Technology and Integration: a Map of Realities and

PossibilitiesKimberly Cuyler

MEDT 3401Fall 2011

I have a working knowledge of several computer programs, other than the ones the county provides for our classroom use (i.e. Odyssey, Starfall, etc.).

I have my laptop for my use so that I do not take up a computer that one of my students could be using.

I use the flip video digital camcorder to record student work and presentations

My Strengths

1. Time – I do not have enough time to fully explore how new programs that I’m introduced to works. o I can set a time limit to learn one new program every 2-3 months.

2. Money – I do not have enough money to purchase the full version of programs that I think would be helpful for my students. The free versions are a good indicator of what I could be accomplishing with my students; however, the lack of funding prevents my flexibility and ability to get my students more in depth help.o I can find one site per school year that would meet most, if not all of a specified criteria in the area of my class’ greatest weaknesses (math or language arts) and buy that program.

3. Writing Successful Learning Focused Units – LF is now being used in my school. Because of the learning curve involved in this huge, integrating technology (other than the current programs), is very difficult. o I can work with my team to implement a plan to integrate new learning programs.

3 weaknesses and 3 workarounds

1. Partner with another teacher. I could try co-teaching (with administration approval) to use computers in each other’s classrooms for projects.

2. Bring my children’s electronic games/systems from home. Using my children’s leap pad, quantum pad, ixl reader, and ipod in my classroom exposes some of the classroom students to “fun” and “educational” toys.

3. Writing grants. I know this is a long shot. But, I’m willing to write grants to gain access to technology that my students need.

3 Opportunities

1. Administrative approval – I need an administrative staff who believes in my ability to teach the standards and integrate technology that challenges the students.o I can design one project that fully integrates technology and have

students to present the information to the administration staff in a small classroom presentation.

2. Students – the students in my Title 1 school are use to the programs that they’ve been using for the last 3 or 4 years. Some are eager to explore, but most of them are reluctant or declare “I can’t do this” before they even try.o I can use small group gatherings to teach students to use different programs.

3. Not enough computers and no lab – In our school, we only have 3-4 computers per classroom (for 22 students to use), and there is not a computer lab to send the students to. o I could partner with my teammates to maybe use their computers at a specified time 2 times a week for students to work on projects that they’ve been assigned in small group.

3 threats and 3 workarounds

Tablet PCLaptop LearningSkypeBloggingGlogster

Top 5 Tools

1. Skilled personnel – making it a priority to keep myself and my team up to date on new or interesting classroom technology

2. Shared vision – getting administration, parents, and other teachers involved in the classroom technology vision. Giving parents input can sometimes help fuel administration to action.

3. On-going professional learning – signing up for technology classes offered at the annex or on-line to learn about new technology

Essential Conditions I can Influence

1. Screen reader2. Write: Out loud

Assistive Technology Tools

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity – making sure that my students experience a new technology (whether it’s my personal technology or a program) will inspire students

2. Model digital-age work and learning – using technology in the classroom can pique student interest so that they will want to learn about it (i.e. nook tablet, ipod, etc.)

2 Goals