Reflection of Course

Technology Integration 101 has helped me see a bigger picture for technology in my school.  I began this course only expecting to find some more resources to use in the classroom.  Instead, I realized that I need to think about the school as a whole and not just my classroom.  I created projects and handouts that I can share with my colleagues.  I was also able to update my professional portfolio.

I see myself using the content of this course to help other teachers leave more details about technology for substitute teachers and not changing their plans because they are afraid the sub can't handle it.   I also found some wonderful resources to pass on to teachers if they are still apprehensive about technology in the classroom.  I have had 3 teachers sign up for another course from Five-Star because they have heard and seen how much I have learned!

I now have a presentation to share with the teachers, administration, and board members to hopefully get them more excited about technology in the classroom.   I believe that if they see how much our students can learn, how engaged they will be, how behavior problems may decrease, and test scores will increase, administration/board members will be more willing to help us purchase technology or write grants to receive the technology.  I have also made some contacts through this course that I can reach out to with questions or to collaborate with on projects.

I feel that I am getting closer to flipping my classroom!  My students are definitely benefiting from this course as well.  I passed on any programs I learn about and they tried them too!  We are learning together and they have seen that learning doesn't stop when you become an adult!!  Because I am feeling more confident in my ability to use technology in the classroom, the students are feeling better about themselves too!

Shifting Focus

This is a very recent and "in-progress" topic for me.  How to help students see their devices as learning tools is something I am still working on.  I am currently teaching 6th grade and this is my first year and the students' first year in using netbooks.  We started off just using email and using office to turn in work.  Most students were very capable of using the netbook in those 2 capacities.  I did however, have several students who did not know how to bookmark sites, download, upload, compose emails, or even to find programs.  It took a lot of patience and some peer help for those students.  We are still working on a few students whose only exposure to technology is at school.

I try to give students many resources to help them research, show their learning, and practice skills.  I will confess that I am still learning.  I tell the students everyday that we are learning together.  I find programs and they help me try them out and show me things.  I let them know that it is okay to try and fail because we learn through those failures...which makes them a success instead.

I do have students who will still turn on their netbooks and go straight to games or social networking.  They have to be redirected and we now turn so that I can see all netbooks at all times.  I must walk around the room and closely monitor the students.  I also found I had to push some of them into it.  I signed them up for My Big Campus and just started putting assignments on there and not passing assignments out.  It worked with a few and they even keep me trying new things.  I wish I had started things differently, but hind sight......

I tried giving explicit instructions for my first project and I discovered that it didn't work for everyone.  I am always looking for ways to engage students and help them discover their own ways to present their learning.  I find that they love helping each other and can learn a lot from each other.  I think that I will probably change the way I use technology 100 more times before the school year is over.  I also feel that using technology in any way is better than no way.  I am teaching students that we are all always learning and growing and letting them help me!

Classroom Management Challenges

This year I am experiencing my first with 1 to 1 computing.  It is sixth grade and they are a wonderful group of students.  I did not think that I would have as many small frequent issues as I do.  The small issues aside, I have experienced some problems with students off-task and simply frustrated with their technology.

My students have varied levels of technology familiarity.  I have students that are wonderful and can help others.  I have other students who do not even know how to turn the computer on.  They get frustrated and easily give up when they cannot log in or figure out how to work something.  Right now I am back-tracking to try to help those students.  Some days it is difficult to get through the assignment.  I would love to offer a class to help with some of the basic skills of those who need it.
 


A big frustration right now is helping organize students.  Students cannot keep track of all of their passwords.  I am currently trying to use My Big Campus to keep the students in one place and their work organized.  I wish I had started the year with this program and started it off better.  In all honesty, I didn't even know what I was doing when we started!  I am hoping that by January I have it all worked out and the students on board too.   I would love to have advice from others who have gone through this. 

With the lack of organization and the differentiated levels of technology, an average day is difficult.  We cannot just do the lesson, we have to deal with all of the other aspects.  Classroom management is difficult, when I am running around the room trying to help students log in, remember passwords, get a netbook to turn on, find their files or assignments, or upload documents.  This is a constant struggle that I am working on overcoming! 

