Finals

Can't believe that this is the last week of classes! Time flies!
I am interested to see how the oral final is going to go today.

I also wanted to comment that School 36, where my field placement is, now has a Smart Board in the library! I was pleased to see that! Also, that school has been chosen for several awards, literacy specialists are going to be on hand and several news stations will be there too.

1st Semester of Grad School

I have some large projects to complete before my first semester of grad school is complete. I am not sure if anyone else feels this way, especially if some of you are further along this grad school process than I, but I can't imagine not being in classes with the same people and having the same professors... It will be strange. I am going full time over the summer... which I am not thrilled about, but I have to get it done.. I can't drag this out for any extra time. My situation just doesn't allow it. So, I have 2 down and 2 projects left to do... which of course scares me!!!

I am glad we got into this blogging, I have never done it before, but it is kinda like a journal or something... I should write in here more often... I kinda like it.

Good luck to everyone!

Assistive Technology

I found this assignment pretty interesting. I actually wrote about augmentative and alternative communication with Autism for my paper. Therefore I was aware of some of the definitions of the words associated with assistive technology.

The simulations were totally new for me. I think it is very interesting that people have created these sites to help others understand how people who have some of these disabilities experience things.

I really have a hard time with the Distractibility simulation! It was very hard for me to try to catch the bombs and try to complete the tasks! Was everyone able to complete that simulation? I had a hard time with Screenreader, too. I actually couldn't get past the first screen... I think I'll need some help with that one!

As far as the software to download, I wonder how many schools are aware of these. Between computer labs and all the computers in the classrooms and libraries, these programs could be helping a fair amount of students. I downloaded the character for the cursor. Fun and helpful.

Microsoft Access

There are many examples for Teachers to use Microsoft Access in the classroom. Some examples are:
-Student/Parent Information
-Unit Planning
-Gradebooks
-Progress Reports
-In a lesson for tracking numerous pieces of information for a class project

I can see students using Access in high school for project reports in areas like history or even health class. Teachers can really benefit from the organization in a database. In my area of concentration, Childhood, Elementary teachers could use it for organization and lesson planning. It is much more involved than Excel and would take some getting used to by a teacher who does not have experience with the program.

Word Documents

I liked both articles from the required reading for this week. The Pencil Story showed how an idea that seems unlikely to work or even effect many people can change the whole industry. The Pencil Story showed how 'pencils' or differentiated classrooms can change the face of school classrooms. It went from having specific 'pencil' only labs and classrooms to having several pencils in many classrooms. The idea that I picked up from the readings were that eventually all classrooms will consist of differentiated instruction.
The second reading, "Time to Face the Monster", discussed how some people believe technology is going to eliminate teachers altogether. I really don't think that could ever happen. I believe that teachers, and school systems as a whole, should use computers and technology to their benefit. Students of all ages and capabilities need human and social interaction. One argument was about how 'distance learning' could eventually take over the educational system. Again, we should use that opportunity to our benefit to learn about other cultures and environments. Students need the support that only teachers can give.

'Blogging'

I guess I am going to try this 'blogging' thing. I am not sure this is how we are supposed to do it. So, I will give it a whirl. Made it thru my first week of classes, as I am sure most of you all did too. I was very tired at the end of the week, but I am really excited about the program. I am thrilled with all my professors. They seem really upbeat and I am sure they will make class interesting. I found the library and I know now that I have to allow slightly more time to find a parking spot than I am used to. I usually like to leave as little time possible...guess that will change!
Well, I am looking for my topic for my research paper. I know that I want to link Autism to my reseach paper, just not sure how. Gotta do a little more research.. see you all tomorrow!

About me

So, an introduction...

My name is Shannon Spurr, I live in Fairport and I have finally decided to go back to school. I graduated from Ithaca College in 2001 with a degree in Sociology. I knew I wanted to be involved in education, but I wasn't sure at what level. So, therefore, I got a job after graduation and here I am 7 years later.....

I have worked in a field not related to education at all for the past 7 years. I got involved in the car business because my family was all involved. I have worked with 4 different dealerships and finally work now with my 2 brothers and my Dad everyday... and now I want out!

I am excited about taking classes and am juggling both work and school!