MICAA Conference
I saw and learned many new exciting things at the technology conference. It was a wonderful experience to see how many teachers are interested in enhancing their technology integration. I was intrigued by things such as the smartboards, clickers, and the new wave of online tutorials available to students, geared at things such as, HSA preparation. I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to not only enhance my scope of technology available, but how to effectively implement it into my daily instruction. Last but certainly not least, I loved the opportunity to further bond with fellow Parkdale Steppers, and interact with my teammates and colleagues!
PODCASTING MICROPHONE and MATERIALS
I have been so incredibly busy that it has taken me FAR longer than expected to pick up my Podcasting materials and give myself a tutorial on how to use them. I am thankful for the materials that have been sent and the word-of-mouth encouragement I have received. However, for some reason, I have simply not yet carved out the time to retrieve the gadgets from the library. Mrs. Johnson I thank you so very much for your patience and understanding with regards to this matter. I also thank Patrick and Linda for supplying the materials which provide a step-by-step guide to the Voicethread. I am looking forward to delving into these sooner than later!
NECC (a reply)
Mrs. Johnson, I am not familiar with NECC, but I do look forward to hearing about your experience should you attend. As far as the funding/refund, good luck with that. I offered to volunteer to attend a conference related to Special Education that people in our department were “encouraged” to attend, however, when I asked about getting funding, a refund, or even partial assistance with the cost…there was no response. When I inquired to the “powers-that-be,” they simply informed me that there is NO MONEY for such activities. I wish you better luck.
MICCA, etc…etc…etc…(replies)
Mrs. Johnson, I wanted to respond to your point about how other teachers keep up with the latest technology, considering how much is out there, and how a Media Specialist like yourself can barely absorb it all! I too often wonder how the teachers who are not as interested or acclimated with technology get by without it. There is such a spark in the students when I allow them to type their assignments, do internet based quizzes or tests, or even research or webquests. I feel like I do everything but turn cartwheels, and even WITH what I consider a fair amount of technology integration, my kids can SO EASILY become bored or disengaged with their assignments. Of course as a special educator, I deal with ADHD and other emotional disorders that cause my students great difficulty with focusing. However, I feel that technology is not just an enhancement, but a necessity. I joined STEP for that very reason, not to let the plethora of technology advancements out there PASS ME BY! When they said you get to use and KEEP a variety of technology, I could not resist. More to come on my decision to join STEP in hindsight…
TECHNOLOGY NEWBY
I would like to CONCUR with Ms. Lynch about feeling like a technology “newbie” after some of my STEP experiences. MICAA was not the first time, but even some of our trainings, the new equipment, and especially some of the things my teammates at Parkdale, and session mates at Northwestern have been able to do with their WIKI. I wish I had the time to sit and learn and create plans to implement all of these wonderful tools and ideas, but this has simply not been a very good year for me. If the more simplistic technology resources, such as SCHOOL MAX, didn’t get in the way, I do believe I could do a lot more with the USEFUL resources available out there.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP ARTICLE
Mrs. Johnson, I thought your entry about the “Mastering Multitasking” was interested and included an essential lesson. I plan to check out the article you mentioned, and often find a great deal of useful information in Education Leadership myself…I love that journal!
We certainly cannot confiscate all 2,000 earpieces, Ipods, Cell Phones, etc. I am always interested in making peace with the students and killing them with kindness. Surprisingly this is typically well received. Therefore, I really like your idea about optimizing the electronic gadgets for the purposes of their education. I am all for letting them use any source of information that will enhance their learning and engage them in something positive, versus chit chat with the girlfriend/boyfriend. I often let my students use their phones to look up information when all of the computers are taken. They know how to access dictionaries, and perform other searches on their mobile networks, and so long as it is pertinent to our class discussion, WHY NOT? I plan to come up with creative ways of incorporating all those ILLEGAL gadgets into their instruction more often in the future. I plan to include a way they can text me Homework (to my e-mail of course, no way I would give them access to my cell number!) I am hopeful that this will increase their amount of study time outside of the classroom, (WELL, since it doesn’t EXIST, I guess increase is not the best word)…perhaps CREATE more consciences study/homework habits.
