Diversity
Today’s students are unlike any other generation of students in the past. Not only do they have a plethora of needs but they also have a vast array of technology skills. That being said, many times groups of students get left behind in this technology race. These students either do not have the access or do not have adequate exposure to feel confident in their use of technology. For this reason, an instructional technology coach is an invaluable addition to a school to ensure that the diverse technology needs of all students are being met on a consistent basis.
During my time in the instructional technology program at Kennesaw State University, I have acquired the knowledge and skills and enhanced my dispositions when it comes to technology in schools. Prior to this program, my technology knowledge was adequate but not at the level necessary to be able to successfully address diversity in schools. Throughout this program, I have acquired a vast knowledge of too many technology tools and applications to name. I have not only learned about these tools, but I have also used them firsthand and know how to successfully use these tools in the classroom. Some of my favorite tools I now have knowledge of include: Wix, Blogger, Schoology, Google Drive, and various iPad tools to use in the science classroom. The great part about all these tools is that they address the needs of all learners and can be used with all students or small groups of students depending on the classroom need. I also developed a thorough understanding and true knowledge of the term equitable access. After surveying my colleagues, I learned that none of us really knew what “equitable access” meant and as a result the school has been taking steps to improve this for our students. Perhaps the most important knowledge I acquired within this program was that of the ISTE student and coach standards. I was never even aware these existed before I started this program, but now that I know these standards, I have been able to incorporate them in as many ways as possible in my classroom and the classrooms of other teachers by helping them be aware of these standards too.
I also acquired several skills within the Instructional technology program. The first skill I acquired was that of troubleshooting basics issues with technology. Throughout the program, we were required to learn new technologies and incorporate them into our teaching. As a result, I learned how to troubleshoot various issues within each of the applications I was using and additionally how to troubleshoot basic computer problems. Additional skills I acquired within this program were how to create authentic lessons and assignments that address the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. Throughout the program, my constant updating of my classroom assignments and projects allowed for all of my students to have more access to technology use and also the ability to perform at levels higher than the typical “drill and kill” technology methods used in other classes.
Coming into this program, I had a love for technology and strong desire to increase technology incorporation in the classroom. Throughout this program, my love and desire for technology use in the classroom has only increased. My attitude is that of a constant search for something better, so in this manner, I am always adapting and changing lessons, assignments, and my classroom structure in general in order to support the diverse needs of all learners and improve and increase the implementation of technology. I also believe that all students are capable of using and being successful with the use of technology. Regardless of the prior exposure of a student, the teacher or the instructional coach is able to help guide students to increase their confidence with technology and enable them to be better students with all varieties of technology. Teacher enthusiasm is also a critical part of having successful technology integration in schools. Based on my experience in this program, my enthusiasm for technology integration is essential to getting other teachers on board and excited to implement too. The current situation in schools consists of a wide variety of teacher use of technology which tends to harm the access of students to technology. If teachers are enthusiastic about incorporating technology, then their students will be excited to use it and will also gain the necessary skills to be successful in their use regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background knowledge.
List of activities I have completed during this program to demonstrate my ability to successfully address diversity in today’s schools:
During my time in the instructional technology program at Kennesaw State University, I have acquired the knowledge and skills and enhanced my dispositions when it comes to technology in schools. Prior to this program, my technology knowledge was adequate but not at the level necessary to be able to successfully address diversity in schools. Throughout this program, I have acquired a vast knowledge of too many technology tools and applications to name. I have not only learned about these tools, but I have also used them firsthand and know how to successfully use these tools in the classroom. Some of my favorite tools I now have knowledge of include: Wix, Blogger, Schoology, Google Drive, and various iPad tools to use in the science classroom. The great part about all these tools is that they address the needs of all learners and can be used with all students or small groups of students depending on the classroom need. I also developed a thorough understanding and true knowledge of the term equitable access. After surveying my colleagues, I learned that none of us really knew what “equitable access” meant and as a result the school has been taking steps to improve this for our students. Perhaps the most important knowledge I acquired within this program was that of the ISTE student and coach standards. I was never even aware these existed before I started this program, but now that I know these standards, I have been able to incorporate them in as many ways as possible in my classroom and the classrooms of other teachers by helping them be aware of these standards too.
I also acquired several skills within the Instructional technology program. The first skill I acquired was that of troubleshooting basics issues with technology. Throughout the program, we were required to learn new technologies and incorporate them into our teaching. As a result, I learned how to troubleshoot various issues within each of the applications I was using and additionally how to troubleshoot basic computer problems. Additional skills I acquired within this program were how to create authentic lessons and assignments that address the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. Throughout the program, my constant updating of my classroom assignments and projects allowed for all of my students to have more access to technology use and also the ability to perform at levels higher than the typical “drill and kill” technology methods used in other classes.
Coming into this program, I had a love for technology and strong desire to increase technology incorporation in the classroom. Throughout this program, my love and desire for technology use in the classroom has only increased. My attitude is that of a constant search for something better, so in this manner, I am always adapting and changing lessons, assignments, and my classroom structure in general in order to support the diverse needs of all learners and improve and increase the implementation of technology. I also believe that all students are capable of using and being successful with the use of technology. Regardless of the prior exposure of a student, the teacher or the instructional coach is able to help guide students to increase their confidence with technology and enable them to be better students with all varieties of technology. Teacher enthusiasm is also a critical part of having successful technology integration in schools. Based on my experience in this program, my enthusiasm for technology integration is essential to getting other teachers on board and excited to implement too. The current situation in schools consists of a wide variety of teacher use of technology which tends to harm the access of students to technology. If teachers are enthusiastic about incorporating technology, then their students will be excited to use it and will also gain the necessary skills to be successful in their use regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background knowledge.
List of activities I have completed during this program to demonstrate my ability to successfully address diversity in today’s schools:
- Implemented Schoology as my classroom website granting all students and parents 24/7 access to my classroom materials and the ability to communicate with me.
- Created flipped videos and posted them on several platforms to address lack of access issues by students and enable them to watch these videos on school computers (YouTube, Screencast-o-matic, and mp4 files).
- Provided professional development for teachers on the use of Schoology as a classroom website and how to better incorporate technology tools in their classroom.
- Modeled and implemented content-rich technology projects utilizing the higher orders of Bloom’s taxonomy.
- Co-lead a three day workshop for Title 1 teachers on methods to improve technology use in the classroom, improve engagement of special education students, and increase literacy skills through the use of technology.
- Provided students with no internet access flash drives of classroom documents and videos to use to access classroom materials on school or public library computers.
- Provided parent tutorials for blog access to ensure all parents are aware of classroom resources and course updates.