Workshop 6

*In what areas did you see the greatest growth?

I would have to say my knowledge of what is out there. I knew there were great things but really wasn't aware of what was all out there. I also have been more interested in integrating more. But I want to do it way where I am not taking away from their learning with their five senses.

*How will your teaching practice change as a result of what you have learned?

I don't think I'll be changing a lot, but I want to be able to add some things that are technology related but that are appropriate for 4 year olds.

Workshop 5

1) How can you encourage your professional colleagues to engage in ongoing development in terms of technology integration?

For me, the most important thing is to consider your grade. There are technology tools that are not applicable to certain grade/age level. There is a lot that any grade level could benefit from, but the teacher needs to consider their students. What is their learning level? How could this benefit them? What is my intention in using this?

2) How can you serve as a teacher leader for technology integration in your professional setting?

I don't think that I could say I'm a leader especially in technology. I'm still learning about technology. But I know I can use what I have learned and share it with my colleagues. I can share ideas, thoughts with them.

3) What tools that you learned about in this class might you use to facilitate this?

I would show how to use PowerPoint in adding music to the PowerPoint.

I would also show how to create a website.

I would explain how each one could benefit their class.

Workshop 4

1) What are your concerns about using various internet technologies in your teaching practice?

My biggest concern is the safety of the internet. The internet has great websites and other things for students if they are careful. But it can also not be safe. I hesitate to use the internet for this reason. I'm afraid that when go to a website, they are going to see something they shouldn't. Another concern I have is if it's grade level friendly. I struggle a lot finding things that are for their level but also their learning level. Lastly, the connectivity. Most websites that I want to use cannot but opened here. I have to have a VPN and my school computer does not have a VPN.

2) How can you alleviate these concerns?

I think it's VERY important that students, especially young ones, are with a grown up at all times. They should never be alone. I think it's important that a teacher sets "rules" and her students knows them when they are on the internet. I'm actually going to see if my school computer can get a VPN so then I can find some websites for my students.

Workshop 3

Questions

1) What software applications do you use regularly in your teaching practice?

I use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. But the majority of the time I use PowerPoint. Whether it's creating something for my class or using it for creating a bulletin board.

During computer center time, my students use Teddy Bear Tools or they get to go on to www.starfall.com. These are about it of the software application I use regularly.

2)What other software skills would you like to improve to increase your professional efficacy?

I'm not familiar with any great software that would be beneficial for my students at the Pre-K level. I know there are lots but I'm not aware of them. I also would like to know what software are beneficial for my ESL students as well.

3) Propose an action plan to improve these skills.

I will start by asking my fellow ECC teachers of any software they know of that would be beneficial for my grade. I will even ask my principal if she knows of any as well. Then I will look online to see what is out there.

Workshop 2

1) How well prepared do you feel for 21st century teaching and learning?

If there was a line, and on one end is "so much ready, confident" and on the other end is "no so ready/not confident", I would be in the middle of that line. I still have so much to learn and teach, especially learn now that we are in the 21st century. But I also feel confident in teaching my students in the 21st century

2) Do your students leave your classroom equipped for success using 21st century skills?

As I was reading about the 21 century skills, there are some that I already do and there are some that I need to do more of. I know that there needs to be a balance between all of those. As a teacher, that is what I'm trying to do, balance it. So I do my best for my students as they leave my classroom well equipped for the 21st century.

3) What are your strengths and challenges in regards to 21st century teaching and learning?

*Strengths:

-I feel I know enough teach, but as a teacher I have more to learn

-There are great websites and other place to get awesome ideas

*Challenges:

-As mentioned above in the strengths, I have more to lear as there are so many new things out there

-One of the biggest challenges for me is incorporating more tech into the classroom but at the same time be a balance and effective for my 4 year old students. They have wonderful minds and I don't want to take away that from them. I know that thee are great things for their age group out there, but I don't know what will work best. That is one of my challenges.

Workshop 1

Questions to think about:

1) Consider technology in your school and in your classroom. How are you doing at meeting the NETS for teachers standards that you read about in Activity 1.3?

As I was reading the NETS standards, I was shocked because a lot of them we don't do, I know at the ECC (Early Childhood Center) level we don't. I'm not sure about the other grades.

2) What are the barriers to technology use in your professional setting?

One of the barriers I see in my professional setting is the age my students are. I have seen great technology uses in the classroom but that are for students in K-5. I haven't really seen for my grade. I do know there are great things out there but another struggle is when I get it how to i incorporate it into my lesson? I want there to be a balance.

3)How does Biblical directive to "fear not" apply to you as far as technology use?

I guess the use of technology makes me a bit afraid. Why? Because I see lots of kids now days oh phones, computers, watching TV, using some kind of electronic device but never see them outside anymore. I feel like all of those things are taking the place of that. I feel like that they don't get to explore for themselves and use their imaginations as mush as they used to. I think that is one reason why I don't use it as much because I want my students to be able to explore and use their imaginations. I don't want them to lose it. God does tell us to "fear not" and give him all our fears. So this is a fear I have and so I want to give him this fear.

4)What are your personal goals as you being this class on technology?

My goal is to learn all I can from each workshop. In each workshop I know I'll be learning a lot and I'd like to see it applied to my own teaching. I also would like to have a better understanding of it as learn new things :D