Monday, August 11, 2014

Adding Technology to my Special Education IEP meetings

As a special education teacher, it is my responsibility to prepare my high school students for what awaits them after school.  This may be college, technical school or a job right out of high school.  Whatever they choose to do, I need to make sure they are as prepared as possible for this transition.

Since I have been looking at new technological possibilities in the classroom, I started thinking about how to incorporate some of these ideas into my special education meetings.  It is very important to include the student in the entire process.  All of the decisions made affect the student.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to allow the student to address his interests and what he considers his strengths and weaknesses in a video, audio or eBook

There are so many options to use technology in the IEP process.  I would love to try an audio book written by the student to share with the IEP team.  I also think this would be a great way for the student to report on his transition goals.  If the student is to interview an employer, an audio or video report would be a fun way to reflect on the completion of the task.


I am determined to keep an open mind and challenge myself to use technology in new and unexpected ways.

Sphero Fun

Coding has always been a scary notion for me.  I remember my high school computer class and the DOS commands.  It was not only boring, but hard to understand for someone like me.  How can I possibly be able to do any of this?

And along comes Sphero.  Sphero is a small robotic ball that you can command to do certain things.  It was not only easy to control with the wonderful apps available, it was fun!  I have decided that I am going to purchase one for myself and my children to play with.  What better toy or technology game for kids than one that teaches them coding skills?




Sunday, August 10, 2014

Getting Techy With Alt Ed

Alternative school remains a challenge when it comes to incorporating state objectives and technology. There are six history subjects being completed by students at any given time. If our school was larger, I might be able to dedicate a class time to each one. However, it isn't feasible at our school.

The Innovative Teaching and Learning Academy has really opened my eyes to so many possibilities for my students. Before school starts, I am planning on revamping my syllabi for all classes. 

Oklahoma History is the one I am going to attack first. I love the idea of a blog entry instead of a chapter summary. Giving the students choices of blog topics for each chapter will help them feel they have some control over the finished product.

I am getting very excited about all the possibilities and can't wait to start.


Thursday, August 7, 2014

The New Bloom's Taxonomy


The New Bloom's Taxonomy has changed the names of each category from nouns to verbs.  I think the new format takes into account today's technology.  We are doing, doing, doing, so verbs are much more appropriate. With all of the technology available, we can complete higher levels at a much faster pace than ever before.

Reflections on Adora Svitak

TED always has a great variety of videos that are relevant.  I enjoy watching thought provoking videos that will stay with me for quite some time.  This morning at our Innovative Teaching and Learning Academy, we watched a TED video entitled "What Adults Can Learn From Kids".

Adora Svitak is a child, but like no child you ever met.  She is a keynote speaker for teachers.  Yes, the teachers have much to learn from this child.  That is actually the point she makes in her speech.  I learned that if you just give children a chance to be creative and have control over their own learning, that the teachers can lean much from them also. Children have far fewer reservations and will be more likely to come up with more creative work than the adults.

We must remember to give children the freedom to be creative and go farther than we would go ourselves.  

Monday, August 4, 2014

Innovative Teaching and Learning Academy

The Innovative Teaching and Learning Academy is almost here.  I just printed my "homework" assignment.  Tonight I will be reading "Teaching, Learning, and Living in the Digital Century - What is a digital footprint?"  What is a digital footprint???  From what I gather so far, without reading it, it would be the evidence I leave behind when getting online.  Examples could include Twitter or Facebook posts and blogs.  I guess this blog entry will be considered a "digital footprint".  

The excitement builds as I wait for Thursday to arrive.  There is always much more to learn.  Even though I feel comfortable and efficient with technology, I am still a beginner.  There is so much out there to learn.  It would be impossible to use everything in my classroom, but by learning all that is available, I am going to be able to use what is most appropriate and effective for my classroom.  

This Academy is going to be a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming school year.  I feel fortunate to be part of such a progressive and connected school district.