Reflective Essay

      

     This course provided me with hands on activities within the assignments that required the use of technology. I felt at times I was pushed to my full capability as a student when introduced to technology programs that I was unfamiliar with. In this course I created Blogs, Wiki’s,  ePortfolio, WebQuest, Collaborative Lesson Plan, Discussion Board, etc. Working with these for the first time was challenging however I felt happy with how my projects turned out and I am excited to apply them in the classroom. I feel that by using technology I can teach my students more effectively.

    Thanks to this class I have many educational blogs that I can continue to check out and use for inspiration. There are many great sources of information out there and while I do intend to research new ways of using them I find it will be more meaningful if I continue to create as well.

     A goal I have set for myself is to change the role I have as a teacher. I want a classroom that is not teacher-centered, but student-centered. With the advancements of in technology students have access to a wealth of information and knowledge. This has changed the dynamic of the teacher in the fact that the teacher is not the only source of knowledge or facts in the classroom. It was stated that, “The National Technology Plan released in January 2005 went so far as to admit that “today’s students, of almost any age, are far ahead of their teachers in computer literacy. They prefer to access subject information on the Internet, where it is more abundant, more accessible and more up to date” (National Educational Technology Plan, 2005), (Richardson, 2009). Therefore, it is my goal to instill in my students that the classroom is their area to be self-directed, research, communicate, and create. These are all necessary skills for students to have to be successful in their futures. In addition to this, creating learning opportunities that are relevant to students’ lives makes more of a lasting impact. Students are more interested in topics that relate to their lives and if they know they will use the skill in their futures. Using technology in the classroom allows for this to occur. This goal allows students to embrace and understand the relevance of being lifelong learners.

Ipad for Show and Tale at the PreK class

     This course has helped me develop my technology skills. I feel that I have been given many new tools with which to teach my students, which really excites me. During this course we have explored the evolution of teaching. The biggest thing I have learned from this course is that the process of teaching and learning is always changing. A teacher who is still relying on lectures and blackboards is really doing their students a disservice. By not utilizing technology in the classroom these students will enter college and their careers steps behind their peers. Students today have grown up immersed in technology; it is a large part of every aspect of their life. Because if this it should also be a large part of their education. Creating a lesson that forces students to collaborate in small groups, discover information on their own, and enables creativity will be much more impactful than making students write a book full of notes. Using the building blocks that this course has provided will allow me to continue using technology in my classroom. By making lessons that require creativity I will transform my classroom from an area not fixed on me, but centered on the students. I intend to use all the resources provided to help me achieve my goals of integrating technology in my classroom and becoming more learner centered.

      Overall, I feel that the use of technology has changes the way I learn in school. This Technology class has helped me to become more organized, it also have provided incredible sources on the Internet that I am able to use for educational purposes and other things as well, because after all without the technology we have today I feel that none of us would be able to survive, we would all have to do our work the old fashion way and get our resources from a book. In conclusion the use of technology has changes the way I learn.

Resources

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming teaching with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon

McHale, T. (2005). Portrait of a digital native. Technology& Learning. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.techlearning.com/article/4572.

 Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

 

Chapter #11 Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Focus Question 2:   How can teachers and students use digital portfolios as tools for learning?

A student work for digital portfolio by Nicole

• A digital portfolio for a teacher is an indivually prepared collection of work that communicates who a teacher is and what that teacher knows and is able to do in academic subjects and classroom teaching.
• A standards-based digital portfolio serves as a way for new teacher candidates to connect lesson plans, teaching evaluations, and other work done in the classroom to the specific professional teaching standards they are required to meet in order to earn a teacher license.
• The advantages of digital portfolios include easy access, ready-made portability, creative information displays, experience in developing technology skills, and the sharing of information with educational community.
• The disadvantages of digital portfolios include the need for technical knowledge and skill, ongoing support, computer access, and time, as well as the possibility that style will override substance in the presentation of information.

There are three main types of e-portfolios, although they may be referred to using different terms:

• developmental (e.g., working),
• reflective (e.g., learning), and
• representational (e.g., showcase).

A developmental e-portfolio is a record of things that the owner has done over a period of time, and may be directly tied to learner outcomes or rubrics. A reflective e-portfolio includes personal reflection on the content and what it means for the owner's development. A representational e-portfolio shows the owner's achievements in relation to particular work or developmental goals and is, therefore, selective.


Tech Tool 11.1   EduTools

EduTools is a suite of free, easy-to-use Web-based tools that allow users to collect, analyze, and weigh information about a variety of e-learning products, services, and policies. EduTools’ approach is to help the higher education community make well-informed decisions in three primary areas: course management systems; student services; and e-learning policies.


Conclusion

An e-portfolio or digital portfolio, is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually on the Web. Such electronic evidence may include inputted text, electronic files, images, multimedia, blog entries, and hyperlink. E-portfolios are both demonstrations of the user's abilities and platforms for self-expression, and, if they are online, they can be maintained dynamically over time. Some e-portfolio applications permit varying degrees of audience access, so the same portfolio might be used for multiple purposes. I will be share with my co-worker about the digital portfolio.  When our class started; we introduce our self with a letter to a parents.  With tools that are free and easy to use web based we will able to inform and introduce information to the parents about our center or our services to them.


Resources


Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming teaching with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon

Chapter #10 Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Focus Questions 3:  How does assistive technology support efforts by teachers to reach all learners?

• Assitive technologies  are tools that make academic material more accessible to students by minimizing barries while maximizing opportunities for learning.
• Handled spellers and dictionaries, speech recognition software, text reading software, and interactive eletronic storybooks are all technologies that can promote learning success for many different students.

What is assistive technologies?

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...", The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (US).

Assistive Technology products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.


How Assistive Technology can help In Education of The Visually Impaired

 

Braillebooks

Audio books

Digital Talking books

Screen Reading Softwares

Screen Magnification

OCR – scan & read

Assistive Technology for The Visually Impaired – DemoScreen Reading Software - JAWS for windows
 

From low tech, no cost solutions to elaborate computer-based solutions

• Access for Physical/Mobility Impairment where basic computer accessibility, speech to text software, switch access, “sip-n-puff’ mouth controlled joysticks, hands-free mice, eye-trackers, LOMAK keyboard, and head motion devices are utilized.
• Access for Blind/Visual Impairment where screen magnifiers, enlarged keyboards, large screen TVs, scanners with text optical recognition and screen readers are utilized.

• Access for Hearing/Speech Impairment where basic computer accessibility with beeps and on-screen visual notifications, headphones, voice input and laptop communication devices are used . 
• As technologies continue to evolve, works to discover new approaches to providing quality information, resources and services to help people with disabilities reach their goals.
• Access for Cognitive Impairment where simple displays, word prediction software, augmentative communication, digital pens, and reading, writing and learning software are used.

Assistive Technology in the Classroom | Dell

"Empower students with disabilities to reach their potential with Dell's ... Assistive technology opens up the world for your district's students with ... Choosing the right ones for your students, and then implementing and supporting them can be ... toll-free service and have access to all assistive technology device specifications."

Conclusion

Ongoing Education and Research efforts discover new ways to serve people with disabilities and educate communities—all with the intent of making progress for them to gain greater independence. Research is an ongoing process in the field of disability advocacy. 

 

As technologies continue to evolve, works to discover new approaches to providing quality information, resources and services to help people with disabilities reach their goals.

 

Resources


Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming teaching with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon