Personal Technology Plan
Sonja Brooks
CEP 812 - Summer 2010
The Vision:
How Technology plays a significant role in my part in education...
The technology superhighway has taken a turn into our classrooms. We can choose to either ignore it or accept it. I choose to be a teacher that not only accepts it, but provides an entrance ramp for my students to hop on and be educated through appropriate uses of technology. Technology is saturating our lives. Many students know how to use technology when they come to us even in the primary grades and those who don't need the exposure. In 2005 about 70% of households had internet access (Salpeter, 2006). Admittedly, here in 2010, my household is one of the homes that doesn't have internet connection! I utilize my resources and go online at my parent's house, friend's houses, library, and work (school). Some of the students included in the 30% of homes without internet access may be in my same position where they can use the internet at all the places I listed, but for some, school may be their only option. With technology being such an integral part of our lives and future, I feel it is my responsibility as an educator to provide students with appropriate technology exposure as it applies to the curriculum. Technology is a powerful tool that can and should be used for learning.
The promises of technology in education...
Technology promises to be a valuable addition to the classroom. In an article by J. Bransford, 1999, five ways technology can be used in education are explored.
1. bringing exciting curricula based on real-world problems into the classroom;
2. providing scaffolds and tools to enhance learning;
3. giving students and teachers more opportunities for feedback, reflection, and revision;
4. building local and global communities that include teachers, administrators, students, parents, practicing scientists, and other interested people; and
5. expanding opportunities for teacher learning. (Bransford, 1999)
Learning based on real world problems and situations brings the classroom to life and gives the students a sense of purpose. Focusing on the elementary level, there are interactive websites that can be used. For example, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park website there is an interactive feature to learn about and build a habitat for pandas. Just because you can’t visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in person doesn’t mean you can’t interact with it. Technology makes that possible. Visit the zoo or other places of interest on a virtual field trip. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park website also offers many live feed videos of their exhibits.
Providing scaffolds and tools is an important part of learning. Technology offers many ways to do this. In the Masters in the Art of Educational Technology program at Michigan State University we learn how to scaffold information through a mini interactive tutorial called a StAIR. I was successful in creating a StAIR and using it in my classroom to teach children about counting coins. Sound Reading Solutions is another scaffolding software that aides in reading instruction. It is a program that is set up as computer games. The computer chooses games for the learner based on performance on the tasks.
Time for feedback, reflection, and revision can seem to elude us. Blogs such as Edublogs or Blogger, make it possible for teachers, students and parents to communicate about assignments. RSS Readers sites such as NetVibes allows you to keep track of all the blogs you follow, for example, your student'sblogs. Free webpage builder Weebly also has a built in blogging feature. Free Surveys can be created and taken online to provide feedback. One such survey site is Survey Monkey. The site makes it possible to not only receive feedback, but also analyze the results easily. Classroom “Clickers” can also be used to take quizzes and gather feedback. One such clicker is made by Meridia Audience Response. In an article titled Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach by Margie Martyn, she states that clickers keep the students actively engaged and allows an instructor to provide prompt feedback to students. This occurs through inputting selections in the clicker. The device sends the information to the teacher station.
Building local and global communities is an important aspect of education. In real life, the students will be expected to work and communicate with people globally. Email has made it possible to have pen pals across the world and receive timely feedback for letters. Virtual field trips have made it possible to visit destinations to far or expensive to travel to on a bus. Evideon has made it possible to share what is going on in schools across our district without ever leaving our classroom.
Technology provides expansion for teacher learning as well. In the online MAET program through MSU we are working with group mates scattered across the country. In our district we are now using Pearson Inform to collect and analyze data on our learners. We are also able to share and learn collaboratively through email, the online course management site Moodle, and maintaining an RSS Reader page with access to professional learning community podcasts and blogs. The internet has proven to be an invaluable resource as teachers and organizations share ideas, lesson plans, WebQuests, and more for free.
As time goes on, more and more opportunities become available and existing ones are updated to keep up with our changing times and technologies.
The pitfalls of technology in education...
Although technology has many positive promises for education we need to keep in mind that there are pitfalls as well. Technology may promise many things but that doesn’t mean it should replace all other methods of learning. (Thornburg, D. 1999) Technology should be used when it enhances the learning, not just for the sake of using technology.
Pitfalls of using the internet can include websites not being maintained, broken links on pages, and useful websites being blocked at the school in an effort to keep out inappropriate material.
Pitfalls of using new programs include users not knowing how to navigate them or use them to their potential, time to learn the program, and time to teach it to the students or volunteers.