Communicating with stakeholders

Integrating technology is hard enough on all involved.  Make it easier on yourself with the support of your stakeholders!  If the students, parents, administration, and community does not understand the purpose or timeline of technology integration, the road to implementation will be more difficult than necessary. When communicating with those involved they need to know where you are, where you want to go, and how you plan to get there.  I have found it is also important to take their suggestions and at least try their suggestions if at all possible.  Everyone wants to be informed and involved.

It is important that administration has a clear expectation or what will happen in and out of the classroom.  They need to understand how it will work, when it will work, and the support that everyone involved will need.  The community will need this information as well.  In addition, the community needs to know the importance of teaching and learning with technology.  They must understand the "big picture" and the means necessary to achieve it.

As for the students and parents, we need to communicate with them any way possible.  I have parents who have cell phones and no internet at home.  Therefore, I need to text them or use social media that they can access on their phones easily.  My students love Google and emailing to communicate.  We have tried sending notes home, publishing newsletters online, Twitter communication, Facebook posts, and phone calls.  I like to keep the parents and students as informed as possible, through many venues.

I have a long way to go to make sure everyone involved is informed and comfortable with technology integration, but no one can say we aren't trying as a school.  There is sometimes too much information and too many portals we go through.  I like to try everything and then back off on what does not work.  It is important to track and monitor the usage and effectiveness of the communication outlets and choose no more than you can handle.  I like to stay to 3, but at times I am trying many different ways.  Always growing, always learning!

Technology in my life!

In my personal life......I will not lie, I use technology all day, every day.  However, it may not be in the most productive or efficient way.  I use social media to communicate and track my friends and family.  I use my Google, Twitter, and Pinterest for professional development.  I love reading what is happening in other schools, with other teachers, and sharing ideas.  I use technology to collaborate, communicate, get creative ideas, and for entertainment of course

Professionally, I use technology daily as well.  I have a website and a Facebook page to communicate with parents.  I also use and online grade book system that allows me to communicate grades via email to my parents.  I use many programs to make presentation for the class.  I use my Pro board to teach.  I use my computer and many online programs to communicate and teach my students. 

I would like to improve with my effective use of technology.  So many times, I have too many programs I want to use, too many websites I want to share with students, and too many apps open on my phone.  I would like to find a place to "house" all of the apps and websites I use daily.  I am always on technology overload so to speak.  I need help deciding what best practice is for me and my students.  I am hoping this course will help me with this!!

I feel that is important to be organized and efficient.  I want the students to see that they can use technology and not overwhelm them.  Sometimes, I feel like I need to slow down and help the students think through and use those critical thinking skills instead of just doing it for them and moving them on.  I have seen the students get frustrated and not want to use technology and I want to help them and be a good role model in the way I use technology.

My Educational Philosophy

Philosophy of Education

Melissa Daniels

October 20, 2013

 The purpose of education is to help students reach their full potential.  Education is responsible for preparing students for life.  Students need education to become productive citizens that contribute to society. Education must be ever-changing, all-encompassing, and applicable to all students’ lives.  There are many contributing factors to consider when ensuring that education is successful.  The student, parents, teachers, administration, and community must each do their part in order for education to achieve its purpose.

The role of the students in their education is to be willing to learn.  All students can achieve their individual goals, as long as they are willing to do the work and listen.  Collaboration and communication are necessary throughout our lives.  Students must be held accountable for their education and their behavior.  It is the responsibility of the students to come prepared to learn, grow, and work.  Students should be allowed to explore their own interests, yet also be able to meet the expectations of others. 

As an educator, it is my responsibility to guide, motivate, and prepare students for life.  In my classroom, I strive to meet the needs of each child and help them reach their full potential.  As a teacher, I want to encourage students explore, experiment, and discover.  It is my goal to create a community of learners that have the confidence and skills necessary to be independent thinkers and leaders.  It is also my duty to help parents understand how important education is to their child and how to help them achieve. 

In order to fulfill my responsibilities as an educator, I must differentiate, help student develop social skills, and to incorporate 21^st century skills.  Technology allows me to do that and more.  The use of technology in the classroom allows me to engage students, [provide remediation, challenge, asses, and teach students how to use social media responsibly.  By exposing the students to current devices and software, they will feel more prepared and confident in their higher education or the workforce.