Tune In

As a future Special Education teacher, I would like to design a program that would allow all students access to classroom interactions. Students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and students who suffer with chronic diseases, for various reasons, may not be able to attend class every day. So many students, that require special education are isolated and miss valuable classroom assignments, however, there is a solution, Tune In. This technology would transport the student right into their classroom, where they can be engaged, involved and empowered.

Tune In, is similar to Skype except it is specifically designed for educators and students in the classroom. With Tune In, a student can interact face to face with the teachers and students while viewing live, the lesson assignments; it will be like being in the classroom, virtually, from remote locations, through their computer or mobile device. The features will be designed so that teachers can send large files, any size, of their lessons plans, photos any and all software programs and videos. Students at home from their PC, mobile device and land-line can access voice message, text, and from their mobile and PC they can view live classroom activities. In addition, there is a feature that will allow the student to view prerecorded classroom lessons/

This innovating tool will revolutionized the learning experience and will allow equal access to education to all students. For educators it is a rewarding experience to witness a student’s progress, so no more missed assignments, no more falling behind because of missing school because of illness. The public school system has evolved and has been involved in the social needs of our students and this is just another tool of equity. With all things equal, teachers can inspire, encourage and change the lives of their students.

With effective and efficient planning this is possible and feasible. Students with special needs and special education teachers require additional resources. Resources that can enhances the classroom experience. I am very excited about this tool and maybe it can happen, in the real world which now belongs to cyberspace.

Tune In

Is adding technology to an existing curriculum an effective use of that technology?  Why or why not?

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    Students respond to technology when it is utilized in the proper format. It is imperative to use appropriate methods that enhance one’s learning experience. Technological assisted learning tools are expected and required in today’s classroom. Last semester, I completed a 20 hour, volunteer course requirement, at South High School. I was simply amazed by the use of technology in the classroom. In every assignment and with every lesson that was taught, technology was used. So, adding technology is an existing curriculum is very effective and expected.

    I was truly intrigued by the use of technology in today’s classroom. So, I plan on absorbing all the tools of the trade, of technology.  Technology is an essential part of our educational curriculum. Punya Mishra and Matthew J. Koehler in their article entitled, “Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge,” illustrate the importance and usage of technology in the classroom. Their research was conducted over a five year span, and their findings were based on “Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) which are components of learning environments’’ content, pedagogy and technology” (1017).

    Their findings summarize that content, pedagogy and technology are a connected methodology that enhances the learning experience. Mishra & Koehler said, “Quality teaching requires developing a nuance understanding of the complex relationship between technology, content, and pedagogy and using this understanding to develop appropriate context-specific strategies and representations” (1029).

     I enjoyed reading this article and I thought that now we have advanced since the early 2000s and if technology was significant then, than how much more is it needed in 2013. With all things techno, it is to your advantage as a teacher to learn how to use the methodology that was researched in this article.

    I do not find any reason for not adding technology in the curriculum.

Teachers College Record 108 Number 6, June 2006, 001017-1054 Teachers College Columbia University