Cost can also be a pitfall if you are looking to purchase new technologies, software, or keep the current computers you have in working order.
As with any lesson, a lesson using technology may not go exactly as planned and surprises may arise in the course of planning or instruction.
Though there are many pitfalls, I believe the promises of technology outweigh them. Technology is part of our life and culture now. It is here to stay so let’s embrace it and learn how to make it work to enhance our classrooms.
Technologies in my Setting…
Through grants offered by my school district and other sources, there is great potential for technology in my setting. The scope of potential technologies that exist constantly increases. We don’t know what will be available next. Many of the technologies are costly, but there are also many free downloads available. That is why it is so important to keep up on the newest technologies. One way to do this is through an RSS feed. Subscribe to blogs and professional technology publications and the updates will be sent right to you.
In the CARET' review of the article based on the findings in the Zhao et. al. (2002) it is stated that, "Researchers found that the most successful technology projects were those where teachers were least dependent on resources beyond their reach" I am fortunate to teach in a district where many different technologies are already available. These include:
-Interactive SmartBoard in my classroom
-Pearson Inform
-Skyward
-Microsoft Office
-Kidspiration, Kid Keys, KidPix
-Computer Lab
-Classroom Computer
-United Streaming and Evideon
-Moodle
-Sound Reading Solutions
-Internet Access
-Email
-Virtual Field Trips
-Digital Camera
-Accelerated Reader (AR)
The technology superhighway has taken a turn into our classrooms. We can choose to either ignore it or accept it. I choose to be a teacher that not only accepts it, but provides an entrance ramp for my students to hop on and be educated through appropriate uses of technology. Technology is saturating our lives. Many students know how to use technology when they come to us even in the primary grades and those who don't need the exposure. In 2005 about 70% of households had internet access (Salpeter, 2006). Admittedly, here in 2010, my household is one of the homes that doesn't have internet connection! I utilize my resources and go online at my parent's house, friend's houses, library, and work (school). Some of the students included in the 30% of homes without internet access may be in my same position where they can use the internet at all the places I listed, but for some, school may be their only option. With technology being such an integral part of our lives and future, I feel it is my responsibility as an educator to provide students with appropriate technology exposure as it applies to the curriculum. Technology is a powerful tool that can and should be used for learning.
The promises of technology in education...
Technology promises to be a valuable addition to the classroom. In an article by J. Bransford, 1999, five ways technology can be used in education are explored.
1. bringing exciting curricula based on real-world problems into the classroom;
2. providing scaffolds and tools to enhance learning;
3. giving students and teachers more opportunities for feedback, reflection, and revision;
4. building local and global communities that include teachers, administrators, students, parents, practicing scientists, and other interested people; and
5. expanding opportunities for teacher learning. (Bransford, 1999)
Learning based on real world problems and situations brings the classroom to life and gives the students a sense of purpose. Focusing on the elementary level, there are interactive websites that can be used. For example, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park website there is an interactive feature to learn about and build a habitat for pandas. Just because you can’t visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in person doesn’t mean you can’t interact with it. Technology makes that possible. Visit the zoo or other places of interest on a virtual field trip. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park website also offers many live feed videos of their exhibits.
Providing scaffolds and tools is an important part of learning. Technology offers many ways to do this. In the Masters in the Art of Educational Technology program at Michigan State University we learn how to scaffold information through a mini interactive tutorial called a StAIR. I was successful in creating a StAIR and using it in my classroom to teach children about counting coins. Sound Reading Solutions is another scaffolding software that aides in reading instruction. It is a program that is set up as computer games. The computer chooses games for the learner based on performance on the tasks.
Time for feedback, reflection, and revision can seem to elude us. Blogs such as Edublogs or Blogger, make it possible for teachers, students and parents to communicate about assignments. RSS Readers sites such as NetVibes allows you to keep track of all the blogs you follow, for example, your student'sblogs. Free webpage builder Weebly also has a built in blogging feature. Free Surveys can be created and taken online to provide feedback. One such survey site is Survey Monkey. The site makes it possible to not only receive feedback, but also analyze the results easily. Classroom “Clickers” can also be used to take quizzes and gather feedback. One such clicker is made by Meridia Audience Response. In an article titled Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach by Margie Martyn, she states that clickers keep the students actively engaged and allows an instructor to provide prompt feedback to students. This occurs through inputting selections in the clicker. The device sends the information to the teacher station.
