Blog #3

This class has shown me so many different ways technology can be implemented into the content that I teach.  Making what I teach more engaging and further their technology skills.  I have realized that I need, my district needs to put more value on technology.  We are doing a disservice to the students by not giving them more opportunities and access to technology.  I have always felt like HPS was a leading district but I feel like we are lacking in this area big time.

The only question or concern I have is to how to get more technology access for my students. I believe the solution is to start writing grants....learn how to write grants to get the technology necessary to implement all of these cool tools and resources I have learned in this class. 

I also feel like technology is the missing piece to making formative assessment manageable for teachers so they will use it to its highest power.  I am a formative assessment coach for the MDE and the only way teachers will use the F.A. process powerfully is to make it easy to implement.  I plan to explore more applications, etc. to meet the needs of F.A.

I am thankful for this class and giving me a spark to implement MORE technology!

Posts on Blogs

 Comment #1:(dawn619)
http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-comment-like-king-or-queen.html#comment-566338151

Comment #2: (dawngravelyn)
http://mrsosterman.blogspot.com/2012/02/sight-words-nonsense-words2-of-our.html?showComment=1340647225566#c6825066016428088683

Comment #3:(dawn619)
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-digital-divide-scroggs#comment-106740

Blog #2 Project

At first, I was going to be really nice and complete a Physics Webquest for my counterparts that I have 'left'.  However, in the spirit of the whole reason why I am leaving my classroom, I will focus on what my son needs.  This is the most important teaching assignment of my life! 

A common struggle for those who have Autism is fine motor skills.  My dear sweet Jack finds this to be true and gets really, really frustrated when his letters aren't perfect.  He also struggles with perfection which is a bad combination when learning how to write. 

I was (still feel like I am ) a 6th grade Science teacher.  Thus, I have little experience these days with teaching writing skills and/or phonics at the primary levels.  The first thing I need is a basic understanding of the expectations and standards a kindergarten student should have. I will also need an  understanding of the technology programs out there to foster the learning of these skills.  Jack will be in Young 5s next year, but to decrease his frustration with fine motor skills I want him to learn advanced skills.  I am hoping without the obstacle of writing his letter, numbers, etc. he will be able to focus on social skills.  Socials skills are another struggle for Jack and another common Autistic struggle.

I will apply the research-based best practices of teaching that I use in my classroom, such as activating his prior knowledge..teach by modeling a new concept/skill...check for understanding...formative assess...adjust my instruction...guide his practice of the skills... continuously monitor and formative assess through out this process and adjust my instruction (including conducting different activities to fit his needs).  I will make sure to implement technology that fits the standards/skills that he needs to learn and that fits his needs as a learner. 

I am excited to help my son!  Let the hunting for resources begin!

Post #1

I hope to gain knowledge in ways to incorporate technology into teaching.  More specifically, due to my career shift to stay-at-home mom yet keeping my formative assessment teams, learn ways to make learning more powerful and to obtain formative assessment data more efficiently.


I have used "clickers" in my own classroom to gather formative assessment data ~3 times a week.  I also used a Google site to keep students and parents informed of the current learning targets, internet resources that matched the content, and communicated upcoming activities and assignments.


I would like to find free resources (district will be hesitant to allocate money for this until proven) to collect and track student performance data.  I want these tools to be quick and easy to use for teachers.  The only way I am going to get teachers on board with using technology to foster formative assessment, is show them ways to make a large impact with very little effort/time.


It is oh so bittersweet that I will not be returning to my classroom this next school year.  However, I will be continuing coaching two, possible three formative assessment teams in my district.  Our district has a foundational understanding of formative assessment, I believe in the power of its process and abilities to further every students understanding, thus moving our district forward in reaching all students...technology fits the formative assessment process.   Learning new technology resources to reach more students, deepening their understanding will be amazing!