Ed Tech Leadership Resources

Below is a list of help resources in the field of education technology. This is nowhere near and exhaustive list, and will updated I find new helpful resources.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students Knowing the standards is of immense importance when one is trying to convince an administrator of the value of using technology in the classroom. Some administrators are hesitant to incorporate technology such as IPads, IPods, educational websites, such as IXL math, etc into the classroom curriculum. However, if I am able to identify which NET*S standard is being addressed as well as which common core or state standard is being addressed, an administrator has little to complain about.

http://www.barryjahn.com/ includes information and tutorials on many Google products, other free products that can be successfully incorporated into classroom activities.

http://www.barryjahn.com/Welcome/Workshops A list of workshops available in the Salem area. When I am no longer in school, I see this as an excellent way to keep up on technology.

http://www.willamettemat.com/ is an excellent source of information. One of my favorite features here is “my stock answers.” This helps me know how to answer administrators that question my use of technology in the classroom. I also think it will be helpful in finding wording for writing grants in the future.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/ is a fantastic site with Google tutorials, IPad and Android App recommendations, and alternatives to YouTube that are not blocked by the school district.

http://www.embedplus.com/ This is a product I am currently looking in to. I hope it is going to be a free product that will allow me to save and edit videos from YouTube or other sources on my computer for use in my classroom.

http://www.scootpad.com/ While this is not a free resource, it is very inexpensive ($5.00 per month is the most expensive it gets, with discounts for purchases of 6 or 12 months prepaid). This program provides students with assignments that are aligned to the common core, scores the assignments and sends a report to the teacher that can be sorted by student, by standard, or both. It can be run on an IPad or computer, and because the students enjoy using the technology, they are motivated to complete their assignments. Furthermore, the system sends emails to the teacher with the highest score of the day, etc, offering further incentive for students to complete their work correctly.

http://techtooltutorials.weebly.com/index.html This page has a variety of resources compiled in one convenient location.

Essential Conditions: Necessary Conditions to Effectively Leverage Technology for Learning.

NETS identifies several conditions that are required to successfully integrate technology into teaching practices to improve student learning. One of those conditions is consistent and adequate funding. NETS defines this as “Ongoing funding to support technology infrastructure, personnel, digital resources, and staff development.” As an educator in public schools, one must realize that funds are limited, and keeping up with technology can be costly. Additionally, technology is improving at a rate that makes equipment out of date quickly. There is nothing more frustrating to a student than to have an assignment to complete, and have to spend a great deal of time fighting with the technology. Therefore, a teacher much become skilled at writing grants to acquire current, or updated, hardware and software. Furthermore, one must recognize that obtaining a grant, or several grants, is only enough to set up the classroom with the needed technology for a few short years, then the equipment will be out dated and need to be replaced. Thus, if a teacher is counting on grants to equip a classroom, he/she must also plan to continue to apply for grants to update and replace outdated materials.

Another issue I expect to encounter in my classroom is the question of equitable access. NETS describes equitable access as “Robust and reliable access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources, with connectivity for all students, teachers, staff, and school leaders.” In other words, all students, regardless of home situation, economic status, race, or religion must have an opportunity to use technology to complete assignments. For example, I plan to use IXL math, and Scootpad, as practice, intervention, and extension activities for students in my classroom. However, as a teacher assigns tasks to be completed online, one must be aware of which students have reliable internet access at home, and which do not. Students that do not have access to appropriate technology at home, must be given the opportunity to complete assignments at school. This could be accomplished by opening the classroom before school or after school to these students, or by providing time in class while other students are working on paper pencil tasks or reading, activities that students without home internet access could complete as homework. If one has built a relationship with students, then one will be aware of technology limitations student may incur, and can provide solutions to the limitations. 

Learning to Use Screenr to Create a Video, Then Embed the Video Into a Blog Post

I had never used Screenr before, and to be honest, I was a little intimidated by the thought of learning. However, I was surprised how easy it was to use. For the purpose of learning, I am using the Google Presentation on the NET*S Standard #1 that I prepared for my last class.

The first step was to watch the introduction at Screenr.com. Then I tried a practice video by recording their screen. I was surprised how easy it was. I set up a free account, and moved on to the project at hand. It was as simple as opening my presentation, starting Screenr, re-sizing the recording box, then record as I clicked through my presentation. Since Screenr has a 5 minute maximum, and I am not comfortable with recording, I decided to break my presentation into several short segments. I started with a description of my standard, then I recorded a separate segment for each scenario. Next I recorded the segment on the lesson plan, and finally a description of how this lesson plan fits the TPACK model.

Since you were not in my class to hear my presentation live, you can just click on the videos below to view the presentation, complete with audio.




So as you can see, it is relatively easy to add voice to your presentation for those that may have missed your original presentation. Please feel free to view my original presentation to access the links discussed. You are also welcome to share the presentation, or use the lesson plan in your school.

Creating the Blog

The next challenge was to create this blog. I knew I had done it before, but I couldn’t remember how. The one thing I did remember was Barry, in a class for my MAT program, emphatically stating that we had a document for the class that we could refer to forever! That was very comforting. I went to the shared doc (google docs) for that course, and to the website for that course and found what I needed. Now, here I am, successfully blogging my way through this class.

One of our tasks for the course is to keep a log of the hours we put in outside of class. I am comfortable with google spreadsheets so this was my method of choice. It was easy to set up the spreadsheet to keep track of the hours. I simply used formulas so all I need to do is input the time started and the time finished each day and the spreadsheet will do all the math for me. I have a running total of hours logged as I progress through the course. The challenge was how to insert this into my website. Once again the google tutorials saved me. I opened a new window for the tutorial and simply went back and forth, following the step-by-step instructions. If I can do this, so can you!

My First Steps

Trying to set up my E-portfolio, I realize just how technology challenged I am. Thankfully, Google is prepared for people like me and has many helpful tutorials to help me along the way. First, I need to figure out how to set up a website. The tutorial walked me systematically through the process and I feel pretty good about actually having set up the page without having to “phone a friend.” If you did not arrive at this blog through my website, please go check it out. I offer it as encouragement to any struggling techie and as proof that anyone can do this.

Welcome

Welcome to my Journey Through Technology. My name is Kelly and I am enrolled in a course at Willamette University to become a technology leader. Unfortunately, I am technologically handicapped. Through this blog you are invited to walk along side me on my journey to technological proficiency, experience my frustrations and my successes along the way. I welcome any comments that may help reduce the bumps along the road as I overcome the challenges that lie ahead.