I'd have to say that this has been one of the best classes I have taken so far in my master's program. The online interaction was great. In many classes you don't always get to interact with your classmates, but by reading and responding to the blogs every week I had an opportunity to hear what others were saying. I am very grateful to Dr. Newberry for the flexibility in time we had in completing the assignments and post. Having small children at home makes it difficult to get to class every week and/or sit in front of my monitor at a specific time to respond to others. I probably got more done with the course set up this way than I have in other course, and I'd have to say I put more effort into my assignments because I was able to do them at a time that was best for me rather than rushing right before a class.
The information I have learned from this course has been very valuable,most of which I have already begun to use in my classroom. I have been able to open my eyes wider when it comes to administration and specifically the Ed Norman Syndrome. It seems to be a commonality among all fields not just education. The projects I have submitted are the building blocks for many more technology driven activities that I plan on pursuing.
Overall this was an excellent class and I hope that I am able to take more courses set up this way.
Activity Log:
Downloaded session 10 podcast
posted response
read and responded to other students' blogs
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Activity log week 9
read and responded to classmates blogs
listened to session 9 podcast and created blog
completed project 3
listened to session 9 podcast and created blog
completed project 3
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Session 9 Professional Development
It's amazing how the idea of professional development varies among colleagues. Some love it and are eager to attend, others feel they are burdens and rather just read about it later.
Depending on the presentation, I like many others fit into both categories. When a training or workshop comes around that I am extremely interested in, I immediately sign up. But when the district's mandated trainings arise, I am the first one to say its a waste of time. Many times I am right on the money when it comes to the trainings, and sometimes I surprise myself when I actually enjoy the mandated presentations and am disappointed in the one I was originally excited about.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) Conference in San Jose. This conference is filled with keynote speakers, workshops, and seminars all pertaining to gifted students. This was probably one of the better conferences I have attended. With it being 3 days long, I was sure to get plenty of useful information. And for the most part I did. However, there was 1 seminar that was intended to introduce some new ideas for GATE. I couldn't believe how packed it was considering all of the other workshops being offered at the same time. Like everyone else that I attended, I thought this was going to be an excellent presentation. Unfortunately I was wrong. The presenter stood and read to us what was on the power point as if we were not able to read it ourselves or follow along on the handout. We received no strategies on how to incorporate the new information or even any background on it. We merely sat and listened. This was a rather disappointing seminar for pretty much everyone there. What was suppose to be new and innovating was in reality dull and useless. Perhaps this was do to poor planning on the presenters side, or just lack of quality information.
On the upside of this convention, I attended several motivating seminars that supplied me with numerous ideas and strategies that I would live to incorporate into my classroom. Unfortunately with testing right around the corner, I have no time to add anything new into my program without taking away from the valuable test prep materials I have been instructed to give.
In conclusion, I feel that professional development is an essential part of any career path, whether it is mandated or not, dull or innovating. Regardless of the mood you set for yourself, you'll always come out with new ideas, perhaps on ways to improve the presentation, even if it is a waste of time.
Depending on the presentation, I like many others fit into both categories. When a training or workshop comes around that I am extremely interested in, I immediately sign up. But when the district's mandated trainings arise, I am the first one to say its a waste of time. Many times I am right on the money when it comes to the trainings, and sometimes I surprise myself when I actually enjoy the mandated presentations and am disappointed in the one I was originally excited about.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) Conference in San Jose. This conference is filled with keynote speakers, workshops, and seminars all pertaining to gifted students. This was probably one of the better conferences I have attended. With it being 3 days long, I was sure to get plenty of useful information. And for the most part I did. However, there was 1 seminar that was intended to introduce some new ideas for GATE. I couldn't believe how packed it was considering all of the other workshops being offered at the same time. Like everyone else that I attended, I thought this was going to be an excellent presentation. Unfortunately I was wrong. The presenter stood and read to us what was on the power point as if we were not able to read it ourselves or follow along on the handout. We received no strategies on how to incorporate the new information or even any background on it. We merely sat and listened. This was a rather disappointing seminar for pretty much everyone there. What was suppose to be new and innovating was in reality dull and useless. Perhaps this was do to poor planning on the presenters side, or just lack of quality information.
