Where has the time gone???????
Thus far, there have been so many changes to the way we teach and what we teach, that I feel like I don't know my head from tail. Common Core has changed the expectations of how we deliver instruction and I feel as if there is not enough time in the day to get everything in that needs to be taught. Can I get an AMEN?
My students are taught a little differently than most as I have students with special needs. Where as many of my colleagues can teach a mini-lesson on the technology and how to use it and then integrate and incorporate technology into their lessons so it appears seamless, I struggle to just get my students to understand how to use the technology appropriately. We are still struggling to log in to our laptops and computers. Not because of technical issues but due to student capabilities. Some of my students are still unable to use a mouse. All of these little things end up causing big headaches for me as I am constantly trying to figure out to climb what appears to me at times an insurmountable problem.
I use my laptops and classroom computers as centers for the students as a way to access adapted books on the internet and I use them to enhance receptive vocabulary through software programs. My plans for the future are to teach at least one of my students how to use the laptop to produce some type of student product based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal. I am also working on creating adaptive books for my students to use.
I as a teacher have been trying to utilize resources on Pinterest to find interesting and unique ways to incorporate Common Core materials and technology into my teaching. Suffice it to say, it has been a struggle to find ways to seamlessly integrate technology into meaningful activities that provide for and demonstrate student progress.
