1. What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology?
Just like anything, the more “features” you can build into your product to help one person, the more accessible your product becomes for everyone. This holds true for curb ramps, car features, and teaching strategies. But just like curb ramps and car features, these things take extra time to build and cost a little more. They are worth it in the long run though because it makes life easier for everyone – even if the feature was not designed for that particular person.
Just like anything, the more “features” you can build into your product to help one person, the more accessible your product becomes for everyone. This holds true for curb ramps, car features, and teaching strategies. But just like curb ramps and car features, these things take extra time to build and cost a little more. They are worth it in the long run though because it makes life easier for everyone – even if the feature was not designed for that particular person.
2. How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?
All of this web-based technology is nice, but is it necessary? My wife and I created our own personal web site for our personal and classroom use. We spent countless hours and were just getting it to where we wanted it when my wife was moved into a totally new subject and I was laid off. My wife eventually got back to the grade and subject she used to teach, but all of the state requirements had changed the subject into something totally different. All of the hard work we put into the web site was lost and we had to start over. So we started, but time was spent with curriculum and not with the “extras” we so desired to do. Just when she was getting a grip on the new requirements, things changed again. How can anyone do a good job when they are always scrambling for material and curriculum? We both love integrating technology into our classrooms, but there is not enough time in the day to do a great job at it when curriculum is constantly changing and teachers are being bumped around from grade to grade and subject to subject. Sharing resources, like from MERLOT helps, but you still need the time to search for these items and make sure they fit into what you are teaching.
All of this web-based technology is nice, but is it necessary? My wife and I created our own personal web site for our personal and classroom use. We spent countless hours and were just getting it to where we wanted it when my wife was moved into a totally new subject and I was laid off. My wife eventually got back to the grade and subject she used to teach, but all of the state requirements had changed the subject into something totally different. All of the hard work we put into the web site was lost and we had to start over. So we started, but time was spent with curriculum and not with the “extras” we so desired to do. Just when she was getting a grip on the new requirements, things changed again. How can anyone do a good job when they are always scrambling for material and curriculum? We both love integrating technology into our classrooms, but there is not enough time in the day to do a great job at it when curriculum is constantly changing and teachers are being bumped around from grade to grade and subject to subject. Sharing resources, like from MERLOT helps, but you still need the time to search for these items and make sure they fit into what you are teaching.
3. How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?
My personal goals change as my job changes. Technology excites me, and I love to teach technology, but my life just does not have room for the time I need to invest in Educational Technology right now. Even though we are finally in our new home, we are still dealing with insurance claims, warranty issues and trying to get our life back together after the house fire and theft a year ago. Added to the mix are our two little kids, (2 & 5 years old) who need non-stop attention, new jobs, promotions, etc., etc. I just can’t seem to keep my head above water lately and sometimes I feel like I am losing my mind. I am still learning, and that is the key; but not like I would like to. It is frustrating to me not to be able to give it “my all” when learning new things.
My personal goals change as my job changes. Technology excites me, and I love to teach technology, but my life just does not have room for the time I need to invest in Educational Technology right now. Even though we are finally in our new home, we are still dealing with insurance claims, warranty issues and trying to get our life back together after the house fire and theft a year ago. Added to the mix are our two little kids, (2 & 5 years old) who need non-stop attention, new jobs, promotions, etc., etc. I just can’t seem to keep my head above water lately and sometimes I feel like I am losing my mind. I am still learning, and that is the key; but not like I would like to. It is frustrating to me not to be able to give it “my all” when learning new things.
4. Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?
My goals are in the process of changing as my job is changing. At the start of the school year, I started a new job in a new district as Technology Integration Assistant in the Instruction Department. My job was to help teachers in my building integrate technology into their classroom(s) – and I LOVED that job! My goal at that time was to learn as much as I could about everything “Educational Technology” so that I could share, promote and help teachers with it. At the end of January, I was promoted into the Technology Department doing more of the technical stuff behind the scenes. This means I am no longer in the classroom, nor have much interaction with students or staff. Though I love working with kids, I am wondering if my place really is in the technology department and out of the classroom. I am very frustrated with where education has gone during these past ten years and I am not sure I even want to teach anymore. I will have to see where this job takes me in the next few months and re-evaluate then. As of right now, I am helping my wife with projects for her classroom so at least what I learn is not going to waste.
My goals are in the process of changing as my job is changing. At the start of the school year, I started a new job in a new district as Technology Integration Assistant in the Instruction Department. My job was to help teachers in my building integrate technology into their classroom(s) – and I LOVED that job! My goal at that time was to learn as much as I could about everything “Educational Technology” so that I could share, promote and help teachers with it. At the end of January, I was promoted into the Technology Department doing more of the technical stuff behind the scenes. This means I am no longer in the classroom, nor have much interaction with students or staff. Though I love working with kids, I am wondering if my place really is in the technology department and out of the classroom. I am very frustrated with where education has gone during these past ten years and I am not sure I even want to teach anymore. I will have to see where this job takes me in the next few months and re-evaluate then. As of right now, I am helping my wife with projects for her classroom so at least what I learn is not going to waste.