On the upside of this convention, I attended several motivating seminars that supplied me with numerous ideas and strategies that I would live to incorporate into my classroom. Unfortunately with testing right around the corner, I have no time to add anything new into my program without taking away from the valuable test prep materials I have been instructed to give.
In conclusion, I feel that professional development is an essential part of any career path, whether it is mandated or not, dull or innovating. Regardless of the mood you set for yourself, you'll always come out with new ideas, perhaps on ways to improve the presentation, even if it is a waste of time.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Activity Log
This week I:
Completed project 2
exported project 2 into a wave file
submitted project 2 to Dr. Newberry
read classmates blog post
listened to session 8 podcast
posted blog for session 8
Completed project 2
exported project 2 into a wave file
submitted project 2 to Dr. Newberry
read classmates blog post
listened to session 8 podcast
posted blog for session 8
Session 8
Data Driven Decision Making is a huge part of how my school functions. The only thing we seem to be able to factor into our classroom now is data. Data from accelerated math, accelerated reading, STAR math, STAR reading, ALS Benchmarks and of course our lovely CST's. We have so much DATA to go over its a wonder we every get anything else done after school. I know that reviewing data and highlighting the areas that need to be stressed in the classroom is a great thing. But there is such a thing as DATA overkill, at least at my school. I like knowing where my students are academically and how they perform on test, but not all test give an accurate account of your students. I am often tired of looking at data and deciding how to use it. In my classroom I know my students, I know their strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes these test we are required to give are not accurate.I am not saying that Data Driven Decision Making is a bad idea. Just the opposite, Data is good to have, its a good map to follow, but I do not believe that is should be the sole component in designing a successful plan in the classroom.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Activity Log
Submitted project 1 for approval
worked on other 2 projects
listened to podcast for session 7
created session 7 blog
read classmates blogs
responded to classmates blogs
worked on other 2 projects
listened to podcast for session 7
created session 7 blog
read classmates blogs
responded to classmates blogs
Activity Log
Submitted project 1 for approval
worked on other 2 projects
listened to podcast for session 7
created session 7 blog
read classmates blogs
responded to classmates blogs
worked on other 2 projects
listened to podcast for session 7
created session 7 blog
read classmates blogs
responded to classmates blogs
Session 7
Ed Norman is alive and well in my district. We have a network that has such strict firewalls that it is nearly impossible to find any really good web sites. If there is a particular website that I need for a lesson, I need to give it to my administrator and wait for them to send it to IT, by the time I get clearance, I have already completed the lesson. So many times, I just skip the website and find one that may not be as good, but I have access to right away. It's a shame the restrictions we have within an educational setting. I understand the concern of misuse of the Internet, but as a professional I believe I deserve a little more leeway. As a teacher who uses the computers regularly in my classroom, I think that it is my responsibility to train my students well as far as acceptable us and monitor their usage. I know many teachers do not want to be bothered with this task, so they don't mind the endless firewalls. I do believe that firewalls are important, but when you use it to the extreme, it becomes a
nuisance.
I can not say that my site's IT guy is considered an Ed Norman, he is the exact opposite. He does whatever he can to help install the software that I need within my classroom.
My Ed Norman would possibly my administrators. They know what is needed for our students to be successful with technology in the classroom, but technology is not the focus. Therefore money is not allocated to enhance it. This is what I find to be my biggest problem. I can find time to have the software installed, be trained on it, and then train my students, but I do not have the funds necessary to purchase the programs.
nuisance.
I can not say that my site's IT guy is considered an Ed Norman, he is the exact opposite. He does whatever he can to help install the software that I need within my classroom.
