MeganMaloney

=​ Megan had a baby boy, Reilly Andrew on April 14, 2010.= =He was born at 8:38 pm, 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long.=

Email: mmaloney@cls.k12.oh.us

My favorite personal/professional use of technology
I enjoy using technology to communicate with co-workers, friends, and family. It is also a great tool to communicate with parents. I use digital pictures throughout my classroom, but the use of technology pretty much stops there. My students are able to use computers in the library once a week, for about 5-10 minutes. There are two computers availible in the library, but often one of them is broken.

The most frustrating aspect of using "technology"
Our district, like many others, are way behind when it comes to technology. We have made many attempts to promote technology in our program, but have failed due to the lack of support from our tech. department. For example: We ordered a desktop computer this summer for our students. The computer came in before school started, but we still do not have it in our hands yet.

We would like to integrate technology across multiple areas of the curriculum. Our hope it to find programs for kids to use for fun as well as use technology as a learning tool. To provide all students with access at all times throughout their preschool experience. Also, for us, as teachers to use technology for organization, classroom management, and classroom environment. To use technology as an informational highway to connect with parents, for example post a video of what we are doing in class for parents to watch.**
 * Vision Statement:

How I am engaging students through the use of technology.... This week has been very exciting for our students, we finally have a working computer in the classroom!!!! It has been amazing to watch the students engage in different games, reading activities, and pre-reading activities. It is also exciting to see so many students helping others that have little to no computer use experience. We also have been video taping students reading, and engaging in various free play activities. I have yet to use the camera, but we did just order a new picture printer. YEAH!!!!

I have been taking more pictures of student work and continue to record my readers. I have yet to make the time to download pics or videos. I explored several more websites and plan to create at least one book using Patti's templets this upcoming week. My students have been engaged in several children's sites and love exploring the computer.

Action Plan Reflection: 1. Looking at the big picture, I feel that I actually have come a long way in regards to technology. We have working, child friendly computers in the classroom, large keyboards, and a small mouse for student use. I have used the digital camera to take pictures of students during freeplay, and also to document their work. The Flip video has been used on many occasions to document students reading, and lessons taught in the classroom. The computer is accessible for students during freeplay, and we plan to open it during more structured writing times as well. We also access the web frequently to engage and extend on lessons. 2. Technology, especially new technology is a challenge in itself. I believe I have challenged myself to be more open to allowing students to use the "expensive" pieces of technology. I have attempted to use the camera and flip, but it is still a challenge to remember I even have these tools. I have noticed when the camera and video is left on my desk, it gets used more. Time is the biggest challenge, and continues to be my downfall. 3. I need to continue making attempts to find time in my schedule to explore, download, and use the variety of technology tools I now have. Part of me is at a point were I would honestly like to push it all aside to complete my "real work" like IEP's, ETR's, etc., but I also know that in the long run using the technology will benefit my students and myself.