Personal+Philosophy+Assignment

  If there is one thing I've learned from my studies in this course, Dr. Rebecca Hines' //Technology for Classroom Teachers of Students with Special Needs (EEX 4763)//, it's definitely to appreciate the many ways in which the incorporation of technology into my future exceptional education classroom can benefit my students, their parents, and even myself as a teacher. For one thing, no matter what form it takes, technology is motivational and engaging when used correctly. From my visits at the United Cerebral Palsy – Bailes Campus East Orlando, I’ve seen children delight over simple assistive technology modifications like getting to use a pencil grip to aid their handwriting abilities. On the other hand, I’ve also witnessed how wonderful interactive online reading games like those at [|www.Starfall.com] can be, for example. These would represent just one aspect of the more high-tech varieties of technology available in my future classroom. Another reason why I believe the liberal and authentic usage of technology is essential is that it will provide an element of universal design to my future classroom. For students who may struggle with the very basics of the curriculum, technology-based activities offer a means to differentiate their learning, addressing varied needs and interests to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and skills necessary to attain personal and academic success. In addition, by infusing each of the lessons I teach with technology, I can promote critical thinking, maintain high expectations for all of my students, and present information to them in an instantaneous, nonlinear fashion more in line with the way it is known that the majority of students today like to learn in this digital age. As for the benefits that the use of technology in my future classroom will hold for the parents of my students, communication is the key. With the development of a classroom webpage or wikispace, I can offer an easy means of contact for parents and guardians who are often on the go. Homework assignments, details about fieldtrips, extension activities for learning at home, and so much more information will be easily accessible through such a technological application. The advantages are literally endless! Finally, as the teacher, one of the biggest rewards I can anticipate in utilizing technology in my future classroom is that it will easily allow for an integrated curriculum. This means that I’ll be able to share the natural connections between all knowledge with my students, and so help them to better understand and retain all that they learn. I also look forward to using technology as a means to monitor my own effectiveness by keeping track of the results and observations I collect from the different assessments I administer to my students throughout the school year. By evaluating their performance, I can learn about my own proficiencies as a teacher, making adjustments as needed until everyone achieves the best results possible! In reflection, there are so many different ways in which I can incorporate technology into my future exceptional education classroom, all with profound benefits to my students, their parents, and myself. I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to attend this course and discover all that I have about technology. Truly, it has made me feel better equipped to become a successful educator! 