NET*S Standard #3 Presentation

Virtual Hours for Ed. Tech.

During our Google hangout on 4/8/2013 we reviewed our NET*S presentation in order to individually create our ScreenR. We also discussed the various components of the NET*S and the essential conditions. We decided to do this seeing as we had individual assignments we needed to do before our meeting on 4/20/2013. After reviewing the information we talked a bit about our own use of technology resources and such. We met from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Essential Conditions for Leveraging Technology for Learning

1) Equitable Access: Robust and reliable access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources, with connectivity for all students, staff, and school leaders.

Strategies: In order for technology to be useful within a classroom, all students and staff need to be able to access not only a technological device, but also one that works efficiently. One big issue in the classroom today is that not all students have access to the Internet at home. One way a teacher can still implement technology into the classroom is through other means. In my classroom, I use multiple technological resources. My students use their cell phones, Ipods, Ipads, laptops, tablets, home computers, and school computers to complete assignments. The one issue I have encountered is not just access to a device, but the Internet. Unfortunately, the school I’m at has a fairly poor wireless system. I am also in a part of the school that is somewhat dungeon-like and therefore access is even more pathetic. In order to overcome this frustrating obstacle, as a teacher, planning, troubleshooting, and time allotment is crucial.

2) Ongoing Professional Learning: Technology- related professional learning plans and opportunities with dedicated time to practice and share ideas.

Strategies: There is a big push for technology implementation in the classroom setting. Seeing as technology is always developing, it’s important that the professionals using those sources are trained to use them effectively and efficiently. Even more crucial is that they are training students to use them to their greatest potential. Luckily, with the focus being on technology, there are multiple opportunities out there for professional development. I have not only taken courses (like this one) in college, but also through district offered professional developments. If this is not an option or a person needs a “quick fix,” youtube and other online tutorials can help assist a person through the learning process.

Ed Tech Leadership Resources

Ed Tech Leadership Resources

www.softschools.com- this is an online curriculum resource. It includes all subject matters pre-k through middle school. 

www.schoolonwheels.org- has an online tutoring center that has supplemental curriculum and activities for students.

http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new- contains online simulations geared toward math and science activities. This gives a good visual for students trying to understand difficult concepts.

www.mathaid.com- supplemental math curriculum for students depending on the level (mainly secondary). This program costs approximately $30 per subject matter.

Sumdog.com- interactive website to strengthen math skills for primary age students.

boardmakershare.com- website that allows free downloads of pre-created communication boards for students with communication disabilities.

www.glogster.com- a way to create online posters.
http://www.polleverywhere.com - an online resource to poll students via text message.

TECH Resources

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2012/07/5-reasons-why-byod-is-a-bad-idea/

http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/08/05/bring-your-own-technology.aspx- both of these are online articles to help support the use of technology within the classroom. This will be helpful seeing as my research project is surrounding personal technology within the classroom.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com

http://techtooltutorials.weebly.com

http://www.barryjahn.com/Welcome/edu-links- These are other teacher’s webpages that compile a large list of online tools for the educational setting.

NETS*T -- ed tech standards for teachers

The NETS*T are the technology standards for teachers to follow that are presented by the International Society for Technology in Education. These standards provide a framework for educators to follow in regards to implementing technology into the classroom effectively. Realistically, technology is all around us. As a society we are consistently recreating technology to make it more user-friendly and/or accessible. This can be utilized as a wonderful resource within the classroom. With that being said, technology can also distract from the learning. In order for our technology to be implemented properly, a set of guidelines or standards need to be used as a guide. These guidelines are referred to as the NETS*T.

 One of these standards is the following: 1C- Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity: Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. In order to implement this specific standard, a teacher needs to be comfortable using various collaborative tools such as Google Docs and Groups. Another effective way to collaborate with peers is through the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and/or Blogs. In order to model this, a teacher would need to be comfortable walking students through these various programs. For example, in my Wellness I class, I have the students collaborating/reflecting on their nutrition goals using an online blog. This way, it eliminates us taking up time in class to complete the activity. The first time I asked the students to complete this activity. I walked them through how to access the blog and post a comment. Now that we are few weeks in, the students are able to complete the task on their own time. They may use their personal electronics or a home/school computer to post each wee

Google Hangout 2/26 & 2/27 Report

During our Google Hangout the past two days, Meagan, Heather and I found various resources that would act as tools to the teaching world. Luckily we are all online graduate students so doing Google Hangout came fairly easy to us. This allowed us the time to prepare our presentation over the NETS and combine our creativity in lesson planning to come up with a few stellar lesson plan ideas. We spent 1.5 hours on the 26th researching the NETS again and beginning our presentation over standard #3. The second day we also met from 6:30 pm and ended around 8:00 pm. During this time we figured out ways to implement this into the classroom in a way that would both "WOW" an administrator, but more importantly assist our students' learning. Below is a link to our presentation. Feel free to steal or borrow any of the ideas and adapt them to meet your classroom needs.

Technology...Ugh. Or is it?

I know that technology is not always embraced by educators now days. Many times it's because it can be difficult, unpredictable and seen as a disruption in the classroom. With that being said, it's inevitable. Technology is a crucial part of our society and a major form of communication for future generations. Various apps, software, websites and devices can be used as teaching aids opposed to disruptions. Coming from someone who is not technologically savvy by any means, I hope this blog not only helps me compile tricks of the trade and ways to implement technology into the classroom effectively, but also acts as a resource for other teachers in the future. Have fun and explore!