Being indispensable is the goal in life, marriage and work.

Resume of Professional Work

Click for Access to Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ix8dUQOi-BP3xHfBK4iBA7EEDpE2jwRtE_7d3TTXBq4/edit?usp=sharing

Technology and Action Research

Action Research

   This year I'm conducting acton research in the classroom. This has presented itself with challenges and opportunities for me to improve my teaching practice. I've had the fortunate opportunity to utilize the Google Nexus tablets in the classroom for every student. My research examines the impact of this technology on student learning and motivation. 

Question: What happens to student learning when I implement a 1:1 tablet program?

Sub-question:

• How do students use technology to advance questions and learning?
• What happens to students motivation in the classroom?
• In what ways does performance in math and science improve when I incorporate tablets as a study and research tool?
• What happens to teacher-student communication through the use of technology?

Rationale:
Since the emergence of the Internet and the expansion of computer use in education, there have been debates about whether and how to employ technology in K-12 education. With the implementation of the Common Core standards, there will be a greater emphasis on the use of technology in the classroom. School districts will be spending millions of dollars to upgrade their technologies, but what technologies will be necessary to obtain the highest return on student learning? Tablet technologies present themselves as an educational tool that allows for creative use and instant access to online resources. The use of tablets have become increasingly popular in classrooms across the country and seem to be one solution in meeting the needs of student learning. The idea that the use of tablet technology supports enhanced student learning seems strong, but I hope to discover through this project in what specific ways is students learning enhanced? I will incorporate the use of technology in math and science through app development, study tool and research. I’m will be looking as to how the students utilize the technology and how well it transfers to improved performance and communication.

I hope to discover through this research how information technology can contribute to learning. Evolving tablet technology calls for further investigation into the devices' potential contributions to learning and I hope this research can contribute to this body of work.  Tablets, laptops and other mobile devices aren't intended to replace traditional teaching tools, but designed to complement them. In my attempts to help promote student learning, I hope this research will serve as a guide to teachers and school districts looking for ways to enhance student learning through tablet technology. Assisting teachers as to how to use the technology will be a component, as well as what types of technologies are better suited to maximize student learning.

As an advocate of technology use in the classroom, I feel that students will have to be exposed to advanced levels of technology in 21st century learning environments. However, over the last few years I have witnessed a digital divide with some teachers and students with technology use in the classroom. Hayt Elementary has made a commitment to enhancing technology, but many classrooms have little access to technology in the classroom, with some classrooms with no access. In addition, devices such as ipads, smartphones and other forms of technology are oftentimes banned from being used by students in school. While students have little access inside the school, many students are using these technologies at home through gaming, social networking and shopping. How do we bridge this digital divide between school and home? This action research will explore current and emerging technologies that support communication, collaboration, community, and knowledge-building.

Digedu App Development

A snapshot of my science curriculum app being developed in my 5th grade classroom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTJVDFDqmag

The Many Kinds of Smart

Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways in which students are smart. While the popular kind of smart is "book smart" or "test taking smart", there are many ways a student can display intelligence. Below are some helpful ways students can learn about the many sides of smart. These are taken Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/education/ed_mi_overview.html. Enjoy!

Linguistic (Word Smart) These children love words, reading, and writing. They need words to learn. They might end up being writers, teachers, journalists or public speakers. Logical Mathematical (Math Smart) These children have good reasoning and problem solving skills. Not only do they like numbers, but time, calendars, patterns and riddles. They might end up being math teachers, engineers, or economists. Visual Spatial (Art Smart) These children are able to plan and use space with color. They look around and see details of their world. They are often good at solving puzzles and love to draw. They’re destined to be graphic designers, artists, architects or inventors. Bodily Kinesthetic (Body Smart) These children see their world through movement. They have great eye hand coordination. They may like to work with their hands. They could be dancers, athletes, surgeons, or physical therapists. Musical (Music Smart) These children learn through music. They appreciate music and are moved by it. They have a sense of rhythm. They could end up being musicians, music teachers, singers, songwriters or composers. Naturalist (Nature Smart) These children learn through nature and will focus on the Earth. These children are good at categorizing things, even things outside nature. They love to be outdoors. They may be Forest Rangers, farmers or scientists. Interpersonal (People Smart) These are the children that work best in a group, that need to be with people to function. They are great at communicating and mediating. They do well in student government. They might become politicians, salesmen, managers or teachers. Intrapersonal (Self Smart) These are the children that work best by themselves and recharge their batteries by being quiet. They know themselves well. They keep journals, plan for the future and think about the past. These children might become philosophers, psychologists, theologians or lawyers. Existentialist (World Smart) This is sometimes not considered one of the intelligences but I like it. These children understand the big picture. They may ask big questions about the Earth and people around the world. These are the spiritual people of the world.

Classroom Culture

Science Standards