Resources:
NY State is trying to push a technology initiative so that it can revamp its entire educational system to include 21st century skills and assessments. One of our directors, C. W., has been asked to participate on a research committee and technology panel that will present to the NY state assembly in the not too distant future. C.W. will be an invaluable resource to me as I work to implement my plan for technology integration in my classroom and with my new colleagues.
New and former colleagues will also be great resources for me as I work towards my goal. Former coworkers can keep me up to date with what is working for them and what is not working. With my new coworkers, I can discuss how they feel about technology, what their visions are, and what types of technology they would like to see students using on a regular basis.
Our company has a wonderful Learning Center that offers workshops and trainings on various technological devices and software. Their expertise will come in handy when my colleagues and I need professional development in various areas of technology.
Additional Information:
At the moment, I really need to gather information on the various pieces of technology that I would like to have in my room. I need to understand how they will fit into the different aspects of my curriculum and how they will provide enhancement for my students. In addition, I need prices so that I can create an integration plan that fits into my classroom budget and prioritize what I need and when.
Steps Taken So Far:
I have e-mailed my new principal and vice principal to find out when I can get into my new classroom and begin setting up. I also plan to assess what is actually in my room before deciding for sure what I really need. Once I have done that, I will schedule a meeting with my administrators to see what my budget it and decide what will be feasible for this year. It isn’t much, but it is a start…
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are making the best out of your move. I am glad to hear that you have "C. W" to balance the lack of enthusiasm that your new campus had in your previous post. It sounds like you have to do all the leg work as far as ordering. Good luck!
Jim
8th SS
Jim,
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is actually good that I get to do all the ordering leg work though. Teachers are given a budget, a program to place electronic purchase orders, and then just have to wait for approval from administration. For large purchases such as technology, I will have to write a justification stating its purpose in the curriculum and how it will be used and it will have to go before the board for approval as well, but all in all, once I know what I want, the process will be painless in that respect. I will just have to spread my purchases out over a 3-5 yr. timeframe. Thanks for the encouragement.