About me...
I'm currently a Junior at the University of South Alabama, majoring in Elementary Education.
My Philosophy on Teaching...
I plan to implement my contribution to my student’s education in the following ways: a open and trusting relationship with all of my students, a constant awareness of classroom curriculum and ever-changing educational technology, a patience and understanding of students’ different backgrounds and environments, a patience and understanding of different students’ varying development and learning processes, a constant and effective relationship with the parents and guardians of my students to promote consistent success in learning, including the lessons of respect, cooperation and kindness in every day of class, setting an example of good morals in my everyday life in hopes of translating those morals to my students, informing my students of the importance of respect for the entire world, its people and the environment, by reflecting on myself often in order to make changes and improve me as a teacher for the sake of my students, and most importantly, my desire to make learning happen, all day everyday in my classroom.
Describe a teacher who is technologically literate.
We need technologically literate teachers that:
- Have the knowledge and capabilities to inspire their students to want to start learning, creating and sharing using technology,
- Curriculum and lesson plans that are updated to meet these goals and are proven effective,
- and resources to be made available to everyone.
Should all teachers be technologically literate OR willing and able to learn and to move toward technologically literacy?
Some teachers ARE unable to learn the skills needed for technology these days. I would guess 50 percent of the teachers that make that claim are more uninterested than unable. However, If a teacher is incapable of becoming technologically literate, they should still be more than open to incorporating it into their curriculum in some way. Whether it is a fellow teacher, a parent or even a student.
If a teacher is NOT technologically literate and is unwilling or unable to become technologically literate, what should happen to him or her?
Because of the age we are living in right now, I don't think we will have to worry to terribly about technologically illiterate teachers in schools after the next ten years. Until then I don't think being unable to use technology should be an indicator of an inability to teach.; however, a refusal to allow technology as a part of their instruction may be.
Am I technologically literate?
I believe I am technologically literate relative to the average technological literacy level of people in the United States. I wouldn't say the World, but let's just say I am confident with my level of literacy in technology. I learned a lot in Dr. Strange's class this semester, no question; but, I came into the course with a fair amount of knowledge. Also, I can undoubtedly say that, the quantity of prior skills I had when entering the course, compared to some of my classmates, are a direct result of my age and the period of time during which I was raised... the 90's.
Do I intend to make every effort to be technologically literate as long as I am in the teaching profession?
With no question, technology will always be a part of my teaching. People aren't ever going to stray from technology, so I know it will always be a part of my daily life. Not only that, but I love the doors that technology opens in the teaching field. Every student from pre-school to college and from special needs to gifted/talented, can achieve an increase in learning somehow, with the use of technology.
A perfect school would be a school that has the ability to provide every child in its surrounding area with a successful learning experience- everyday, in every grade, until they are secure in a profession that makes them happy.
After reading
Dr. Strange's post on our own
EDM 310 class blog, I realized something. First, I realized I have an "intellectual trail"; I hadn't thought of that yet. Second, when I think back, I'm very happy with my current "trail". I have always tried to use my best and most appropriate ideas and writings in everything I put out into the World Wide Web. That includes Facebook, Myspace, email, school papers, online course content and now, blogs.
I'm very happy with
my class blog from EDM and also this, my first professional blog. I confident that my content that could possibly become part of my "intellectual trail" will remain to increase in quality.
So far, one of the most irreplaceable components of my professionalcareer, namely my schooling, is the programs that Google has created.... for FREE. However, one thing that strikes me as funny is that, most likely, when I start teaching, these resources will be completely outdated.
Some of the many Google Tools include:
- Google Chrome Web Browser
- Google Apps - Gmail, Google Calender, GoogleDocs - Great.
- Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus
- Picasa - I love it!
- Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
- Skype
- Google Earth - A great resource.
- Google Desktop - Something I recently downloaded.
- Adobe Reader
- Google Talk
- RealPlayer
Voicethreads are a great way to keep students interested in learning by introducing material in a new and exciting way. Not only will students be more open to learning in this new way, but I think that voicethreads in particular enable teachers to successfully get key points across. An idea I have had is to use voicethreads as a review between instruction on the subject and the assessment.
No area of education benefits more from advancements in educational technology than Special Education. One of the main goals of Special Education is to "level the playing field" for students with special needs with the use of accommodations. With the use of computers and the Internet, those possible accommodations have grown profoundly in quantity and quality.
| Software Features
| Alternative Input |
- Easy-to-Read Screens
- Consistency in Format
- Intuitive Characteristics
- Logical Labels
- Instructional Choices
- Graphics
- Friendly Documentation
- On-Screen Instructions
- Auditory Cues
- Visual Cues
- Built-in Access Methods
- Alternatives to a Mouse
- Optional Cursors
- Creation of Custom Programs
| - Switches and Switch Software
- Alternative Keyboards
- Keyboard Additions
- Access Utilities
- Interface Devices
- Voice Recognition
- Optical Character Recognition and Scanners
- Electronic pointing Devices
- Pointing and Typing Aids
- Touch Screens
- Joysticks
- Trackballs
- Arm and Wrist Supports
|
| Processing Aids | Alternative Output |
- Abbreviation Expansion and Macro Programs
- Word Prediction
- Talking and Large Print Word Processors
- Grammar and Spell Checkers
- Reading Comprehension Programs
- Writing Composition Programs
- Electronic Reference Tools
- Menu Management Program
| - Braille Embossers and Translators
- Refreshable Braille Displays
- Speech Synthesizers
- Screen Readers
- Screen Enlargement Programs
- Monitor Additions
|
| Specialized Products | |
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Environmental Control Units (ECU)
- Notetakers
- Reading Machines
- Text Telephone (TDD)
|
I look forward to seeing how quickly these tools and resources advance in the coming months.
I have every intention of having a Class Blog when I get my own classroom. I'm also going to create a personal blog in the meantime. Not really a professional blog, but just a networking blog that I can direct anyone to for them to get in touch or keep up
with me.
When I finally do get my own classroom, some things I will incorporate in my class blog will be:
- Classroom and school events
- Homework assignments
- Daily recaps
- Classroom procedures and policies
- Course standards
- Supplemental and remedial resources
- My contact information
The only other thing I will use with my students and parents is Facebook for communication. A lot of parents already have Facebook and (for now) and I think its the best choice. And this is if I had my own classroom next year. I say this because technology changes constantly. So if I find something better or if something old loses its effectiveness, i'll modify my plans.
This post will serve as a reminder for myself of the useful tools I'm now aware of that I want use in my own classroom if they serve a purpose.
- GoogleDocs
- Blogger
- Picasa
- Voicethreads
- Streaming
- Class blogs
- Personal/Professional Blogs
- Google Earth
- iTunesU
- YouTube
- TeacherTube
- Alice Christie.org
- TED.com
- Edutopia
- Delicious
- Comments4Kids
- Wikis
- ALEX/ACCESS
- SMARTboard
- Wordle
(An ongoing list)
