Voki Video Reflection

Throughout this year course, Teaching w/ Technology has been a true self learning experience because of the new Web 2. 0 tools I experimented with in order to accomplish  certain goals within my group.  I have much respect and praise for my team members.  Even though we had different perspectives, we were able to accomplish our common goal for this course.  

SMARTboard Meeting

Yesterday,  I had a webinar with the SMART tech representatives, along with  my site supervisor.  It was a very productive meeting.  My principal was able to ask all of the necessary questions about the technology.  The teachers main concern about the SMARTboards would the be conducive and durable if one of the students hit the boards.  The other concern was the expense of the interactive board.  The reps also discussed portable boards because she thought it would be better if she purchased portable board so they could be shared amongst the teachers.   But some of the teachers truly preferred  the MOBI boards compared to the SMARTboards.   Once the webinar concluded, I had a private meeting with my principal and the financial officer about which product would be feasible for the teachers and students.  They are also considering the Apple TV system, therefore it's up in the air about which path they will go.  Lastly, we will be attended a  MOBI workshop on Wednesday, September 26 th, because my principal wants to see how the program works in a classroom setting.   I am pleased my project is moving forward.  Stay tune for more updates.

MOBI Technology Rocks !!

On Monday, September 17,  2012 the eInstruction representative came to my site school with a presentation on the MOBI interactive whiteboard.  It was fascinating to learn about the different aspects of this interactive whiteboard.  The board itself is the size of a tablet and you do all of work from the board.  In my opinion its better for classroom management because the teacher is not attached to the SMART board.  With the MOBI  the teacher is able to walk around the classroom and observe which students are on or off task.  It had some excellent features and it's compatible with all types of software.

The teacher seem to be pleased with the MOBI presentation and the school technology specialist thought is would be perfect fit.  As for my principal she wanted to see how the MOBI worked in a classroom setting before she makes her finally decision.  Today my principal contacted other school that just recently purchased the program, in order for us to see how they implement it within their school.  For the most part the teacher truly enjoyed the presentation and they were eager to learn about new technology for their school.  Even though the presentation was on Monday, they are still talking about the MOBI and when can they get it.  The final decision is up to the CEO and principal of the school but  I know they are leaning towards getting the system.

MOBI VIEW ROCKS !!!!

Context Clues

Context Clues by Flo willia2 on GoAnimate

Animated Presentations - Powered by GoAnimate.

I enjoy using the GoAnimate website to create new videos. This is an excellent tool for teachers to implement in their class, especially if you want to foster the creative side of your students. It's kid friendly, if they can work a PSP or Wii they can surely work on GoAnimate website. This website will help them to express their love for technology along with create mini videos with a variety of characters.

eBook creation

Here's a pic of my character C.C.



Here a copy of my eBook creation.  The illustrations were created by yours truly, the ebook was created on the UDL Book Builder website.

http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=share&book=ee40e622968e05173eaeda3270a62359&sid=9556

Reflection

This has been a interesting semester, I was feeling a little lost, but with support from my group members I feel like have can accomplish my goal.  I learned a great deal about myself and this journey that I am on.  In order for me to continue on this  journey, I just remember the bible scripture, --' I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.' Philippians 4:13   This is just one of many scripture that keeps me going, if I didn't have my faith, I 'm not sure how I could carry on.  Having the support of others in wonderful but you also need faith in God and yourself.  If I can't believe in myself or my skills then how can I achieve my goals.  All things (my faith in God and my skills) are interconnected therefore I can't have one without the other. I  know this has nothing to do with technology or my action research plan but it's important to put things in perspective.

Action Plan in Place

I met with my site supervisor on Friday, August 24, 2012 @ 1:30 p.m, about arrange two demonstrations for her and the technology specialist for the school. We also discussed my findings on the various prices for the laptops vs. tablets and the prices of SMART boards. During our conferences she decided on movable SMART boards instead of having them attached to the walls. She wanted the boards to be able to move in order to share them amongst the teachers. I have to do some more research on the moveable boards. 

She truly liked the idea of the MOBI technology. She had never hear of the MOBI system before, therefore she was intrigued by this technology. We decided due to time constraints, we decide that the week for September 17 thru 21st would be feasible to arrange the demonstrations. I have schedule the two demonstration for September 17th and September 21st.  This was a very productive meeting.

Oh Happy Day!

Techno Video

I learn how to make a cute lil video at www.Goanimate.com. This so Cool. I hope you like it. Technology G. by Flo willia2 on GoAnimate

Animation Software - Powered by GoAnimate.

Technology link for Interactive Whiteboard

Thanks to Flipper 'sCloset, I discover a new interactive whiteboard called the MOBI.  The MOBI stands for mobile interactive whiteboard.  If your class doesn't have a SMART board or interactive board, it doesn't matter with the MOBI.  The MOBI can work with your own regular whiteboard and it's portable control for teachers and students.  It's cheaper too. Click on the link for a demonstration.


eInstruction -- Mobi interactive

Pieces of the Puzzle

Good News all of the pieces are falling into place.  Hoooray !!!!
I finally received all of the price quotes for the interactive whiteboards and I put together a chart of prices between laptops and tablets.  My site supervisor has approved of the work, now she just needs to choose which vendor.

 I want to thank everyone for their helpful hints and comments.  I also want to give a special shout out to Flipper's Closet  for the advice on the dual whiteboards.  I had never heard of the dual whiteboard, much thanks.   I will also mention those boards to my  principal that might change the plan little.  I will keep you posted.

Making progress -- Hooray !!! :)

I am making progress.  Yahoo !!! I spoke with one of the vendors today. I guess writing an unflattering email about their response time seemed to work.  The vendor representative informed me that he would need certain information about my school, once he got the necessary specs, we were able to move forward.  They will contact me with the necessary information within 24 hrs.  
Persistence, perseverance, and an unflattering e-mail works wonders.  Hooray for progress.