My Ed Norman would possibly my administrators. They know what is needed for our students to be successful with technology in the classroom, but technology is not the focus. Therefore money is not allocated to enhance it. This is what I find to be my biggest problem. I can find time to have the software installed, be trained on it, and then train my students, but I do not have the funds necessary to purchase the programs.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Activity Log
Made several attempts to attach project 1 and send to Dr. Newberry
Registered for EdTech
Listened to Session 6 podcast
Create session 6 blog
Read and comment on classmates blogs
Registered for EdTech
Listened to Session 6 podcast
Create session 6 blog
Read and comment on classmates blogs
Session # 6
After listening to the session 6 podcast it didn't take me very long to think about the barriers that exist within my classroom. In my classroom I have access to 5 computers which is the norm for the upper grade classes at my site. My 5 computers are equipped with Microsoft Office and a Renaissance Program that my district adopted. For any other software programs that I want installed, I have to wait for approval from the district. This may take weeks before I get a response and even longer to be installed once approved. If I have a problem with my computers and or printer, its normally my job to fix it, my site does not have a techie to fix those problems, we have to wait until the district tech comes by (which is once a week if we are lucky). The hardware problems aren't so hard to fix if they are minor, but I don't have the time during school hours to sit and work on them. This is a problem for many teachers at my site. Most of them don't dare to attempt to fix their computer or printer problems on their own and don't like waiting for the district tech guy to come around so they don't bother with the computers at all. It seems to be more of a burden to them than it is worth.
All of our computers are linked to a network that is not always working properly which discourages many teachers at my site form even trying something new with technology. They figure why bother if the server is always down anyways. Which brings me to another barrier. With our server on the fritz so often, how can we use the technology that we have? I can use PowerPoint with the LCD projector, but if I try to print or link to the Internet, I have no connection. And when the server is down, I do not have access to many things that I have saved in my teacher folder.
The next barrier that I would have to point out is the lack of time I have for computers in the classroom. I try to have my students on the computers every day, but with 5 computers ( I'm not complaining because its more than many teachers seem to have) I can't get everyone on equally. And when my students are on the computer they are missing valuable instruction, and I can't limit the computers to those who are proficient in academics because that would definitely be unfair.
Another barrier that I have found at my school is the lack of training and support our teachers get in technology. We do get patted on the back for using it within our classroom, but those who don't have the training or background in technology have no where to start from. They are told they should be letting the students use the computers, but for what? If they don't know how the software programs work than how can they benefit their students?
It seems that there are many barriers at my site when it comes to technology. For some reason I don't really let it bother me. I just do what I need to do. If I have a printer problem, I stay late and fix it, If I need to have a software program installed, I harass my administrator until it gets done. My students use the computers regularly and I find time to catch them up on the other stuff usually at lunch time. I have made friends with my district tech guy, so when there is a problem I can't fix, I usually call him directly which doesn't always please my administrators, but hey, if there's something that needs fixing, why should me and my students have to wait?
All of our computers are linked to a network that is not always working properly which discourages many teachers at my site form even trying something new with technology. They figure why bother if the server is always down anyways. Which brings me to another barrier. With our server on the fritz so often, how can we use the technology that we have? I can use PowerPoint with the LCD projector, but if I try to print or link to the Internet, I have no connection. And when the server is down, I do not have access to many things that I have saved in my teacher folder.
The next barrier that I would have to point out is the lack of time I have for computers in the classroom. I try to have my students on the computers every day, but with 5 computers ( I'm not complaining because its more than many teachers seem to have) I can't get everyone on equally. And when my students are on the computer they are missing valuable instruction, and I can't limit the computers to those who are proficient in academics because that would definitely be unfair.
Another barrier that I have found at my school is the lack of training and support our teachers get in technology. We do get patted on the back for using it within our classroom, but those who don't have the training or background in technology have no where to start from. They are told they should be letting the students use the computers, but for what? If they don't know how the software programs work than how can they benefit their students?
It seems that there are many barriers at my site when it comes to technology. For some reason I don't really let it bother me. I just do what I need to do. If I have a printer problem, I stay late and fix it, If I need to have a software program installed, I harass my administrator until it gets done. My students use the computers regularly and I find time to catch them up on the other stuff usually at lunch time. I have made friends with my district tech guy, so when there is a problem I can't fix, I usually call him directly which doesn't always please my administrators, but hey, if there's something that needs fixing, why should me and my students have to wait?
