As I look back over my goals for learning in this class, I realize that I still have a long way to go in achieving them. I am excited about all of the knowledge that I have acquired, but am now fully aware of the time it will take me to become a proficient user of this technology. I have succeeded in becoming aware of what technology exists in my building, even though I have yet to access it all.
My goal of using technology to help struggling readers and writers in my classroom has yet to reach fruition. I discovered a wonderful program offered by Scholastic, but it takes six weeks to receive the introductory package before we can assess the value and then apply for grant money to cover the cost. I am still waiting to get a functional neo-board for my autistic learner, but expect that within the next week. I have had some success in convincing parents of my special needs learners to allow their children to type assignments at home. This had increased output in writing for some, and overall quality of work for others.
I have been unable to use the computer lab for Science instruction and the creating of graphs due to a new district program that requires use of the lab for instruction, and our district keyboarding program. However, most grade levels have completed this instruction, and I anticipate being able to use the lab for science at the end of our next unit.
I am excited about my new ability to create power point presentations, and will continue to use this tool in the classroom. In the spring we will have a program at our school from GM called “A World In Motion,” and at the end students are asked to create a group power point. As a result of my learning in this class, I will be able to effectively guide them through creation of their slides and hopefully allow them to add audio as well.
Another area that I am pleased to have experienced is Excel. I am eager to create grade book spreadsheets that will ease the burden of entering and averaging grades on a grading calculator. This program will also allow me to print individual progress reports and reports for conferences. I want the students to learn this program so they can chart their own data and progress in math and science as well.
Time management was an issue for me in this course, and will continue to be a factor as I balance work, school, family and other commitments. I feel that I did not have enough time to adequately manage/learn from my Net Vibes page, as this had to be done from home due to district web filters. In addition, I feel I have only scratched the surface of applications that can be done in Excel, and would like to learn more in the future.
My growth and learning in this course was supported by the lectures, readings, and discussion with other members. I was supported by other class members, my media specialist, and my children. True learning occurred when I actually worked with the technology, experienced the frustrations and the setbacks, overcame them and finally had success
My goal of using technology to help struggling readers and writers in my classroom has yet to reach fruition. I discovered a wonderful program offered by Scholastic, but it takes six weeks to receive the introductory package before we can assess the value and then apply for grant money to cover the cost. I am still waiting to get a functional neo-board for my autistic learner, but expect that within the next week. I have had some success in convincing parents of my special needs learners to allow their children to type assignments at home. This had increased output in writing for some, and overall quality of work for others.
I have been unable to use the computer lab for Science instruction and the creating of graphs due to a new district program that requires use of the lab for instruction, and our district keyboarding program. However, most grade levels have completed this instruction, and I anticipate being able to use the lab for science at the end of our next unit.
I am excited about my new ability to create power point presentations, and will continue to use this tool in the classroom. In the spring we will have a program at our school from GM called “A World In Motion,” and at the end students are asked to create a group power point. As a result of my learning in this class, I will be able to effectively guide them through creation of their slides and hopefully allow them to add audio as well.
Another area that I am pleased to have experienced is Excel. I am eager to create grade book spreadsheets that will ease the burden of entering and averaging grades on a grading calculator. This program will also allow me to print individual progress reports and reports for conferences. I want the students to learn this program so they can chart their own data and progress in math and science as well.
Time management was an issue for me in this course, and will continue to be a factor as I balance work, school, family and other commitments. I feel that I did not have enough time to adequately manage/learn from my Net Vibes page, as this had to be done from home due to district web filters. In addition, I feel I have only scratched the surface of applications that can be done in Excel, and would like to learn more in the future.
My growth and learning in this course was supported by the lectures, readings, and discussion with other members. I was supported by other class members, my media specialist, and my children. True learning occurred when I actually worked with the technology, experienced the frustrations and the setbacks, overcame them and finally had success