we know. What is best for the students? What will we do next? All of us must take a part – be open to the art of possibility. 

Week 3- Think Out Loud-Publishing/Leadership Project

Has it been a year already?  Wow, time really went fast.  I really want to reflect and begin using the skills 100% I have learned in this program.  The Publishing/Leadership Project is approaching quickly. I would like to present my research at a conference in the Nation's Capitol.

Week 3: " Art of Possibility" 5-8

In reading the chapters, Leading from Any Chair – Chapter 5 stood out most for me.  I reflected on my teaching experiences. Like the conductor of an orchestra, who says nothing, but directs with such an art, beautiful music is the outcome. This is the dream Educators desire to have. Give students the guidance and the belief in their own capabilities. Believe your students can! So many Educators lead and lecture instead of being the facilitator. The students are left without a chance to lead, little motivation or creativity. Educators should give the necessary information to the student, and then allow the student take an active part in learning. Give students opportunities to lead each other.   Let the student invest in his/her education or should I say lead from any chair. Allow students to enjoy learning – to be the possibility.

Week 3 -Comments on Classmates Blogs

Drew Clausing says:

When iPads came out, I was eager to get them implemented into our school on a large scale. I went to our Director of Tech and he thought it was a good idea. He consistently came to me for insight and advice about how to use them in the classroom and then eventually got most of the credit for establishing the use of iPads. A little frustrating to say the least. But although he got most of the credit at that time, he has since pushed for me to have a larger role in the tech department which also comes with a large pay increase. So I guess it evens out. I can be a ghost writer if it means more dough

My reply:

Drew,

So often when one helps in the background, little recognition is given.  You shared your expertise and got little credit initially.  Drew, because of your gift and patience, you are going to get paid!  Money, Money, Money!

JoAnn

Tina DeLuca says:


I am one of the few in my school that actually uses technology in my classroom with students. There are a couple of issues with using technology the big one is learning how to use the technology so that you can show your students how. In addition, is the time issue, as with everything teachers have no time during the day to do what we need to get done, not to mention doing something extra. Another issue is the trouble shooting that gets teachers frustrated then they stop using the technology. When I was teaching about ToonDoo I made up a little cheat sheet of all of the issues that I discovered while using that program, the teachers that had already tried ToonDoo found it helpful. The other issue is cost. Who will pay for it the school, the county, or the teacher? There are still teachers that really do not like the online grading program that we have been using the last 2 years. In my short 6 years of experience, I have found that the longer the person has been teaching the more reluctant they are to use new technology’s.


My reply:

Tina,

I agree with you. It seems it is so few of us using technology daily in the classroom. It is definitely a time issue with the teachers I work with. They want to learn about ways technology can help students, but the daily requirements for teaching gets overwhelming. It becomes too hard to add anything on their plate.
Jo