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Activity log
This week:
Finished project 1
Worked on project 2
Downloaded session 5 podcast
created session 5 blog
responded to classmates' blogs
Finished project 1
Worked on project 2
Downloaded session 5 podcast
created session 5 blog
responded to classmates' blogs
Session 5
Within my classroom, I have 5 student computers, 1 laptop,and 1 LCD projector and screen. I try to incorporate PowerPoint into my classroom regularly as my best practice. I don't exactly remember when or where I learned about PowerPoint. I know I took a class earlier in my college life on technology and PowerPoint was one of the software programs we used. But I remember already being familiar with the program all ready. Perhaps I used it in high school or I came across it at home and began playing around with it. I am quite proficient when it comes to PowerPoint. I enjoy all of the components and create presentations regularly. Most of my presentations are basic so that it doesn't take away from what I am trying to address. I think that by using my LCD projector and PowerPoint I am able to capture my students attention for a little longer than if I presented on the white board.
I think a lot of teachers do not incorporate powerpoint or any other type of technology in their classrooms because they are just not familiar with the program. I think if a training were to be made assessable to teachers, many would definitely want to learn about it. Another reason teachers may not use powerpoint in their classrooms may be because they do not have an LCD projector and it may make no sense to them to create something they could not share with their class.
I think a lot of teachers do not incorporate powerpoint or any other type of technology in their classrooms because they are just not familiar with the program. I think if a training were to be made assessable to teachers, many would definitely want to learn about it. Another reason teachers may not use powerpoint in their classrooms may be because they do not have an LCD projector and it may make no sense to them to create something they could not share with their class.
Session 5
Within my classroom, I have 5 student computers, 1 laptop,and 1 LCD projector and screen. I try to incorporate PowerPoint into my classroom regularly as my best practice. I don't exactly remember when or where I learned about PowerPoint. I know I took a class earlier in my college life on technology and PowerPoint was one of the software programs we used. But I remember already being familiar with the program all ready. Perhaps I used it in high school or I came across it at home and began playing around with it. I am quite proficient when it comes to PowerPoint. I enjoy all of the components and create presentations regularly. Most of my presentations are basic so that it doesn't take away from what I am trying to address. I think that by using my LCD projector and PowerPoint I am able to capture my students attention for a little longer than if I presented on the white board.
I think a lot of teachers do not incorporate powerpoint or any other type of technology in their classrooms because they are just not familiar with the program. I think if a training were to be made assessable to teachers, many would definitely want to learn about it. Another reason teachers may not use powerpoint in their classrooms may be because they do not have an LCD projector and it may make no sense to them to create something they could not share with their class.
I think a lot of teachers do not incorporate powerpoint or any other type of technology in their classrooms because they are just not familiar with the program. I think if a training were to be made assessable to teachers, many would definitely want to learn about it. Another reason teachers may not use powerpoint in their classrooms may be because they do not have an LCD projector and it may make no sense to them to create something they could not share with their class.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Activity Log:
This week I began my project 1. I went to www.Getty.edu to copy some artwork that would be displayed at the museum and pasted them into my powerpoint. I also went to Google and looked up artwork on Monet, Gauguin, and Cezanne. There were so many different portraits, that I decided to limit my powerpoints to one artist each. I then copied and pasted several different portraits onto my slides. I manipulated several slides and enhanced the transitions.
I bought a microphone to use in my 3rd project and looked into websites that create podcast.
I commented on my classmates blogs for this week.
I watched the session 4 podcast and created my blog.
This week I began my project 1. I went to www.Getty.edu to copy some artwork that would be displayed at the museum and pasted them into my powerpoint. I also went to Google and looked up artwork on Monet, Gauguin, and Cezanne. There were so many different portraits, that I decided to limit my powerpoints to one artist each. I then copied and pasted several different portraits onto my slides. I manipulated several slides and enhanced the transitions.
I bought a microphone to use in my 3rd project and looked into websites that create podcast.
I commented on my classmates blogs for this week.
