July's Technology Self Evaluation
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As mentioned before I am a special education teacher from grades Pre-K through 12th grade in every subject. I have taught science, English, reading, math, history, etc. in order to be able to teach a variety of subjects in various grades I have had to used different technology methods in different ways. Since the way I used technology changes with each grade level and subject I take it even a step further because each one of my diverse students learns differently therefore, I have to use technology resource to the way they learn.
I have worked with students with severe developmental delays and they are able to use tablets for communication. I can take those same tablets and use them for Kindergartners to practice writing their letters and again take those same tablets to high school students and help them develop a google slide presentation.
By giving all these various examples I believe that best technology that I am using is the TPACK which stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. This method is used by the content that I am teaching which again varies each year, the method that I use for my students which varies daily based on grade and academic level and the way in which I use the technology available to us at the school in which I am at. Since I change schools a few times during the school year I am constantly adjusting the way I can utilize technology since unfortunately not all schools are at the same tech level.
I have been in schools that have smart boards and smart desks and the way I can use that technology is limitless but then when I step into a school that still has dry erase boards and an overhead projector as its main teaching formats, I have to figure out ways to implement technology into the classroom and how to best utilize it. TPACK model is build into Special education teachers by nature because we teach differently than general education teachers in order to meet our student at their learning level and taking it from there.
Hello July,
ReplyDeleteMuch like your professional experiences, serving as a Learning Behavior Specialist and Case Manager within a therapeutic program, I teach multiple grade levels and students with a variety of ability levels. In my role, I am responsible for differentiating and adapting my instruction to meet the needs of my students. This involves incorporating a myriad of instructional technology tools, platforms, and resources to ensure learner growth and achievement. It also means combining my instructional framework, available technology, and diverse platforms to provide an engaging and beneficial learning experience for my students.
In addition to our professional experiences being similarly aligned, I also chose to evaluate myself using the TPACK model. In the modern day, technology has truly evolved and developed, and the TPACK model allows educators to evaluate how educational technology can enhance the preparation and delivery of teaching and learning excellence to learners. Nonetheless, the availability of instructional technology within K-12 public schools is not equitable. What one district may have could be entirely different from the next. Similarly, we see some districts that have an abundance of resources, while others truly lack the necessary resources, as a result of funding or other external factors beyond the classroom. Therefore, by evaluating available resources and how we approach instruction, the TPACK model serves as a guide to ensuring we can help make learning equitable, innovative and engaging, to the fullest extent possible. I believe that the cornerstone of success with instructional technology integration lies in ensuring that it supports and enhances the learning experience, as opposed to hindering student achievement outcomes. Therefore, I certainly would concur that differentiation and planning are essential components to effective technology integration within the diverse learning classroom.
I enjoyed reading about your professional experiences utilizing educational technology, and how the TPACK model blends with your instructional teaching philosophy. I wish you continued success in your teaching journey, as we continue to adjust our instructional practice to a more digital landscape.
Respectfully,
Ryan Whitcomb, M.Ed.
Thanks for your reflection, July. The special education resources you have shared are great.
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