When I began working at my school about 7 years ago (wow, it's been that long already?) I was fresh out of college and excited to become a teacher. I was hired at my school as a Pre-K teacher and really didn't have much experience with technology in school and what kind of technology should be provided for students. It wasn't until I decided to get my Master's in Technology Education that I realized how far behind my school was becoming in technology. I decided to pursue a Master's in Technology Education because I know that technology is ever changing and felt that it would be a good field to go into. I was in disbelief when I began my courses and read what some schools are doing with technology! I couldn't even believe what was being done with Pre-K students as I struggled to find any way to introduce technology with my students.
I now find it very frustrating to say the least that my school is so outdated. I have still been able to do very well in my courses and I have learned so much. I have been able to develop units and lessons that I would love to do with my students but can't always do every aspect of them because they require technology use that I do not have access to.
This leads me to my assistive technology discussion. I have no experience with assistive technology because I have none available to me at my school. Once again, I had to answer a discussion question with no experience in using the type of technology that we are learning about. Can you see why I am frustrated? I believe that all teachers should have access to assistive technology. My life as a kindergarten teacher would be so much easier if I had software that allowed my students to speak what they want to say or have written into a microphone that will dictate it for them! I would even love to be able to plug my students' headphones into the computers in the computer lab so that they can get online and play educational games that talk to them and give them the directions without having to hear the other students' computers. I can't even do that but it would be great if I could and so beneficial for my students.
Well, thanks for listening to my rant! I have been told that HUGE technology changes are coming to my school over the summer so I am very optimistic that I will be able to use technology more with my students next year!
Melissa-
ReplyDeleteThat does sound very frustrating. Since your school can't seem to budget for you, Web 2.0 tools may be a way to go.
I found another blog that highlights some here: http://atsitesforyou.blogspot.com/2012/03/web-20-cool-sites.html. Maybe it is worth looking into?
Good luck. It sounds like you do the best with what you have, which makes you a caring and good teacher!
~Kaelyn
Melissa, Teaching without adequate resources is certainly a cause for frustration. Once a teacher has the technology and resources available, it is often up to the teacher to find training or learn on the fly. I think this is why it is important to have a Personal Learning Network (PLN) established. A PLN allows teachers to follow educators whom they respect to get ideas and help on topics of interest or concern. Here is a link about setting up your own PLN
ReplyDeletehttp://gettingsmart.com/2012/01/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI can totally see why you are so frustrated with things. Having to respond to things without having any first hand experience with them is both challenging and somewhat pointless. I think that it is great that you have created all these lesson plans integrating technology. You will be happy to have them once your school catches up. Hopefully their summer promise will come true and when you return next year, things will be a bit different!
Thanks for the advice ladies! I will definitely be looking into both sites!
ReplyDeleteMelissa