Personal Technology

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Technology Plan

• A vision statement for technology in education, including both the promises and pitfalls, both now and in the future

My classroom vision for technology is to promote a vibrant, collaborative learning environment that is student-centered – that allows for the empowerment of the student, actively engage the parent and school community. The vision is to allow students to be immersed in not only the use of technology but to be able to relate it to everyday life.  It is with this philosophy in mind that I believe we will be able actively meet the demands of the 21^st century workplace. In doing so I hope that my classroom will implement technology successfully in which students are allowed to develop a collaborative sharing of information and knowledge – thus improving their technology skills. This vision will provide students with access to a range of appropriate technology and the teaching needed to allow students to independently use this technology.

This student centered learning environment that integrates technology as part of a rich learning environment – allows for meaningful learning. The acquisition of these new skills will be achieved with a combination of directed instruction, based on constructivist learning philosophy, and by using technology for tasks and projects. In doing so it will not only promote but also provide students with a technology rich learning environment where technology is integrated into classroom activities. This will inspire and promote student led problem solving, exploration and communication.   

One of the pitfalls in using technology in classroom could be as a substitute for classroom management /entertainment/ reward activity. Its important that I “keep the my eye on the ball” and not fall in the situation where technology management outweighs educational needs. 

One of the biggest issues here in Africa is connectivity which has become an issue when one is working from uploaded files.

• How you currently employ technology in your work in education

At the moment I am focused on my classroom that is student centered, where authentic student centered activities can take place. In class we do have a focus on project base learning – in which students are required to collaborate on a project and have various options to represent their projects. For example students are required in my Introduction to Economics class to create their own commercial on a “Green Economy.” Their commercial can be in powerpoint format, a pre-recorded rap/song, a video clip or a sound clip. For each project my students are required to blog about their experience within the group and the learning moments in the process

They are divided into groups in which we discuss beforehand. The group then decides who will be taking on various roles, such as project manager, camera person, editor, etc. Students are asked to research beforehand online on group dynamics and collaboration – and explain to the class their understanding. 

Each lesson is online and so are all the powerpiont presentations on a system we use named Edline. We are busy migrating to PowerSchool. Students also use their email and their Microsoft Lync and they are able to contact me anytime as long as I am online. The school system allows students to log onto Lync from home.

Students generally use Windows media or imovie for their video clips, prezi or Powerpoint for their presentations and audacity for their sound clips. The program that they use for design is Publisher. They have access to video cameras and digital cameras that the school provides. We also use overhead projectors in our classrooms for lessons and presentations. As part of our classroom, we try to create a paperless environment so students are required to e-mail any of their work to me. 

As part of my class we also attend a library session in which students are showed how to do online research – especially using search engines like google scholar, EBSCO, etc. We also explore the ethical issues of online plagiarism and challenges. 

Plan

I plan to model appropriate use of technology and give my students a foundation of knowledge and skills for today’s technology-based society. This will allow students to develop a sense of the technology being another tool at their disposal, equal to others in the classroom, accessible when needed.  

Date	30 April	02 May	04 May	08 May	15 May
PhotoShop	Introduce Photoshop	What can it do?	Using Photoshop	Creating and Editing pictures	Post edited pictures
	02 May	04 May	08  -10 May	May - Sep	Sep
Blogging	What does Blogging mean	Rules of blogging	Creating Social Change through blogging	Post your own blogs – over the vacation	Evaluate own Blogs
Aug - June	Aug	Sep	Sep	Oct	May
Website	Creating own Blogsite using Wordpress	Creating content for blog	How to edit and add content to blog	Maintaining a blog	Maintaining a blog

Family and Diversity

IMG_0526, a photo by jsheblak on Flickr.

The process of using creative commons is a lot more easier when using a Flickr account. I would recommend that if you want to license your pics this would be the easier way to do it.

Creative Commons

Sources: http://www.prlog.org/11399289-models-of-diversity-fashion-show-extravaganza-oxford-19th-march.html

The picture chosen forms part of our Service Learning Outreach class which a subject at our school. As students learn to become civil citizens and part of a greater society - we learn about how to deal and address diversity. People are all different and learning about differences allows us not only to acknowledge it but also celebrate it. The picture represents people from different genders, various races and creeds. Yet they all stand together as one - this represents a key aspect of diversity that it does not mean separateness. That even within differences we can still all  be one.

21st Century Learner

A question that I have been reflecting on is what drives knowledge and what would make students thirst for understanding. And how do we as educators provide a platform that will create an interest and allow for curiosity. For me is is important that I am able to allow students to make connections and pursue their thirst for knowledge.

I  was thinking about how creativity can create ideas...and is'nt that what as educators we would like to see. To be able to create an environment that through learning ideas are formed and pursued. And within this pursuit we are able to explore various learning platforms. That good ideas favors the connectedness of each of us. And it is through technology that we are able to connect and share information.

Watch the video below and you will see why I have adopted this philosophy:

Learning is about Passion

Sir Ken Robinson is an amazing speaker with regards to education and creativity and inspires educators from across the world to be passionate about their teaching. Teaching for me I have come to realize is to ignite the passion of the student and knowledge.Teaching is about life long learning and also creating life long learners.

Creativity

Creativity is a fundamental part of the learning process. Watching Sir Ken Robinson resonated for me in a deep and meaningful way. I think that often as educators we are so content focused that we forget about the person. Learning is about the whole person and just imagine how creative learning can be by accessing various avenues of learning. Connecting creativity with learning styles would be a powerful tool in the learning process.

A greater part of me tell me that being creative and making it a part of learning would making teaching a lot more fun for those who feel tired. It can energize not only the student but also the teacher.

PLN Experience

The process with regards to the PLN is one in which started off with reflection – thinking about which comes to mind from the onset when thinking about ones PLN. I then used a pencil and paper to write each one. I used an excel spreadsheet to categorize each tool in each category.

When starting off thinking about it I got confused with regards to how many tools I use to be part of my PLN. But once you get around to what you use to communicate as well as what it is, it becomes a little easier. When starting is can feel daunting but once you gather all the information then it becomes easier.

This process help one to be able to gather and sort information, it also helps one to categorize information. The process in itself is important as is help me to sort information. This is very helpful with regards to not being overwhelmed with information.

I think the ability to be able process information and categorize them is an important skill. This helps one in general to be able to understand how one thinks about information and they one sorts it….

Personal Learning Network

NETS for Students 2007

1.	Creativity and Innovation
	Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
	a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression. c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. d. identify trends and forecast possibilities.
2.	Communication and Collaboration
	Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
	a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media. b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures. d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
3.	Research and Information Fluency
	Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:
	a. plan strategies to guide inquiry. b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks. d. process data and report results.
4.	Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
	Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:
	a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation. b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project. c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.
5.	Digital Citizenship
	Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:
	a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning. d. exhibit leadership for digital citizenship.
6.	Technology Operations and Concepts
	Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:
	a. understand and use technology systems. b. select and use applications effectively and productively. c. troubleshoot systems and applications. d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

© 2007 International Society for Technology in Education.  ISTE® is a registered trademark of the International Society for Technology in Education.