I watched the session 4 podcast and created my blog.
session 4
I would say that I am an early adapter in the diffusion of technology. I am one of the leaders at my site when it comes to technology. I have developed several different lesson on powerpoint that I use within my classroom and I try to use my LCD projector daily in class whether it is showing the class how to Google search for research, or for playing brain pop, or study island. I use my computer dialy to create projects, to keep track of my grading, to teach my students a new concept within a program like word, excel, or powerpoint. I really enjoy using technology at school, but at home I'm probably not so efficient. At school, I am called to troubleshoot many problems my colleagues have with technology. I am the first person my administrators go to when they have a technology question for our site. I have trained teachers in the past on how to use certain software. I am also my school site representative for our district's technology committee. I always enjoying sharing ideas at work. But at home, my technology usage is limited. I usually go on line to search the web for information pertaining to school, or to create some type of presentation. I'm not one for MP3 Players, IPOD's, or any other digital device. My daughter has an IPOD, and I'm clueless as to how it works. My husband has a Sirius Satellite Radio for his car, and I think its pointless. I'm ok with old fashioned technology when it comes to being at home. Whenever the computer is on the fritz, I have my husband check on it. Maybe its a time thing, or maybe I'm just burned out on technology by the time I get home and I just want to be a mom. But its funny to realize that I am two very different people when it comes to technology.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Session 3
Question: Can technology integration in American classrooms adequately or correctly be expressed as a hierarchy? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely yes. In today's classrooms it is very rare to see technology being used on a regular basis throughout the day. At my site, and as well as many others, it has been a norm to allow students to use computers as a reward. I know I have been guilty of it in the past. I know several teachers who only use their computers as a tool to communicate via school email, and very few who actually use it for a grading system. For the most part it seems that many teachers are still stuck in the habit of only using their computers as a tool. In the more advanced classes, or classes with teachers who have a little more knowledge of computer technology, you will find that some computers are being used as a non integrated use for a student tools such as in accelerated math or accelerated reading, where the students are only using the computers to take test or to scan answer keys. I would like to think that I have surpassed these levels of hierarchy and integrate the use of technology not only for me, but also that my students are actively engage with technology. I find myself trying everyday to have students on the computer whether it is for researching or for typing. I have a LCD projector in my classroom, which i use every day. Whether if is for brain pop or just googling information on line. I think the exposure is essential. I feel it is important to train our students to become familiar with computer technology. After all it is the way of the future.
Yes, definitely yes. In today's classrooms it is very rare to see technology being used on a regular basis throughout the day. At my site, and as well as many others, it has been a norm to allow students to use computers as a reward. I know I have been guilty of it in the past. I know several teachers who only use their computers as a tool to communicate via school email, and very few who actually use it for a grading system. For the most part it seems that many teachers are still stuck in the habit of only using their computers as a tool. In the more advanced classes, or classes with teachers who have a little more knowledge of computer technology, you will find that some computers are being used as a non integrated use for a student tools such as in accelerated math or accelerated reading, where the students are only using the computers to take test or to scan answer keys. I would like to think that I have surpassed these levels of hierarchy and integrate the use of technology not only for me, but also that my students are actively engage with technology. I find myself trying everyday to have students on the computer whether it is for researching or for typing. I have a LCD projector in my classroom, which i use every day. Whether if is for brain pop or just googling information on line. I think the exposure is essential. I feel it is important to train our students to become familiar with computer technology. After all it is the way of the future.
Project Proposal # 2
ETEC 623 Project Proposal Format
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: E-Chalk
Project Focus: Communicating about effective technology use (focus 2
Project Description:
I will create a pod cast for the staff to give them step by step ways to implement E-chalk. This is a great way to administer training so that the staff can work at their own pace. I hope to learn how to create a pod cast.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my pod cast for review.
Project Timeline:
This project will start on 2/3/07 by looking up information on pod cast and how to create one. By 2/15/07 I will have the detailed directions for using e-chalk completed. By 3/7/07 I will have the completed podcast ready for review.
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: E-Chalk
Project Focus: Communicating about effective technology use (focus 2
Project Description:
I will create a pod cast for the staff to give them step by step ways to implement E-chalk. This is a great way to administer training so that the staff can work at their own pace. I hope to learn how to create a pod cast.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my pod cast for review.
Project Timeline:
This project will start on 2/3/07 by looking up information on pod cast and how to create one. By 2/15/07 I will have the detailed directions for using e-chalk completed. By 3/7/07 I will have the completed podcast ready for review.
