Reflection
As I was gathering information for this section, I realized just how far I have come with technology in these short past few months. This class has been the most challenging and difficult in my career as a teacher, which spans over thirty years. I am not nor do I feel I will ever be proficient in all areas; however, I have made tremendous strides that are worth my personal accolades and those of my friends who have seen my struggles. What adds to this challenge is that I have not had a classroom in which to gather information and practice what I have learned. There are several areas in which I scored intermediate in the Ed Tech Survey, Other area were not represented because I had no clue. I have much more to learn at this point, but I am proud of my successes and improvement.
The Assistive Technology Webliography was both time consuming and challenging. I learned so much by doing it that I feel I am a better-prepared teacher and proud of the outcome. My studies have been limited in the area of Special Ed and the Webliography proved to be enlightening, educational as well as fun, actually.
Self-Assessment Reflection Unit 1
Level One: Technology Standards for Preliminary Credential Students
Standard 9: Using Computer-Based Technology in the Classroom
Technology is not one of the areas in which I have expertise to say the least. I was surprised to find that in the some of the categories I was considered to be of intermediate proficiency when I feel so inadequate and so much of a beginner.
I am speaking both technically and pedagogically. I have been hands on reading teacher for the past nine years and most recently have mainly worked as a substitute teacher in various classrooms on the Central Coast. These positions have not offered me opportunity to teach with technology let alone practice to improve my skills.
In the Level One Technology class where I was a true beginner, I learned the basic operations of computer hardware and software. It was the first time that I learned how to use a PC computer. I had only used a Mac before that time.
The only place that I feel fairly proficient is using e-mail and computer-based tools for professional communication and collaboration. I made great strides in this area as I planned last year’s Author Fair for SLOCRA, San Luis Obispo County Reading Association.
My experience in most of the other elements of Level One Technology: Standard 9 limited to class time exposure, studying and preparing for assignments and presenting assigned presentations. It was a wonderful preparation period and a giant learning curve for me, but I am afraid I would have to relearn many of the techniques, strategies and practices.
Level Two: Technology Standards for Professional Clear Induction ‘Teachers
Standard16: Using Technology to Support Student Learning
There are some technology tools that I am comfortable using. I have used overhead projectors, CD and DVD players for years; I have used the new lumens and LCD projector in the past year or two
I have some experience in using computer technology with kindergarten students in a summer school classroom. I taught very basic skills including finding and typing letters, basic math skills, drawing, labeling and printing out copies of their work.
I have also assisted in the computer lab when substituting in various grades level classrooms. In those instances, the lesson plans were those of the classroom teacher or computer technology teacher.
I have some knowledge of and have used computer software and applications that were meant to assist me in reading enhancement for ELD students when I taught reading as a teacher tutor.
I am aware and have used of some of the tools and software that several school
districts in my area use in their computer labs. I have not, however, seen or assisted students in using the internet for research.
II.
I am very comfortable using my Macintosh computer for my own purposes. I have used word processing for a very long time. My tying skills are good. I have used Print Shop and Print Explosion to create beautiful brochures, flyers and postcards.
I have learned to e-mail and communicate using e-mail it on a regular basis. I even mailed a manuscript off to a publisher who only accepts submissions online.
I can usually find anything I need on the Internet, including lesson plans, health related issues and accessing websites such as Craig’s List.
I have on occasion created presentations using Power Point and charts using Excel, however these skills are very limited. I have created address labels and business cards, but am lost without label format directions on the package.
III.
Currently, I count my success as simply enrolling in and accessing the necessary information and tools for this course, my first online course ever taken. I have successfully navigated through all directions and completed the first unit of study. It has been challenging
I am hoping that within the next few months, I will be able to secure access to students and technology, so that I can adequately complete this course and grow personally and professionally as an educator.
I would like to learn the basic ins and outs of computers and programs used within both the local school district and classrooms. I would like to be able to set up simple tasks in which students could access the Internet for information.
This is the link to my Ed Tech Profile:
