Assignment #1

My technology skills are very basic and limited. I can perform basic tasks of web browsing, email, setting up external peripherals word processing and power point. My skills in all these areas have improved with practice and repetition. I would like to continue to improve with web searches and learning how to narrow the search using specific words and other parameters. I tend to learn best when someone demonstrates the skill, then I have time to practice and master with repetition. I can improve much of my computer knowledge with exploring on my own with guidance from an expert.
There are a number of technology skills that I need to develop. I feel the number one skill needed is to develop a way to infuse technology into my content area. I sometimes feel very overwhelmed that there are so many wonderful ideas of different programs and websites to use that I don’t know where to begin. Working with students with special needs it makes it very difficult to use some of the programs I have found. My school has about 6 computers in each classroom that mostly run. They are linked to a server that also sometimes runs. One issue I have is there are 10 students in the classroom in a very confined space. If I am working on a project etc, I need something for the other students to do while the other half is on the computers. I do have access to a projector that will “eventually” be hooked up to my computer with a screen large enough for the students to see.
Based on the technology integration survey, my classroom is at a middle ground. There is a lot of room for improvement in the area of the students learning and my learning. I have projects that I have used in the past that the students do enjoy and excel at. These projects are quarter long projects. Creating some less time consuming projects that are shorter in length would help to demonstrate other technology skills and content area as well.
I feel I have a number of strong obstacles. One is the simple issue of time. I currently teach 4 different subjects, one of which is new to me this year; I have a 3 month old baby and I am obviously taking grad classes. When I have free time, I am taking care of my daughter. Spending my time wisely in preparing for school and sharing it with my daughter is an ongoing battle, in which my daughter usually wins! Another weakness I feel I have is figuring out where to even begin in searching for a new idea. Most of which I have implemented in my classroom has been demonstrated through a class I have taken. Which there is nothing wrong with that, but I feel I need to take some ownership of the programs and lessons I am teaching. I would like to explore some ideas on my own and see where they take me.
One way to implement the use of technology into my classroom is to set up specific goals for myself. I need to begin slowly with setting aside 1 hour every weekend to explore ideas I have, and then implement one idea weekly to my class. I would like to incorporate more on a weekly, eventually daily basis. Even if it a simple web search or a You Tube /Teacher Tube clip relating to the subject area.