Project Proposal # 3
ETEC 623 Project Proposal Format
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: School Acceptable Use Policy
Project Focus: Supporting technology (focus 3)
Project Description:
I will create a draft of a school acceptable use policy for students and staff. The purpose of this is to inform students, staff members, and parents what is acceptable use as well as unacceptable use of the internet. I feel this is an important topic because several staff members are unaware of what is acceptable use for student computers. I expect to learn a great deal of information about the schools site’s liability when the internet is used improperly.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my completed policy.
Project Timeline:
I will begin my project on 1/28/07 by speaking to a site administer regarding Acceptable Use policy. I will research information via the internet for different versions of a school’s acceptable use policy by 2/10/07. My project will be completed by 2/22/07
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: School Acceptable Use Policy
Project Focus: Supporting technology (focus 3)
Project Description:
I will create a draft of a school acceptable use policy for students and staff. The purpose of this is to inform students, staff members, and parents what is acceptable use as well as unacceptable use of the internet. I feel this is an important topic because several staff members are unaware of what is acceptable use for student computers. I expect to learn a great deal of information about the schools site’s liability when the internet is used improperly.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my completed policy.
Project Timeline:
I will begin my project on 1/28/07 by speaking to a site administer regarding Acceptable Use policy. I will research information via the internet for different versions of a school’s acceptable use policy by 2/10/07. My project will be completed by 2/22/07
Project Proposal # 1
ETEC 623 Project Proposal Format
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: Art History Power Point Presentation
Project Focus: Using technology (focus 1)
Project Description:
I will be creating a power point presentation on one of the artist that will be on display at an upcoming fieldtrip. I will search the web for artwork that can be copied and pasted onto a power point presentation. I will attempt to manipulate the art work to fit into each slide attractively. My goal is to include sound with my presentation. I will learn how to download music from a CD or web page that I can incorporate into the presentation. My focus will be on slide transition as well as timing. I am hoping to create a presentation that will give my students a background on a particular artist as well as expose them to an entertaining presentation. I hope to learn as much as I can regarding power point and to eventually become an expert for my classroom.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my completed power point presentation for review.
Quality indicators will be art work, slide transition, as well as background music.
These artifacts will show the amount of time and effort that I put into a presentation project.
Project Timeline:
My project will begin on 1/28/07 and end on 2/18/07. By 2/5/07 I will have downloaded artwork to include in my presentation. By 2/10/07 I will have learned how to download music onto my computer. By 2/15/07 I will have the basic presentation completed. By 2/18/07 I will have my final project completed.
Your Name: Michele Russell
Project Title: Art History Power Point Presentation
Project Focus: Using technology (focus 1)
Project Description:
I will be creating a power point presentation on one of the artist that will be on display at an upcoming fieldtrip. I will search the web for artwork that can be copied and pasted onto a power point presentation. I will attempt to manipulate the art work to fit into each slide attractively. My goal is to include sound with my presentation. I will learn how to download music from a CD or web page that I can incorporate into the presentation. My focus will be on slide transition as well as timing. I am hoping to create a presentation that will give my students a background on a particular artist as well as expose them to an entertaining presentation. I hope to learn as much as I can regarding power point and to eventually become an expert for my classroom.
Project Artifacts:
I will post my completed power point presentation for review.
Quality indicators will be art work, slide transition, as well as background music.
These artifacts will show the amount of time and effort that I put into a presentation project.
