"Strengths & Weaknesses"

I love technology, and in my opinion that is one of my greatest strengths when it comes to technology integration. The new tools that are coming out on the market excite me and ever since I decided to become a teacher I have been thinking about ways to integrate the new technology into the classroom. I have experience using both a Mac and PC, and understand the basics of how each computer works. I have used many audio and visual applications/programs, and have many ideas about how those programs can be integrated. I have a willingness to explore and try new programs, and I know that will benefit my future students. I believe that my excitement about technology will be a connection point between my students at I.

After taking the UNI survey and looking over the NETS*T standards I discovered that because I have not actually designed learning experiences for students I am at the apprentice level for most of the sections. I have had a lot of experience using all types of technology, but I have not actually be able to design many lessons for students. This is one area that I would consider a weakness. I understand technology, but being able to use it, and being able to teach with it are two very different things. One of my goals is to strengthen my practical knowledge about how I can effectively use technology in the classroom. A source of information that can help me to strengthen this area is the podcast series Technology 4 Teachers. This is a podcast series containing audio, video and a blog with information about technology and teaching and practical ways those two connect. It is created by a teacher who knows first had what it is like. Another source of information I found is a website (http://www1.kent.k12.wa.us/curriculum/tech/proj_plan.html) that contains a step by step guide to creating a technology rich unit.

Another one of my weaknesses is the fact I know very little about the adaptive assistive devices for students with special needs. I have not had the chance to see these devices in action, and I know very little about what is available. I know that every year while I am a teacher there will be students with special needs so one of my goals is to become more familiar with the technologies that are available to help. One resource that is available to help me learn more about this area is http://www.closingthegap.com/ This site is all about the assistive devices and they even have periodic webinars and conferences. There is also a podcast series that goes by the same name, Closing the Gap, that is another resource. There are many sites and places online available to visit like http://www.tamcec.org/, where I can go to learn more about these assistive technologies.