PODCASTING
As I mentioned earlier, I cannot relate to the troubles with PODCASTING/Voicethread because my issues are far more related to the problems that Ms. Berkeley mentioned in her post with regard to having the time for collaboration, and not only planning and preparing the lessons, but performing the functions, implementing it smoothly, adjusting and being flexible when things don’t go as planned…and after all that…troubleshooting just seems far too daunting of a task! Of course, nothing always goes 100% according to plans, however, I would just as soon revert to option B, for lack of time to reap the full benefit of option A. In accordance with our STEP agreement I am going to give it a shot. However, I would much prefer to take the time after the semester ends to familiarize myself with the materials, devise lessons and strategies on ways of utilizing them, and incorporate them into future lessons. I believe it was Mr. Montgomery who mentioned doing it over the summer, which is a much more realistic goal for me as well.
PODCASTING II
I have finally retrieved my microphone from the library. Although I feel largely accomplished for this small milestone, I welcome any and all suggestions on how to effectively implement this into a lesson. Especially since I have now been frightened out of taking the time to play with it myself, as I do not want to allow myself to rise to the frustration levels mentioned by Ms. Swift and Ms. Berkeley unnecessarily. Please feel free to add feedback, ideas, suggestions, etc. that may make my amateur attempt less aggravating! =) I am going over the packet on how to access Voicethread right now, I am sure I will be emailing Patrick or Linda shortly!
STEP HAS BEEN GREAT, BUT I AM NOT SURE IT IS FOR ME!
Do to the nature of my responsibilities as a Special Educator, including but not limited to: IEPs, evaluations, annual goals, countless meetings, case management, monitoring, transition efforts, etcetera...and most recently the NIGHTMARE of testing, I am short on time ALL DAY, every day. I have appreciated the learning opportunities, collaboration, and equipment, however, I am beginning to think I will not be able to sufficiently meet the demand of the STEP project requirements. I do not take my commitments lightly, and am certainly not a quitter. However, what is put into most simplistic terms and modeled so eloquently in the trainings, just has not come to fruition as seamlessly for me once I snap back into reality. The ELMO has been great, and I do see the possibilities of the photostories, and other wonders the digital camera and podcasting can bring. Perhaps in the future I can be more susceptible to the tasks at hand, but currently I am feeling like I have bit off a little more than I am able to chew. I love the lessons I’ve learned and the possibilities for improving my instruction through technology, but time management is a major issue for me right now. I mentioned earlier that maybe if I could have the summer to work on infusing the technology into my lessons, perhaps I would be more effective.
SWIFT SAYS I CAN’T QUIT…(sighs).
I just want to thank her for her encouragement and let he know that while I said it jokingly, I was being sincere, and I really appreciate the motivation. I am NO QUITTER, and I would really like to see this through. However, I have to prioritize and recognize when I am in over my head. I am going to put my best foot forward and see what I come up with by June 2nd. Thanks again for giving me a “push” in the right direction Ms. Swift.
WOW…from the HOSPITAL?
Ms. Lynch, what a soldier you are! Here I am whining about being overwhelmed at work, and you are in your hospital bed working on BLOGS!?!?!? What is your secret? Do tell, because I am simply SHOCKED to see that you are still able to work after just delivering a baby. Clearly I am simply not that strong because I was SO OUT OF IT after having my little ones. KUDOS to you my friend….May blessings be upon you, Baby Anya, and your family.
What happens to STEP DROPOUTS?
Seriously, I would like to know the implications on the TEAM if a member drops out? I am willing to admit personal defeat and move forward, however, if the rest of the team will be adversely affected, I am less willing. Does anyone know how it would affect us as a team if I gracefully bow out and return all of the useful materials? =( I am dedicated to making the attempt, I am just not certain I can pull it off with so little time left. I know that we could have up to FIVE teachers apply, so I am wondering what the consequences are if all five are not interested in continuing with the program. Just a question…