Building local and global communities is an important aspect of education. In real life, the students will be expected to work and communicate with people globally. Email has made it possible to have pen pals across the world and receive timely feedback for letters. Virtual field trips have made it possible to visit destinations to far or expensive to travel to on a bus. Evideon has made it possible to share what is going on in schools across our district without ever leaving our classroom.
Technology provides expansion for teacher learning as well. In the online MAET program through MSU we are working with group mates scattered across the country. In our district we are now using Pearson Inform to collect and analyze data on our learners. We are also able to share and learn collaboratively through email, the online course management site Moodle, and maintaining an RSS Reader page with access to professional learning community podcasts and blogs. The internet has proven to be an invaluable resource as teachers and organizations share ideas, lesson plans, WebQuests, and more for free.
As time goes on, more and more opportunities become available and existing ones are updated to keep up with our changing times and technologies.
The pitfalls of technology in education...
Although technology has many positive promises for education we need to keep in mind that there are pitfalls as well. Technology may promise many things but that doesn’t mean it should replace all other methods of learning. (Thornburg, D. 1999) Technology should be used when it enhances the learning, not just for the sake of using technology.
Pitfalls of using the internet can include websites not being maintained, broken links on pages, and useful websites being blocked at the school in an effort to keep out inappropriate material.
Pitfalls of using new programs include users not knowing how to navigate them or use them to their potential, time to learn the program, and time to teach it to the students or volunteers.
Cost can also be a pitfall if you are looking to purchase new technologies, software, or keep the current computers you have in working order.
As with any lesson, a lesson using technology may not go exactly as planned and surprises may arise in the course of planning or instruction.
Though there are many pitfalls, I believe the promises of technology outweigh them. Technology is part of our life and culture now. It is here to stay so let’s embrace it and learn how to make it work to enhance our classrooms.
Technologies in my Setting…
Through grants offered by my school district and other sources, there is great potential for technology in my setting. The scope of potential technologies that exist constantly increases. We don’t know what will be available next. Many of the technologies are costly, but there are also many free downloads available. That is why it is so important to keep up on the newest technologies. One way to do this is through an RSS feed. Subscribe to blogs and professional technology publications and the updates will be sent right to you.
In the CARET' review of the article based on the findings in the Zhao et. al. (2002) it is stated that, "Researchers found that the most successful technology projects were those where teachers were least dependent on resources beyond their reach" I am fortunate to teach in a district where many different technologies are already available. These include:
-Interactive SmartBoard in my classroom
-Pearson Inform
-Skyward
-Microsoft Office
-Kidspiration, Kid Keys, KidPix
-Computer Lab
-Classroom Computer
-United Streaming and Evideon
-Moodle
-Sound Reading Solutions
-Internet Access
-Virtual Field Trips
-Digital Camera
-Accelerated Reader (AR)
Current Technology Use in My Classroom (August 2010):
SmartBoard - This interactive tool keeps the kids attention, saves our work, and opens up possibilities for creating games, or using internet resources as a whole class.
Pearson Inform - Input assessment data. This makes it possible to analyze district assessment data for the student’s current and past grades.
Digital Storytelling – Digital Storytelling is something I began doing in the summer of 2010 with my first graders. Currently I use PowerPoint’s slide show and narration feature to help the students create their digital story.
StAIR – I have used the StAIR I created in PowerPoint called The Story of Money with my first graders. I have also passed it on to our special education teachers who use it with their students.
Excel – I use excel to keep track of grades. I also use it to track DRA II scores and progress. The sort and filter feature allows me to easily analyze the data. I also use this program to make resources to use with the children.
Microsoft Word – I use this program to create a weekly newsletter, lesson plan, and create resources to use with the students.
Digital Camera – I use this resource with student projects. When we publish writing pieces we snap a photo for their about the author section.
Website – I began building a classroom website in the summer of 2010.
United Streaming and Evideon – These two resources are full of video resources to enhance the curriculum. Evideon is also used for morning video announcements and also to share in our Martin Luther King Day celebration across the district.
Skyward – Is used for grades and Attendance/Lunch Count Communication
Classroom Computer – This is used to enhance what the children are learning or provide extra practice. Sound Reading Solutions, Internet Games, Microsoft Word Typing of Sentences, StAIR presentation, etc.
Internet Access – I use the internet to access free resources available to enhance lessons, games, and WebQuests.
Computer Lab – I take the students to the lab to complete a WebQuest, type sentences, play educational games, take AR Quizes.
Moodle – Moodle is used to collaborate with our first grade team across the district. I have also begun making a course in Moodle to share SmartBoard resources we create across the district.
