Abby Karwacki's Blog

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Apply & Discover 11.1

Reflect on your learning about technology integration throughout the course

This course has provided me with many new tools that I plan to integrate into my teaching. I have already started using WebQuests to cover topics like telling time and earth materials. We also created Wordles at the beginning of the school year to display characteristics about the students. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to teach my students. Text books are informative but also dry. Using technology tools are not only more up to date, but can be much more interactive and exciting to use. One important aspect to keep in mind is that technology should be used purposefully and not just inserted into curriculum.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Apply & Discover 9.1

Based on your readings and understanding of the laws of special education and promoting learning for all students, write a post in your Blogger blog responding to the question: What does it mean to "provide equal access to the digital world"? Title your post Apply and Discover 9.1.

I have mentioned a few times throughout this course that my view on education is to provide my students with the best education that I possibly can. I do what I am capable of to give all students access to what they need to help them learn. I believe that regardless of a students ability level or disability they should be offered the tools necessary to provide them with skills needed to be successful in their future. Special Educators and Regular Ed teachers use communication tools like alternative keyboards and DynaMyte ("Atto: Introduction to," 2005). It's tools like these that help students get a quality education. All students should have the same opportunities to learn about and experience the digital world.

Atto: Introduction to assistive technology. (2005). Retrieved from http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/intro/introbasic.php

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Apply & Discover 3.2

Untitled Project

Apply & Discover 3.1

Apply & Discover 3.1

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Apply and Discover 2.2

In your Blogger blog, reflect on the Evaluate 1.1 short paper that you wrote on technology integration in today’s schools. Add specific ways that you would design instruction that addresses diverse learners’ needs and promotes technology use. Title your post Apply and Discover 2.2.

Looking back on my submission for Evaluate 1.1 I still agree with my stand point. Technology should be integrated into the curriculum to prepare our students for their futures. I do not, however, think it should be implemented carelessly. Technology is a tool, much like a text book, that is used to support a lesson.

Although I have limited technology in my school, I try to incorporate what I do have access to as much as possible. The tool I use most often is the SMARTboard. I do not have my own but there is one available for teachers to borrow, which I do every chance I get. Interactive white boards provide opportunities to facilitate student centered learning. We play games that reinforce skills being taught in the classroom, we read books from websites like Reading A-Z that allows us to highlight, underline, and write comments on the book pages. We watch short videos to introduce new topics on websites like Brain Pop Jr. which provides brief introductions to a wide variety of subjects and includes interactive games, jokes, quizzes, and supplementary reading materials. The best thing about the SMARTboard is that you can take an average lesson and turn it into something great that allows students to interact with the technology and be active learners.

I incorporate centers into my instruction on a daily basis. One of my anchor centers is a listening center where small groups or individuals can listen to a book on tape or CD while viewing the printed version. This center fits in nicely with the Universal Learning Design model because it makes a skill, reading, more accessible to students. It is very useful in subjects like science and social studies because in my experience, curriculums are very reliant on reading skills. If a student isn't capable of reading on grade level it limits their abilities in other subjects. In addition to it's uses in science and social studies it greatly benefits a students ability to read.

"Hearing a book read on tape helps her see how the words on the page can come alive in a fluid, expressive way. It helps her focus on the sounds of the words read without interruption and provides a model of fluent reading" (Neuman).

Technology is changing and becoming more advanced each day. Galien suggests that teachers are no longer the fount of all knowledge. Teachers must build a knowledge community in their classrooms and encourage students to create connections with content (Galien, 2009).

References

Galien, P. (Producer). (2009). Technology enhanced students centered learning. [Web Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7bbC2ka8j4

Gardner, J. E. (2004, March). Technology applications to support diverse learners. Retrieved from http://www.ed.sc.edu/caw/sitepape

Nagel, D. (2008). Report: personalizing assessment to improve instruction. The Journal, Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/10/20/Report-Personalizing-Assessments-To-Improve-Instruction.aspx?Page=2

Neuman, S. B. (n.d.). The literacy benefits of listening. Scholastic Parents, Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/the-literacy-benefits-of-listening/

Puttnam, D. (2007). 'know your audience'--an interview with david puttnam [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i9ns-K9_WA

Schrum, L., & Levin, B. (2010). Leading 21^st century schools, harnessing technology for engagement and achievement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.