This web conference discussed what we need to do for the internship. Topics mainly included the intern application, site mentor agreement, and the letters that go with each. We breifly went over the new intern handbook and what changes have been made. There was also discussion about the week 3 assignment. Finally, which actually happened within the first few minutes of the conference, all participants tried to help a peer make their camera clearer.
I feel as though these web conferences are very informative. I like how it gives you a chance to talk to others in your class and ask the professor questions.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
National Education Technology Plan
President Obama and his Administration have realized the urgency to adopt a national technology plan to ensure the country’s progression. The main goals of this plan are to: (a) raise the proportion for college graduates from 41% (currently) to 60% by the 2020. This means that 60% of students will hold a 2year or 4year college degree and (b) close the achievement gap so that all students to graduate high school will be ready to succeed in college and their careers. The core of this plan is technology.
One of the main ideas is to create a plan that is cost effective and is run by cost-saving strategies. Other ideas of the plan were to embrace technology, create innovation, have prompt implementation, regular evaluations, and continuous improvement. Basically, implement technology in new and innovative ways now, while evaluating the progress and then improve it.
There are five essential areas of concern: teaching, learning, infrastructure, assessment, and productivity. Teaching: it is important to work with others, collaborate, and connect. There will no longer be a time where a teacher will feel they are on their own. Learning: engage and empower all learners by enabling, motivating, and inspiring them to learn. Infrastructure: expand access for resources, implement social networking, and 24/7 resource availability for teachers and students. Assessment: revise, create, and implement standards and objectives and develop assessments to monitor both student and teacher knowledge and skills. Productivity: provide ample amount of professional develop opportunities to ensure technological implementation.
I find that the main issue, which is for most things in life, is money. Many districts do not have the funds to provide such resources, especially at this time of recession. People tend to not look to the future, but are more worried about today.
Web Conference on October 12th
Wednesday night was the first time I have ever been a part of a web conference. I am almost ashamed to say it. My school district has had web conferences previously, but I guess I was always nervous to try it. However, now that I have gotten over the hump, I feel pretty confident to try them and maybe even create my own for my classes.
I thought that this conference was an informative presentation that allowed its viewers to hear the information as opposed to just reading it. I also enjoyed that we could talk and ask questions. Even though I did not have a microphone, I was still able to included by typing in the pod chat area. It was also nice to actually see other classmates (and their sons...hehe).
I feel as though web conferences would be a good teaching tool for future classes. It will allow the class to learn at home while able to see and talk with each other. I am eager to attempt somehow to incorporate this into my classes, as well as share with other colleagues.
I thought that this conference was an informative presentation that allowed its viewers to hear the information as opposed to just reading it. I also enjoyed that we could talk and ask questions. Even though I did not have a microphone, I was still able to included by typing in the pod chat area. It was also nice to actually see other classmates (and their sons...hehe).
I feel as though web conferences would be a good teaching tool for future classes. It will allow the class to learn at home while able to see and talk with each other. I am eager to attempt somehow to incorporate this into my classes, as well as share with other colleagues.
District Technology Plan
Main Ideas of Technology Plan
A technology planning committee was formed to identify a process to support and encourage the use of effective technologies to enable lifelong and empowered learning. This plan will integrate technologies into the curriculum, providing a variety of educational technologies that students and staff will be given access to.
Goals Included in this plan
*Goal 1 –The Board of Education will support the Public School Technology Plan by resolution and through implementation.
*Goal 2 –To support the enhancement of its technology infrastructure of data, voice and video networking to every classroom, library, educational support area and administrative office.
*Goal 3 –To enhance learning by infusing technological resources into all curricula areas.
*Goal 4 –To provide professional development opportunities for all teachers, library media specialists, and administrators.
*Goal 5 –To pursue local, state, federal, business and community grants, and other sources of funding.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent is the person who will be coordinating the professional development activities noted in the plan.
Every administrator, teacher, and library media personnel will have a computer with access to the Internet and e-mail accounts.
Administrators will be sent for training at NJ Elite and workshops planned through the ETTC.
Teachers will receive professional development from Johns Hopkins University CYT, and International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Teachers will also attend workshops at ETTC and the Hudson County Professional Consortium.
The library media personnel will attend the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference annually.
Teacher will also have release time to attend workshops and given common planning periods for teaching strategies.
Financial Resources and Budget
Federal Funding – 11,756 for network
State Funding – 36,320 for other services
Local Funding – 5,500 for digital curricula, 5,500 for print media, 5,500 for technology equipment, 5,500 for upgrades, 22,000 for software, and 125,685 for network
Services Assessed
There were software copyrights and agreements created. However, there was no formal assessment of equipment and services used.
Evaluation of Goals
Each goal of the plan will be annually reviewed. This report will contain an assessment of each activity and status of the plan.
Coordination Committee of this technology plan:
Superintendent, Technology Coordinator, Technology Curriculum Director, Technology Teacher, Special Education Director, Library Media Specialist, Guidance Counselor, Board Member, Parent, and District Technology Technician
Techonology Assessments
The 21st century learner has brought on a new era that changes the way we teach. We can no longer hide behind our textbooks, our lectures, and our note taking. Today’s modern student will not learn the tools they need for the future by using old methods. Therefore teachers must adapt and learn the new technology that their students have been using for years. By incorporating different forms of technology into the lessons taught, students will be more engaged, focused, cultured into the world around them, and will establish new forms of learning. However, how can this new form of teaching and learning be incorporated if no one is taught how to do it? How do we know the teachers have the skills to even introduce it? In order for any program to work, there needs to be some form of assessment. Assessments are needed to review the program and make adjustments where needed.
Assessing Educators Technology Leadership Knowledge and Skills
Understanding that we need to improve ourselves and the classes we teach, I feel that teachers should be assessed on the knowledge and skills of technology. By doing so, it will keep teachers learning about the new forms of technology, creating a 21st century teacher. This will improve their teaching and their students’ learning. However, I do not feel that this assessment should reflect in their annual reviews. A teacher should not be penalized because they are not as competent in technology as their peer. I think the results should be included as your “personal improvement plan.” Something they need to work towards and improve.
Assessing Student Technology Knowledge and Skills
The entire idea behind introducing technology into the classroom is based on the improvement of student learning. Therefore we must assess their ability to use and understand technology and its different tools. Some districts have adopted this idea already, creating a “computers” class, where the students learn how to use different tools. However, with some budget cuts, not every district has this or it might have been taken out. If this is the case, then technology is not as important to that district as they may claim to be.
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