Technology+Vision

My Technology Vision  During the past year my vision for technology in education has evolved and I have become more aware of its asset and potential in the classroom. I spent four years as an Intervention Specialist in the middle school setting. The school I taught at received a technology grant where we were fortunate to purchase laptops, Smartboards, Senteos, iPads, iPods and flip cameras. It was rewarding to be able to provide technology experiences and extend the learning of my students through the various technology tools. This year I moved to the elementary level and was welcomed to a building with very little technology. My district, like many others, lacks funds to support the need for technology in the hands of all our students. They have acknowledged its importance and wants to make it a priority when funds are become available. I used my own personal iPad during instruction with my special needs class and they were immediately focused and engaged. I want to try and provide these opportunities more frequently in class as well as throughout the building. **My Technology Vision** for elementary students and teachers is for the technology tools and resources to:
 * Engage
 * Foster growth
 * Create
 * Explore
 * Extend and Apply knowledge
 * Communicate effectively

I want teachers and students to have the access to technology tools, then to explore its potential and possibilities with current teaching practices.

One way I envision this is with the use of cloud based tools and how it connects students and teachers. The cloud allows for learning to extend beyond of the typical classroom experience. The cloud is a resource that connects globally and could be a vital tool for the workplace.

The use of handheld devices is quickly become a key tool in schools, especially with the older students who have cell phones. I would like to put iPods or iPads in the hands of the elementary aged students to provide a multimedia, hands-on experience with a variety of applications. App creators have created interactive ebooks, which narrate and animate the story. For my struggling readers, this is a way to gain their interest and engagement for a foundational skill.