The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together. 

I want to SCREAM !!

I hit a snag with my research project.  I'm waiting to hear from two SMART board reps. with the price quotes.  I've called and e-mailed, now I playing the waiting game.  I want to SCREAM!!!  Other than that little snag the rest of my plan is going well.  I've research the various prices on laptops vs. tablets, so far they're about the same, it depends upon the Gigabytes and/ or WiFi.  I spoke with my site supervisor about the budget of the equipment, she stated there's no true budget but I will set a budget just in case.  Wish me luck.  

Action Plan --- Tech

Here is my vision for  implementing more technology into my site school.  It will take work but with the support of my principal it can be accomplish.  Let me know if I missed any necessary research data.
My last post didn't show up. i hope you can see it now. :)

Tech Research Action Plan

Goal: Create a technology classroom that is conducive to students with Autism educational development.

Learning Objective(s): 1. The program will be able to facilitate social interaction between the student and their teacher. 2.  The program will promote students creativity, fine-motor skills, language development, and collaborative planning between teachers.

Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Discuss Action plan with Site Supervisor	Flojean Williams Becky Ingalls	Start : 07/23/2012		Positive feedback from site supervisor
Research Tech. Data for AU students	Flojean Williams	Start : 07/12/2012 End: 07/31/2012	Journals of  tech. intervention, Best practices for AU students, and AU characteristics	Analyze the data to see which information is vital to my plan.
Research the cost of a SMART board Installation fee Software (is it included or need to purchase)	Flojean Williams	Start: 07/31/2012 End: 08/01/2012	1. Spoke with SMART board Rep. @ Visual Innovations Receive pricing on SMART board via email. Went to Lakeshore to check prices on software.	Comparison shopping of each item.   Evaluating the software programs    for teaching strategies.
Research the  Price of Laptops Vs. iPADS	Flojean Williams	Start : 08/01/2012	Apple Store website, Dell and HP websites	Comparison shopping of each item.   Evaluating the software programs    for teaching strategies.
5. Speak with Apple Representative	Phillip Golden (Dev. Director)	Start : 08//2012	Apple Store Rep. Phillip Golden	Talk with rep. about donations or pricing.
Professional Development on the New Technology	Becky Ingalls Flojean Williams	Unknown	SMART Rep. or online class

UC Irvine Feature: Autism teach

UC Irvine Feature: Autism teach 

This video is a good example of what I would like to achieve the Smart board technology.  In the video you will meet to teachers that use Vsked in their class.

Accomplishing the Goal

I met with my site supervisor on Friday, we discussed my plan for integrating more technology into her school.  I mentioned to her a 60 minutes piece I saw online called "Apps for Autism." The teachers were using the iPAD in their classes for a teaching tool and communication device.  I explained how I wanted to develop a technology program the would use iPADs in her classes.  She thought it was a good idea expect she wanted to connect the iPADs technology with the SMART board technology.  I discovered that the two entities can be combine to accomplish her goals of engaged and active learners.

Reflections on " The Lion King"

On yesterday, I volunteer at the Hobby Center during a special (Autism) presentation of "The Lion King" because it was apart of the CBI (community based intervention) program for the students at my site school. They students and their parents were given had altered version of the show because some student's are light-sensitive, sound- sensitive and etc.  It was truly wonderful to see how engaged the students were with the program, even though you could hear the various sounds coming from our children.  The reason I am discussion this is because of the respond one the performer said, when she was asked if the noise our students were making distract to them on stage.   She said, ' No,  because it was the sounds of their own musical jungle.'   We all thought what a wonderful way of describing our kiddos various sounds.   Even though this has nothing to do with technology or my action plan,  I thought I needed to reflect upon that statement and how important it's not to worry about others perceptions when it comes to people/ children with special needs.

Reflection

During the research process, I've learned it's more important to have a practical research plan, rather than theoretical plan because you need to be able to apply it into real situations within your environment.  (Dr.  Kirk Lewis)   I believe my action research plan is practical and important because every child needs the ability to communicate their wants and desires, along with being able to accomplish a new task.  By purchasing software programs conducive to Autistic students' instructional needs in order to advance their academic achievement.  It's truly important for me to give these students a voice.   As I reflect upon the time and effort that my research plan may entail, I believe it's worth the work.

ED Tech Bloggers

Educational leaders can use blogging to communicate with parents and peers about issues concerning their students, school activities, and school projects.  It can also be used to encourage parents to leave positive or negative feedback regarding issues within the classroom and/ or problems with a school committee, i.e. P.T.O.  Teachers can also create a blog about what's going on in their classroom, i.e. student of  the week or science projects, etc. This allows the parent to know what's happening within their child's class.  A blog is an excellent tool for any educator to communicate their thoughts.

Technology for AU Students

I was dumbfounded by the term "action research plan"because my first thought was writing research papers.   I truly was dreading the idea of writing a research paper.  After I did an in depth search of the term "action research plan",  I discovered it entailed something totally different.  I went to various websites to obtain more information about what it was, how to develop it, and how to implement it.  During my research I didn't have my textbooks but once they arrived, I gained a better understanding of what it is and how to implement it within many different areas.   I learned that the responsible of creating an action research plan depends solely on me and my committee members.  When it comes to developing a plan or plans you need to clear vision of what you want to achieve.  Without a vision or theme for your plan it will be hard to attain.  The first thing you should do is pick a subject matter that is important to you or your school.   Then should you begin to gather, organize, and analyze the data.  Once this is done you can begin to implement your plan by designating various responsibilities to your committee. This technique will be vital to me in my classroom ( tests, tutoring program, etc) and in team meetings (co-teaching, scheduling and etc.).