Technology and Integration: a Map of Realities and Possibilities

1. Technology and Integration: a Map of Realities and Possibilities Kimberly Cuyler MEDT 3401 Fall 2011

2. My Strengths • I have a working knowledge of several computer programs, other than the ones the county provides for our classroom use (i.e. Odyssey, Starfall, etc.). • I have my laptop for my use so that I do not take up a computer that one of my students could be using. • I use the flip video digital camcorder to record student work and presentations

3. 3 weaknesses and 3 workarounds • 1. Time – I do not have enough time to fully explore how new programs that I’m introduced to works. • I can set a time limit to learn one new program every 2-3 months. • 2. Money – I do not have enough money to purchase the full version of programs that I think would be helpful for my students. The free versions are a good indicator of what I could be accomplishing with my students; however, the lack of funding prevents my flexibility and ability to get my students more in depth help. • I can find one site per school year that would meet most, if not all of a specified criteria in the area of my class’ greatest weaknesses (math or language arts) and buy that program. • 3. Writing Successful Learning Focused Units – LF is now being used in my school. Because of the learning curve involved in this huge, integrating technology (other than the current programs), is very difficult. • I can work with my team to implement a plan to integrate new learning programs.

4. 3 Opportunities • 1. Partner with another teacher. I could try co-teaching (with administration approval) to use computers in each other’s classrooms for projects. • 2. Bring my children’s electronic games/systems from home. Using my children’s leap pad, quantum pad, ixl reader, and ipod in my classroom exposes some of the classroom students to “fun” and “educational” toys. • 3. Writing grants. I know this is a long shot. But, I’m willing to write grants to gain access to technology that my students need.

5. 3 threats and 3 workarounds • 1. Administrative approval – I need an administrative staff who believes in my ability to teach the standards and integrate technology that challenges the students. • I can design one project that fully integrates technology and have students to present the information to the administration staff in a small classroom presentation. • 2. Students – the students in my Title 1 school are use to the programs that they’ve been using for the last 3 or 4 years. Some are eager to explore, but most of them are reluctant or declare “I can’t do this” before they even try. • I can use small group gatherings to teach students to use different programs. • 3. Not enough computers and no lab – In our school, we only have 3-4 computers per classroom (for 22 students to use), and there is not a computer lab to send the students to. • I could partner with my teammates to maybe use their computers at a specified time 2 times a week for students to work on projects that they’ve been assigned in small group.

6. Top 5 Tools • Tablet PC • Laptop Learning • Skype • Blogging • Glogster

7. Essential Conditions I can Influence • 1. Skilled personnel – making it a priority to keep myself and my team up to date on new or interesting classroom technology • 2. Shared vision – getting administration, parents, and other teachers involved in the classroom technology vision. Giving parents input can sometimes help fuel administration to action. • 3. On-going professional learning – signing up for technology classes offered at the annex or on-line to learn about new technology

8. Assistive Technology Tools • 1.Screen reader • 2. Write: Out loud

9. 2 Goals • 1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity – making sure that my students experience a new technology (whether it’s my personal technology or a program) will inspire students • 2. Model digital-age work and learning – using technology in the classroom can pique student interest so that they will want to learn about it (i.e. nook tablet, ipod, etc.)