Email – Email is used daily to communicate throughout our building, district, and with parents.
Pearson Inform - Input assessment data. This makes it possible to analyze district assessment data for the student’s current and past grades.
Digital Storytelling – Digital Storytelling is something I began doing in the summer of 2010 with my first graders. Currently I use PowerPoint’s slide show and narration feature to help the students create their digital story.
StAIR – I have used the StAIR I created in PowerPoint called The Story of Money with my first graders. I have also passed it on to our special education teachers who use it with their students.
Excel – I use excel to keep track of grades. I also use it to track DRA II scores and progress. The sort and filter feature allows me to easily analyze the data. I also use this program to make resources to use with the children.
Microsoft Word – I use this program to create a weekly newsletter, lesson plan, and create resources to use with the students.
Digital Camera – I use this resource with student projects. When we publish writing pieces we snap a photo for their about the author section.
Website – I began building a classroom website in the summer of 2010.
United Streaming and Evideon – These two resources are full of video resources to enhance the curriculum. Evideon is also used for morning video announcements and also to share in our Martin Luther King Day celebration across the district.
Skyward – Is used for grades and Attendance/Lunch Count Communication
Classroom Computer – This is used to enhance what the children are learning or provide extra practice. Sound Reading Solutions, Internet Games, Microsoft Word Typing of Sentences, StAIR presentation, etc.
Internet Access – I use the internet to access free resources available to enhance lessons, games, and WebQuests.
Computer Lab – I take the students to the lab to complete a WebQuest, type sentences, play educational games, take AR Quizes.
Moodle – Moodle is used to collaborate with our first grade team across the district. I have also begun making a course in Moodle to share SmartBoard resources we create across the district.
Email – Email is used daily to communicate throughout our building, district, and with parents.
Looking Ahead to Technology Use:
For the months and years ahead I envision greater use of technology in ways that support the curriculum within lessons. I have learned to evaluate how I am using technology to make sure I am using it appropriately with the students for a set purpose.
Upkeep of Website – I will continue to build and maintain my classroom website. Parents have found it to be a useful tool and I want to continue to improve upon how I use it to communicate what is happening in our classroom.
Moodle – Complete setting up the SmartBoard Course and share it with colleagues.
Kidspiration – This is a software program that our school has. I had the pleasure of “discovering” it during my TechQuest project for CEP 812. I want to use it with writing to tech brainstorming. I want to use it with math. There are many interactive games for adding, base ten, fractions, graphing, and more. In science and social studies it has features for comparing and sorting. Using Kidspiration in the computer lab and as whole group with the SmartBoard will both be beneficial to the students.
Digital Storytelling – I have done digital storytelling using PowerPoint. I want to expand my knowledge on the topic to using other methods. Microsoft PhotoStory 3 is a program I am interested in using. I want to create a library of student created stories for the children to take home. I also want the school library to have access to these.
Recording Studio – I would like to have a recording studio set up in my classroom for students to record their ideas for stories and also work on their oral communication skills. My school currently has tape recorders that would work for this venture. I may in the future employ grant writing to attain higher quality recorders for this purpose.
Educational Games – I currently use educational games, but through my MAET courses I was introduced to many new resources that would enhance learning of the curriculum. I will be using these in the computer lab as appropriate for our subject matter.
Utilize You Tube and Teacher Tube Video Resources – There are many short video clips on these sites that can be used to help in a mini lesson.
Upkeep of Website – I will continue to build and maintain my classroom website. Parents have found it to be a useful tool and I want to continue to improve upon how I use it to communicate what is happening in our classroom.
Moodle – Complete setting up the SmartBoard Course and share it with colleagues.
Kidspiration – This is a software program that our school has. I had the pleasure of “discovering” it during my TechQuest project for CEP 812. I want to use it with writing to tech brainstorming. I want to use it with math. There are many interactive games for adding, base ten, fractions, graphing, and more. In science and social studies it has features for comparing and sorting. Using Kidspiration in the computer lab and as whole group with the SmartBoard will both be beneficial to the students.
Digital Storytelling – I have done digital storytelling using PowerPoint. I want to expand my knowledge on the topic to using other methods. Microsoft PhotoStory 3 is a program I am interested in using. I want to create a library of student created stories for the children to take home. I also want the school library to have access to these.
Recording Studio – I would like to have a recording studio set up in my classroom for students to record their ideas for stories and also work on their oral communication skills. My school currently has tape recorders that would work for this venture. I may in the future employ grant writing to attain higher quality recorders for this purpose.
