ISTE GOALS

There are several goals in which I would like or rather "Love" to attain while in my first year of teaching. Previously I mentioned goals that were more personally based, now I would like to share my ISTE goals which are technology driven. As stated in the ISTE standards, "Education Must Change." Today we need to get our students ready for the digital-age and therefore making them more aware of all the technology and changes. Transforming our classrooms into a learning environment that will empower our students to be successful today as well as tomorrow not only leads them to down the path of success it also enables them to be ready for the changing world around them. Below are "6" Goals that I would love to achieve in year one of my career.
1) Make appropriate choices about technology systems, resources, and services that are aligned with district and state standards.
I plan to be well informed of district policy in regards to technology. District and state standards will be the foundation of my lesson plans. In order to incorporate these standards the lesson will be well thought out and student friendly.
I plan to purchase technology that will enable students to enhance the learning of technology.
2) Arrange equitable access to appropriate technology resources that enable students to engage successfully in learning activities across subject/content areas and grade levels.
I plan to have an "Open Door' policy will will enable students the access of all technology in the classromm for assignments and projects. Students will be able to access the library or have some kind of other means to finish assignments and learn the technology based assignment.
3) Plan and implement technology-based learning activities that promote student engagement in analysis, sysnthesis, interpretation, and creation of original products.
I plan on creating assignments that are based on "real world" learning. Students will be able to use the technology learned to advance their learning skills and apply them in real life situations. Students will create and present technology -based assignments to be equipped for college or work-based presentations.
4) Teach students methods and strategies to access the validity and reliability of information gathered through technological means.
I plan on teaching and informing students the difference between all web based services. I plan on teaching the difference between sites that offer opinion and sites that are research driven.
5) Use results from the assessments measures (e.g. learner profiles, computer-based testing, electronic porfolios) to improve instructional planning, management, and implementtion of learning strtegies.
I plan on achieving this goal by constanting checking for understanding. I plan to have several testing methods such as computer-base, assessment through project learning, and other various means that will enable me to plan and manage my classroom.
6) Use technology resources to facilitate communications with parents or guardians of students.
I plan on achieving this goal by communication via email with the parents or guardians of my students. I will also set up a classroom site (district approved) that will enable parents to check their childs progress and see what is happening inthe classroom. I will have an open forum or discussion section for parents and students can communiate with me.
Well there they are......I beleive these too will change as I change as a teacher.

"6 Goals for My 1st Year of Teaching"

Looking forward and imagining my first class get me a bit anxious. Up to now I have been in a classroom as a paraeducator, which is a big word for "assistant." I know it does give me some experience however, in this instance I will be responsible for the class and actually educating them! Yes, this is a scary thought nonetheless, this is what I have been preparing for all this time. Through time I have been adding and deleting to my list of goals that I would have for my first year. I have came up with a few and here they are:
1) Always start fresh!
By this I mean always start the day anew. Leave the past in the past. Our students are going to be brings "extra luggage" with them to school each day. Some days may be great others not so good. Go with the flow and make each day count!
2) Be Prepared...
In all circumstances be prepared. I would like to think I will always have a Plan B, just in case something does not go my way or as it should be.
3) Stay connected...
I plan to stay connected in education by attending seminars, conferences, or simply by taking a class here and there to stay on top of my game, so to say.
4) Sharing and parterning with a coworker...
I plan to have a mentor and partnership with great educators who can offer me guidance, support, and methods of teaching that can enhance my learning and class.
5) and Goal #5, I plan to have an "Open Door" policy for my students. Being supportive and offering an open door policy will enable me to keep in touch with my students and allow students to have extra help, support, or just to talk on a daily basis.
Well, there they are....I know they will again change as I change and learn more and more. I plan on working hard as my goals may change my motive and motto always stays the same, "Educating the Future, One Student at a Time."

Its a Virtual World Out There

The assignment for this week was to visit another Blog Page (not one of my classmates) and see what exactly is going on in the virtual world of blogging. What an amazing journey I came across shifting through all the blogs, readings, and the writings of some very awesome people. After this amazing journey I was able to really get inspired by two pages.
First the blog by Edward Fields, titled HotChalk is amazing.....it is so imformative and gives you so much information for teaching you immediately get hooked. In this blog he touches the subjects on salaries, teaching, merit pay, educating the public on several things, and many, many more topics. Linking into this blog on a weekly basis will defnitely enlighten you and open up a new world of teaching topics with great reflections.
Next, Vicki Davis is a Blog page to defnitely visit. Her page is titled "The Flat Classroom." This blog gives you so much information for blogging from how to insert a URL to citing a certain person or thing. I truly loved the way I was able to see how she worked the Flat Classroom into her own teaching. I was able to get many ideas and was able to see how to blog myself.
Overall, this was an exciting assignment and I was able to learn so much about the Blogging and the life of a Blogger.......

Did You Know 2

While taking the course Computers in Education, we were asked to view a YouTube site called "Shift Happens" and others relating to the same topic like "Did You Know 2."  If at all possible view these short versions.  It is amazing to see what is happening or what is about to happen in our would today through technology and the social network.  The short video went over so many different areas of socila networking, technology, what is now and then, that it was very informative and left me thinking...WOW!
 After viewing the movie Social Network, I was amazed to see how Facebook came to be and what it is now.  As for the viewing of my assignment....let me just say I was overwelmed.  As an older student I have seen technology and how it has taken over the workplace, in school and in the concrete world.  Like the video said...what I am learning in now (Computers in Education course) will not be revelent in about three years!  I am already behind in technology, all I can do is pray for the best and keep plugged it! LOL.....

My First Post!

This is my new Blog!  Yeah! I am getting Techie!