Project Timeline:
My project will begin on 1/28/07 and end on 2/18/07. By 2/5/07 I will have downloaded artwork to include in my presentation. By 2/10/07 I will have learned how to download music onto my computer. By 2/15/07 I will have the basic presentation completed. By 2/18/07 I will have my final project completed.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Session 2
Management vs. Leadership
After listening to Dr. Newberry's podcast, I immediately began thinking of an administrator that I had several years ago who is no longer with my district. This administrator was definitely a technology leader. Not only did she manage all of the paperwork associated with technology like creating a technology plan, scheduling trainings for teachers on how to implement new technology, looking at the cost effectiveness of certain software, etc. She also engage both the staff and students with power point presentations, digital camera videos of students within their classrooms and outside on the playground. She encouraged the staff to try new technology and not to feel inadequate if they were unable to utilize it. She wanted to make sure each staff member had the opportunity to learn how to use technology and then incorporate it into the classroom. She was never pushy and did not give deadlines as to when a program needed to be mastered, instead she teamed up individuals that could help or learn from one another in order to make the transition to technology less painful. I have not had an administrator like that in a long while, nor have I seen many managers step up to plate as far as technology goes. It would be nice to train managers to be leaders especially where technology is concerned. There are many senior teachers out there that would love to learn about all of the new technology that is available to them. It just needs to be presented in a different manner.
Activity log:
I watched the podcast by Dr. Newberry and the read several post from my classmates. I then created my own post based on my experience of managers and leaders. And am now working on redefining my project topics.
After listening to Dr. Newberry's podcast, I immediately began thinking of an administrator that I had several years ago who is no longer with my district. This administrator was definitely a technology leader. Not only did she manage all of the paperwork associated with technology like creating a technology plan, scheduling trainings for teachers on how to implement new technology, looking at the cost effectiveness of certain software, etc. She also engage both the staff and students with power point presentations, digital camera videos of students within their classrooms and outside on the playground. She encouraged the staff to try new technology and not to feel inadequate if they were unable to utilize it. She wanted to make sure each staff member had the opportunity to learn how to use technology and then incorporate it into the classroom. She was never pushy and did not give deadlines as to when a program needed to be mastered, instead she teamed up individuals that could help or learn from one another in order to make the transition to technology less painful. I have not had an administrator like that in a long while, nor have I seen many managers step up to plate as far as technology goes. It would be nice to train managers to be leaders especially where technology is concerned. There are many senior teachers out there that would love to learn about all of the new technology that is available to them. It just needs to be presented in a different manner.
Activity log:
I watched the podcast by Dr. Newberry and the read several post from my classmates. I then created my own post based on my experience of managers and leaders. And am now working on redefining my project topics.
Session 1
I'm not sure exactly what format I am supposed to use for this assignment, so I will just go ahead and answer the podcast questions.
- Technology use
I use technology on a daily basis in my classroom via a LCD Projector. Whether I am showing a power point, teaching my students how to research information on the internet, or just playing Brain pop. I try to have my students on the computer every day mainly to work on reports.
-Communicating to others
I use my email daily to communicate with my staff, district, and parents. I alsop have a classroom webpage that my students can access at home via the internet to contact me, to view any mised homework assignments, or to just to search for website links.
- Supporting technology
I am currently my school's technology rep for our district. I sit in on district technology meetings and relay information back and forth to my site and to my district coordinator. I am also my school's echalk coordinator, where I help the staff set up classroom webpages. I have trained both staff and students on several different software programs, but I would not say I am an expert in the field.
-Learning Contract
I would like to complete all three assignments in order to receive an A in this class. I am not sure as to what my projects will be based on at this point.
- Activity log
I have viewed session 1's podcast and have explored all three links to creating a blog.I have created my first blog and have posted comments on fellow classmates blogs.
- Technology use
I use technology on a daily basis in my classroom via a LCD Projector. Whether I am showing a power point, teaching my students how to research information on the internet, or just playing Brain pop. I try to have my students on the computer every day mainly to work on reports.
-Communicating to others
I use my email daily to communicate with my staff, district, and parents. I alsop have a classroom webpage that my students can access at home via the internet to contact me, to view any mised homework assignments, or to just to search for website links.
- Supporting technology
I am currently my school's technology rep for our district. I sit in on district technology meetings and relay information back and forth to my site and to my district coordinator. I am also my school's echalk coordinator, where I help the staff set up classroom webpages. I have trained both staff and students on several different software programs, but I would not say I am an expert in the field.
-Learning Contract
I would like to complete all three assignments in order to receive an A in this class. I am not sure as to what my projects will be based on at this point.
- Activity log
I have viewed session 1's podcast and have explored all three links to creating a blog.I have created my first blog and have posted comments on fellow classmates blogs.
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