Unit 1

Over time as a teacher you find new ways to plan and present lessons.  Early on, I reverted back to the way I was taught in high school.  Needless to say, this included minimal technology integration because, frankly, in the nineties there was very little technology use in my high school.  We were limited to video tapes and very limited internet access early in the age of the internet.  As time has gone on I have adapted, as has my instruction and preparation.  I have gained access to new technology and have (in some ways) been able to incorporate some of it in my teaching.

The ASSURE method is a great tool for planning and implementation of technology infused instruction.  We, as teachers, have a responsibility to plan lessons in the best interests of our students.  This involves analysis of each student's abilities and achievement on a daily basis followed by aligning new plans with state standards for curriculum and technology.  Once planning is done, the technology must be utilized in instruction to present the lessons that involve student participation and use of some of that same technology.  After presentation comes the hard part: revision and re-adaptation.

Many teachers would tell you that they do all of these things with every lesson.  The truth is, every teacher uses at least part of this method all the time and all of it on occasion but most are not adept enough to do all of it all the time.  We run into problems with technology integration or have trouble successfully revising lessons so we reuse the same lessons with limited effectiveness hoping that results will change on a new day or in a new year.  We have to adapt and use our time wisely to use this method because it is effective but only if we complete each task each time.

I have to work on two phases of this method.  First, selecting and using technology that is relevant and appropriate each day; and second, revising lessons when they are unsuccessful to create success later. These two things can be very related, especially when using things like surveys after lessons or prior to classes.  Below is a survey I've seen that I could may use prior to the year for parents.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J6BK9HT