reflection on EDLD 5364 WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENT

Mary's Reflection Teacher Background: Since our teacher has very limited knowledge of experience, they need to "brush up" on their technology skills and uses for the classroom. The teacher should consult YouTube.com for helpful videos on using technology to enhance students educational needs. They could also consult with their school's IT department for information on new technology trends and how to incorporate them into the classroom. Community colleges as well as commercial stores such as Apple offer classes on using their technology and products, from there they could learn and improve their knowledge about using technology.   Student's Background: 30 students total- 10 are gifted and talented and are accustomed to individually using technology to learn, there is one blind student and well as one deaf student. There are 2 students who have severe learning disabilities. The other 18 students have low to high learning abilities.  Our or my job as given by the principal is to incorporate technology concepts into the classroom given the teacher and students respective backgrounds.  With the 10 students that are used to using technology- they must learn how to work in groups and with other students. The 2 students with severe learning disabilities will be a challenge- I do not have any experience with that avenue so I need my groups help in regards with helping them learn with technology. I also will need assistance with implementing programs for blind and deaf students. I would say to keep them with the group of students using sound from computers and other technological sources for the blind student and using visual aids from the computer or projector for the deaf student.  For the other students whose learning skills differ from low to high, I would suggest using computer and internet sources to introduce them to technology. Children need to learn how to type so I would use typing trainer software to help them learn and further their typing skills.  Everyone should start in the same place no matter their skill level; I feel this will keep the classroom as equals. Please help me out if you know of another strategy as my strong point is in physical education- I do want to learn more about the aspects of adaptive PE as well as other learning areas.  From watching the videos we all know that everyone learns different ways, so the teacher must keep that in mind. The teacher should plan on introducing many different ways of teaching skills. Technology is very prevalent with students these days so hopefully using technology will keep the students attention and allow them to learn more at a quicker pace.  From our readings there were many resources for teachers to develop and create rubrics and other learning devices for students. Many focused on using the computer and programs such as learning how to type. These are crucial for the teacher to implement into the classroom for the students to benefit.