Tammy McLane
Argenta-Oreana Junior High School
Argenta, Illinois

As a technology coordinator, I find that I spend so much time trying to keep up with the changes in hardware, that I sometimes forget the real reason I am in this field. That reason is to help the staff use technology in their daily lessons with the students. This course has helped me focus on curriculum and staff development.

Skills

I had already known how to use a word processor and Windows 95 but in this class I was able to fine-tune my skills. I found I was constantly reorganizing my files into different folders. It was wonderful being able to create a new folder no matter where I was. I also found I was able to organize my "favorite" web sites and pages in the new Internet Explorer v. 4.0 which really helped when I was writing out the assignments.

During the database exercise of C&I 335, I finally took the time to use a tutorial CD that a friend gave me. It is an Access video and hands-on tutorial. Database is one category of software that I need to learn better.

 I consider myself an average user of hardware such as scanners, digital cameras, scan converters, TVs, and VCRs. However, I need to learn how to use a laserdisc player. I know in theory but just have never actually used one.

I'm not sure how you would categorize software likePowerPoint. I got to practice my skills with PowerPoint during the Orientation Sessions but you also showed us that PowerPoint can now do audio and video. Therefore, I suppose PowerPoint could be a technology tool, a communication tool because it's a presentation style program, or even a multimedia tool because you can include photos, animations, video, and sounds in a PowerPoint show now.

Communication

Email! I had used email before this class but, by using it on a daily basis, I was able to practice more in-depth skills. It was a challenge trying to keep all the messages organized and prioritized to a reasonable number. I know it doesn't really pertain to this class, but I am getting such a thrill out of using email to communicate with my younger brother who is spending 6 weeks in Costa Rica this summer. Without email it would cost an arm and a leg to call him, if we could even reach him by phone. With email it is a snap!

Our school district had hoped to use the school's web site as a communication tool for students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community in general. After having created several web pages for my ePortfolio and other assignments, I have more confidence that we can truly achieve this hope.

I may also look into getting WebBoard or other similar conferencing software for our district. Since the administrators are spread between 2 towns and 5 buildings, it is difficult to get them in the same room for a meeting on short notice. I think WebBoard would be a perfect solution. Well maybe not perfect--videoconferencing would be even better but that is out of our price range right now.

Multimedia

I am quite familiar with multimedia encyclopedias and such. However, I can see that I am going to have to spend some time learning the new plug-ins, add-ons, and programs dealing with audio and streaming video on the Web.

On the other hand, I think using software that incorporates recording a student's voice with simple microphones could be a motivational activity. Our parent-teacher organization just approved funding for the purchase of 25 small microphones for the elementary school computer lab. We have KidPix software that will allow the students to record their voices, sounds, music, etc. and use those in a slide show presentation.

I think the software copyright issue is one that needs to be addressed. Teacher ignorance, cost and funding, confusing rules and traditions such as fair use, and changing publisher offers such as dual copyright for school and home all impact this issue. I will look forward to the classes down the road which will speak to this issue.

Using "Bobby" and the module on accessibility raised my awareness of the problems and solutions available for special needs' students and teachers. I hope that I will continue to be conscious of this issue as I plan workshops, web pages, etc. for the school district in my role as tech coordinator.

Evaluation

Last spring I attended a problem-based learning (PBL) workshop and the topic I researched was alternative evaluation methods. As a tech coordinator I think it is important that I offer the faculty practical ways of using technology. That means not simply training them to use the hardware or even demonstrating cooperative learning, problem-based learning, etc. but providing real-life assessment methods. As we change from xxx to guide-on-the-side as engaged learning is promoted by ISBE, this will affect the way the students earn grades. I know from experience that it is a difficult transition. After being a high school foreign language teacher where the students sat in nice little rows and answered my questions, changing to a lab setting where each student worked at his/her own pace on various projects was almost traumatic. And the most difficult part was devising a fair way to grade this "organized chaos".

Some of the methods I found helpful were:

Summary projects/presentations
Writing rubrics and checklists

I am really looking forward to the Evaluation class. I hope that we get lots of ideas for new/updated methods of evaluating students' work in an engaged learning environment.