Educational Games – I currently use educational games, but through my MAET courses I was introduced to many new resources that would enhance learning of the curriculum. I will be using these in the computer lab as appropriate for our subject matter.
Utilize You Tube and Teacher Tube Video Resources – There are many short video clips on these sites that can be used to help in a mini lesson.
The Plan for Growth:
My plan for enhancing and increasing use of technology in my work in education...
Continue use of my RSS Feed – I will continue to use my RSS Feed. This provides me with immediate access to professional blogs and technology updates. Although this site is blocked at my school, it is easy and quick to use when I am elsewhere accessing the internet.
Complete the MAET Program through MSU – Upon completion of the Certificate Technology courses at MSU, I am going on to complete the entire Masters in the Art of Educational Technology program. My first course in the program will be during the fall semester of 2010.
Share my New Discoveries with Staff – At staff meetings and professional development days I plan on sharing my knowledge and technological discoveries with other staff members.
Not Settling – I will continue growth in the area of technology by not settling for what I already know. I will push myself to seek new answers to problems and seek out new methods of using technology to solve them.
Curriculum Map - Incorporate Technology Use into my curriculum map and mini lessons in all curriculum areas. I currently have created a writing unit for my TechQuest (CEP 812) that I will place within my units on the curriculum map. I will continue to develop ways to enhance areas of the curriculum using technology.
Tech Survey – At the beginning of the school year I will send out a survey to the parents of my students to get a better idea of what each family has available.
Continue use of my RSS Feed – I will continue to use my RSS Feed. This provides me with immediate access to professional blogs and technology updates. Although this site is blocked at my school, it is easy and quick to use when I am elsewhere accessing the internet.
Complete the MAET Program through MSU – Upon completion of the Certificate Technology courses at MSU, I am going on to complete the entire Masters in the Art of Educational Technology program. My first course in the program will be during the fall semester of 2010.
Share my New Discoveries with Staff – At staff meetings and professional development days I plan on sharing my knowledge and technological discoveries with other staff members.
Not Settling – I will continue growth in the area of technology by not settling for what I already know. I will push myself to seek new answers to problems and seek out new methods of using technology to solve them.
Curriculum Map - Incorporate Technology Use into my curriculum map and mini lessons in all curriculum areas. I currently have created a writing unit for my TechQuest (CEP 812) that I will place within my units on the curriculum map. I will continue to develop ways to enhance areas of the curriculum using technology.
Tech Survey – At the beginning of the school year I will send out a survey to the parents of my students to get a better idea of what each family has available.
Technology Plans and Standards
Other Works Cited
Bransford, J., Brown A., and Cocking, R. (1999) Technology to Support Learning. In Bransford, John D.; Brown, Ann L.; Cocking, Rodney R. (Eds.), How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience. Washington, D.C. National Academy Press.pp. 194-218.
Martyn, M. (2007). Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach.
Educause Quartery, Volume 30, Number 2. Retrieved August 2, 2010. http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/ClickersintheClassroomAnActive/157458
Salpeter, J. (2006, March). Inside the divide. Technology & Learning, 26 (8), 22-28.
Thornburg, David (1999)Technology in K-12 Education: Envisioning a New Future.
Retrieved August 2, 2010. http://silver.emerson.u98.k12.me.us/StaffWebPages/Technology/Thornburg.pdf
Zhao, Y., Pugh, K., Sheldon, S., & Byers, J. (2002). Conditions for classroom technology innovations: Executive summary. Teachers College Record, 104 (3) 482-515. Retrieved July 4, 2002, from http://www.tcrecord.org/Collection.asp?CollectionID=77.
Reviewed at: http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=studySummary&studyid=415
Martyn, M. (2007). Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach.
Educause Quartery, Volume 30, Number 2. Retrieved August 2, 2010. http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/ClickersintheClassroomAnActive/157458
Salpeter, J. (2006, March). Inside the divide. Technology & Learning, 26 (8), 22-28.
Thornburg, David (1999)Technology in K-12 Education: Envisioning a New Future.
Retrieved August 2, 2010. http://silver.emerson.u98.k12.me.us/StaffWebPages/Technology/Thornburg.pdf
Zhao, Y., Pugh, K., Sheldon, S., & Byers, J. (2002). Conditions for classroom technology innovations: Executive summary. Teachers College Record, 104 (3) 482-515. Retrieved July 4, 2002, from http://www.tcrecord.org/Collection.asp?CollectionID=77.
Reviewed at: http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=studySummary&studyid=415
