Reflection

There is no requirement for me to do a reflection on this assignment, but I thought that it was necessary to do one anyway.

Looking back on this assignment, I have learned a lot about blogging, websites and a variety of technologies that can be used in the classroom.  All this information is new to me (mostly because I teach in a Preschool classroom) and I love reading about technologies that can help my students become better learners.  I also like how we are learning about supportive technologies for students who have disabilities.  I have two students who have learning disabilities and technologies such as iPads, computers, read a-long software, has really helped me teach more efficiently toward their learning styles.

My goal, after I finish my master, is to become a Kindergarten teacher.  The very first thing I want to do for my classroom is to create a classroom blog.  I want both students and parents to have access to:

• Online event/assignment calender
• Spelling list
• My contact info
• Pictures of students doing projects or on a field trip
• Reading List 
• Small Forums that students can participate in

Will I delete this when this assignment is over?

No, I will not delete this blog.  My goal is to keep this up and running so I can post future resources for both work and school. This even inspired me to create a personal blog for my family and friends.  

Supportive technologies that help students with disabilities

After this week discussion, it really opened my eyes about supportive technologies that will help students with learning or physical disabilities.  These technologies will motivate students and keep them interested.

Like I stated in my discussion, schools want inclusion between general education classrooms, and special education classrooms.  There are many benefits to inclusion in the classroom.  Students will have equal learning opportunities and students will learning disabilities have a better chance with staying on par with their classmates.

I am disappointing in the lack of education/training that the county is giving teachers. In my school, we had to pay for the training.  I think is should be a free training because it is helping students who really need it.

I found an article online from the National Center for Learning Disabilities called "Assistive Technologies".  This link includes videos, books, applications and other steps to help students with different disabilities.  Please give it a read, and I hope this is helpful in your classrooms.

http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education

Benefits of having technology

One of the best things about having technology is getting frequent updates about this winter storm headed towards to D.C through text alerts and e-mails.

Stay bundled up everyone =)