1. Technology Operations and Concepts

A. I understand the basic computer functions and programs such as word, excel(spreadsheets and graphs), webpage’s, email, PowerPoint, music, basic downloads, as well as Inspiration and Kidspiration. I have created basic examples of each of these as well as complicated forms such as a multimedia project in PowerPoint and a multi-link webpage.

B. I have browsed many websites such as ISTE.org and www.Marcopolo.com as well as many websites useful for teachers. In addition, in the field of special education I feel that technology is important and keeping up with the changing times is crucial. Websites like www.pacer.org, www.dredeg.org, and www.centerforlearningdifferences.org are all crucial in my specific field. In addition, many blogs can come in handy because teachers can view others ideas and learn from them. With special education being so creative, this helps.

2. Planning and designing learning environments and experiences

A. Webquests come to the forefront in my mind when discussion of technology-based instruction is occurring. Webquests allow students to move through a subject at their own pace while also allowing them to interact with many different mediums to learn. It involves many learning styles and allows the greatest chance of understanding. Multimedia can also accomplish the same concept. Both would require assistance when dealing with special needs students. View my Webquest on the concept of direction and time; view my multimedia on environmental issues.

B. I spent some time researching on what studies have shown and it did not seem like much. I found an article on Springerlink that talked about the need to do more research but also when we find things and make conclusions we as educators need to publish more and speak out more. Also, it touches on the fact that we need to place more biased opinions and new ideas out there for all to see. Creating a little controversy could be a good thing because impassionate people produce marvelous work.

C. The evaluation of search engines is important when dealing with credible research. I have a list of search engines that I deem as quality sources. Some search engines can lead you to places with little or no credible information. Although Google is a wonderful website, it often can lead you to non-scholarly information that is typically copyrighted. Another engine that is very similar in content is AskJeeves; it is wonderful for fun information and ideas but can lead you to poor sources.

D & E. I do not feel as if I am at the point where I can say that I can fully manage technology resources with the content of learning activities. I have not taken the proper courses yet but I consider this area a priority in order to become an effective teacher.

3. Teaching, learning and the curriculum

A. Basically, everything that I have done in my Ed 225 class deals with the issue of technology enhanced education. Each project has its own unique area it improves education in. Webquests, Multimedia, Websites, Concept Maps, and Blogs

B. Technology can be used to support learner difficulties in many ways. Those who have visual disabilities can use enlargers and auditory devices. We had a speaker come in and talk briefly about assistive technology. Assistive tech has come a long ways and there are many devices that can be used for a variety of disabilities. Every person may have a favored device, based upon needs and preference. Assistive technology can be expensive but it also has many free programs that can be downloaded from the internet as well as some that are designed into the computer.

C. Every project that we have done can be used to develop higher order skills and creativity. In terms of creating, the Webquest tends to be more creative and implies higher order thinking skills. It was a newer form than what most students have seen and may provoke more of a response. Also, the multimedia, website, and the concept maps also involve creativity and higher thinking.

D. We didn’t learn much about managing student learning activities that involve technology. There are some examples that managing techniques could be used, especially in the field of special education. My Webquest for example, would need a facilitator who would use management techniques to involve all students and check for understanding of all.

4. Assessment and Evaluation

A. The only form of assessment that we learned and incorporated was Rubristar. This is a website that helps create rubrics. Besides this I don’t have much experience.

B. We didn’t do anything with student data or any real form of data for that matter. We created graphs where we had to create our own data though. I do have a comfort zone with excel and the graphing function.

C. Some of the Webquests we created included multiple forms of evaluation. My Webquest included cooperation with others as well as individual effort.

5. Productivity and professional practice

A. For the field of special education a few websites come to mind that help to improve development. www.pacer.org, www.dredeg.org, and www.centerforlearningdifferences.org are all good websites that keep teachers up to date on techniques and latest developments. Also, all of the websites that are included in the Website portion of my homepage are wonderful sources of information. In special education, emphasis should be placed on ongoing education and development in latest technology.

B. Professional development should be encouraged and worked on no matter where a teacher is because there is always room for improvement. In means of technology a teacher should be aware of the resources in the area. Each teacher should feel out what students have access to and base lessons around available technology. Teachers should also set guidelines for how parents use technology to become involved in their children’s education. It may be beneficial to have a blog or give out email to allow parents to keep up.

C. Technology can be used to communicate in a variety of ways. Blogs, webpage’s, discussion boards, blackboard, and emails are all great forms of communication. Blogs seem to be the best form because a teacher can regulate who can write and most people can have access to them. Also, parents who are not as computer savvy can use them fairly easy.

6. Social Ethical, Legal, and Human Resources

A. I have learned more about copyrighted material. I have learned that certain things are acceptable for a teaching purpose and also pictures should not be copied and placed on the internet without express written consent from the creator. As a teacher you should display this behavior because plagiarism is a big issue for students and if the teacher illegally copies another’s work without permission it is no better.

B. We didn’t learn too much about this but I feel that it is important to allow those with diverse backgrounds to come together and technology is a perfect medium. You can rely on the knowledge of some to help the others and create more of a friendly environment. Technology can be used for all abilities because most programs allow easy buttons and tutorials.

C. Again, we didn’t really talk much about diversity but technology can be used to gather information and see another side to create a greater understanding of diversity.

D. In order to create healthy use of technology it must begin with the teacher. Teachers should balance technology with formal curriculum and remain in control. Technology is a tool and shouldn’t be used as a crutch. Also, students should know proper internet talk and etiquette.

E. All students should have the same access to technology. With technology growing so much this may not be as big of a problem but it is important to know what kind of access each student has. Those without computers may have problems accessing the internet.