Current Issues and New Directions

Starting my second year in Kindergarten, I am very excited to integrate more technology into my classroom. Last year, I struggled to implement technology into my classroom because Kindergarten is totally different world than second grade.For TTESS, one of my goals is to integrate a new technology tool monthly. After reading our final chapters, I have starting to make my list of technology tools. Google classroom and Google sites are template like resources that all access to curriculum and assignments. The McKinney ISD student login for Google is very long. This year I am hoping to start using Google Suites and Classroom. Google Suites allow voice to text capabilities, which will be great for publishing writing for my students. Prodigy math is a free engaging math world, that allows students to practice critical math skills. I plan to use this during math stations from early on. For the creation part of the Project Based Learning Model, Engage to Learn, I plan to use the green screen and iMovie. I used iMovie last year for the first time. I was amazed how user-friendly it was.

I have struggled to write and learn from the perspective of a Media Resource Specialist because the role is unfamiliar territory. As a Media Resource Specialist, you are the campus' leader in all things technology. As my course work continues, I hope to be more aware of how to address campus needs rather than personal.

Kindergarten is unlike any other grade, the skill level is very diverse. Skills levels vary from being able to read to not being able to name the letters in the alphabet. With these high demands, differentiation is required for both student success and teacher sanity. Using technology to differentiate engages students, unlike traditional resources. As student's access to technology increases, digital citizenship programs are in high demand. With resources such as Google, YouTube, and Social Media students have access to both educational and inappropriate things. Both parents and educators teach the importance of responsibility from a young age. The idea of responsibility when using technology is forgotten by a majority of students. To solve these problem school districts need Digital Citizenship Programs that educate staff members, students, and parents.