Classroom Technology Plan
IntroductionBeing only 20 years old, I have grown up in the "age of technology". I have always had computers, cell phones, televisions, and other new technology within an arms length at any time. For this reason, I would say that I have a pretty good idea how to deal with and use most popular technology. I use an IPad, a laptop, and an IPhone on a daily basis, not to mention the many programs I use within these. I am not a technology guru though, and I still have much to learn. I know how to use the basic functions of mostly any technology, and can figure out how to use new things pretty easily. I definitely want to learn how to use the technology I have to its full advantage. There are many beneficial programs on computers and IPads that are useful in teaching and I would love to become familiar with these things. Also, I want to learn more about using SmartBoards. I think that SmartBoards are becoming more and more common within schools, and they can do a lot of cool things. Teachers are less likely to receive the schools new technology if they aren't using the technology they already have, so I want to make sure I am prepared to use whatever I am privileged enough to have. Technology changes every second of everyday. By the time I become a teacher, there are going to be multiple new advances on the technology we have today and also completely new technology we don't even know about yet. Every teacher needs to know how to use the newest technology so they can keep a connection with their students. The students will expect their teachers to use the technology they have, so teachers need to make sure they are prepared to do so.
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Short Term GoalsMy first short term goal is to learn how to better adapt lessons for ELL students. I think with so many advances in technology, that this could be very beneficial in adapting lessons for students who are learning English. Teachers can use many different programs on the internet or even on CDs to help ELL students take part in the lesson with the rest of the class. The Learning and Leading Journal had an article about a website that aids teachers in adapting lessons for ELL students. I have never worked with an ELL student before, so I am very interested in having the opportunity to.
Another short term goal is to differentiate lessons better to fit the needs of every student. When I was in high school, most of my lessons were taught by lecture. Going through many education classes at Bradley, I have learned that this is probably the worst way to teach. I want to make sure I am reaching all of my students, and that each one of them are confident in learning in my classroom. A website called Differentiated Instruction has many ideas and resources on how to change your teaching style to make sure everyone can learn. My third goal is to explore authentic assessment strategies. From being a student all of my life, I know that taking tests is not the best way to assess each students understanding of a topic. In my first year of teaching, I hope I can explore many different ways to assess my students, so I don't have to use formatted tests every time I want to check for understanding. The website Intel Education has many different ideas and resources for many different topics in English. With so many technological advances, I do not think finding alternative solutions will be a problem. Another goal I have is to improve student communication. I never took advantage of my teachers office hours until I came to college, even though all of my high school teachers also provided students with these. I want my students to be able to come and talk to me with any problems they are facing. Technology has created a world where it is almost impossible to not be able to get a hold of someone. While teaching, I would be willing to use e-mail, skype, texting, facetime, or any other instant chatting resources that could help me answer my students questions and concerns. The website, The Positive Teacher, explains many different reason why a good teacher student relationship is necessary. My last goal is to make sure I am constantly learning and refreshing my own skills. Coming right out of college, I will have many different resources that I can use to help myself stay educated. My goal is to stay in contact with my professors and advisors because I feel like they can be great resources in professional development. Technology changes every day and the longer we wait to learn the new advances, the longer they take to learn. An article from Knowledge University explains why teachers need professional development throughout their entire career. |
Long Term VisionIn five years, I will be teaching math and English at a high school in the suburbs of Chicago. I will be teaching in a high school that is fortunate enough to have multiple different technological resources. My vision is that all of my students will have SmartTouch desks, and I will have a SmartTouch wall which will project what they are doing on their screens. This way the class will be more interactive, the students will have to stay on task since I will be able to see everything they are doing, and the students will be able to jot down questions and comments with out interrupting the lesson or forgetting. The students will still be sitting at desks like we have now, most likely in rows or pods. I will be teaching in the front of the class, with the SmartTouch wall, either an English lesson or a Math lesson. With English, I could project students papers, and we could discuss proofreading techniques. We could be discussing a play or book which could be projected so students could visualize. Or we could be reviewing grammar with and interactive game or activity.
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ConclusionIt is no secret that technology is changing. Technology has changed since I have been in college, and it is continuing to change everyday. I know that by the time I get out of college and get my first teaching job, the technology I learned in college will probably not be being used anymore. Since technology is a forever changing thing, teachers have to stay up to date on it and make sure they are constantly learning how to better themselves. I have always been able to adapt well to knew things so I don't think this will be very hard for me. Technology is only beneficial in education id
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References
Allan, S. (n.d.). Differentiated instruction, curriculum, assessment. Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.differentiatedinstruction.net/
Intel Education Assessing Projects: Assessment Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/k12/assessing-projects/strategies.html
Learning and Leading - Feburary 2013. (2013, February). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201302#pg31
The Positive Teacher-Student Relationship. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.csun.edu/~acc50786/Education.html
Why Professional Development is Important | Knowledge Universe Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://usblog.kueducation.com/2012/02/why-professional-development-is-important/
Intel Education Assessing Projects: Assessment Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/k12/assessing-projects/strategies.html
Learning and Leading - Feburary 2013. (2013, February). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201302#pg31
The Positive Teacher-Student Relationship. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://www.csun.edu/~acc50786/Education.html
Why Professional Development is Important | Knowledge Universe Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2013, from http://usblog.kueducation.com/2012/02/why-professional-development-is-important/