Ed Norman Syndrom:

At my Site this is the rule, not the exception. We have a technology person who is actually from the high school, and we get the services of this person for a half day per week. The restrictions are so great that I cannot load anything on the computers with this persons agreeance. For example, our math curriculum is Prentice Hall and we can use student tutorial discs or intervention software. However, I have yet to have the student tutorial for pre-algebra loaded on my computers. Also, I have discovered interesting math Websites such as mathgrad.com and virtual manipulatives but am unable to access these sites. I feel very limited to what I am able to do in the class. Last week I was looking on the Net for a coordinate plan so that I could place it on the overhead, of course the site was blocked.

Another block is of emails. My class room website allows for students and parents to email, but the blocking software of the District picks this up as Spam and blocks my emails. Also, I cannot access my personal email at the Site. It seems my main methods of communicating with students and parents has been hendered or at times, stopped. It is difficult for me to understand the thought process behind purchasing the technology and refusing to allow the tools to be used as intended.

This week was spent responding to Blogs and writing my first project and beginning project two.

This week has been spent meeting with a colleague to discuss a propject that we both need for our masters. The other teacher is becoming more technology savvy and knows that I use technology every day in my class. He proposed that we present to our middle school staff together; I agreed as this is required for this course and hopefully will stimulate use in other classrooms as well.

I have posted to three other student's Bloggs and listen to Podcast as well. My Project is almost finished, Hopefully by Wednesday!

Response to Podcast: I have experienced many barriers to technology use. Often, a Site will attempt to be a technology leader and purchase software that is cutting edge but not take into account that only two or three on staff are able and willing to use the product as intended. At my site, there are many software programs that were purchased on a whim and have yet to be opened due to a lack of interest.

Another barrier to technology use is the training necessary to use the product is not factored into actually implementing its use. For example, last year our site spent about $110,000 to purchase computers and SuccessMaker software. While the new computers were welcomed by many teachers, almost half stated that they "did not have the time" or Know-how" to use them as a learning tool in the classroom. We spent two half-days in training to use the SuccessMaker software as it was implied by administration that the computer teacher would impliment the majority of the software useage. This left me with the impression that the software would be used by those with the skills or desire to impliment its use.

Finally, the most often expressed barrier is time. Many teachers will state that they lack time to impliment technology as they perceive making a lesson with technology as creating a lesson twice. I have discussed this with all of the middle school staff and all but two teachers feel this way (myself and one other). This is why I felt driven to do a project where I can present to my colleagues how I am able to us etechnology and it will actually lessen my time spent making a lesson.

The outcome of not changing this misperseption is that our students will also not by up todate on technology, which innthe work force can be devastating as fastfood service, customer service, and" blue collar" work requires technology use.

Identify technology integration Best Practice that I have used in my classroom. How did you learn about this Best Practice? Describe what it is; how to accomplish it; did you learn it on your own or by someone else? Why isn’t everyone doing the Best Practice?

In my classroom, the technolgy best integrated is the use of PowerPoints to present a lesson or simply to deliver the daily warm-up. I also use an LCD projector to show PowerPoint slides and demonstrate step-by-step instruction.

My Memio XI is also used through the LCD projector to write on the white board and solicite student response.

I am not sure what the Best practice would entail as newer technology is always going to be available. However, I currently feel that my best practice is defined by what works in my particular classroom. This does change by period, for example, my first period is mainly those who are above basic, and my 6th period is an intervention class. The first period enjoys the latest technology and is easily taught using these tools. However, 6th period seems to shy from new technology.

The reason some people are not using the best practice is the fear new things or are uncomfortable using them in the class. To resolve these issues one must first decide that it is at least worth trying new things and seeking those that are willing to help in the beignning.

During this week I responded to Blog posts and have begun preparing my presentation.

After listening to the Podcast, I do feel that I lean more toward being the innovator. I seek out new technologies and have many of them. For example, I own multiple computers (unfortunately, perhaps fortunately, I also feel the need to have the latest and greatest available), I own and use Ipods, Blogging, computers in the class, and the latest software for images and education.

What really made me feel the part of the innovator, at least at my site, is that most teachers will come to me with questions of "How-Do-I, How-Does-This Work, and questions about the latest technology. Many teachers have expressed their desire to learn the technology, but have been hesitant to use it as I have. I have full accepted that I must use technology to reach my students, and am willing to look for better tools.

This week has been spent writing up my project and posting to Blog site.