Common Sense Media Webinar

Today, I found this webinar different from my previous webinars. Initially, I was unfamiliar with digital citizenship and how it relates to students. So, it was advantageous that the speaker immediately gave an overview of the terminology. The guest speaker provide a continuum of lectures, visual applications and examples of what Common Sense Media has to offer to key stakeholders in education. As a social worker, I found it profound to see the illustration of interactive activities including technology to help students to improve socially and learn appropriate social skills to use with others. I really enjoy the speaker spending a significant amount of time navigating through the website to thoroughly explain some key features. I am looking forward to searching the website more to learn more about the available resources and lesson plans. Lastly, I am eager to inform others in my school district of this website. 

Apple's Stages of Technology

In 1980, the Apple's ACOT Study identified five stages of technology. Ideally, I move regularly throughout the five stages. For example, I am open to integration into technology but at times I have reservation with using these tools. This is due greatly in part to feeling overwhelm with information given in trainings and being unfamiliar with gadgets. Professionally, I move periodically from adoption to adaption stages. It is difficult to move to the apparition and innovation stages due to accessibility. As a social worker, I do not receive the same access to technology as classroom teachers. I am in the appropriation and innovation stages in my personal life. I am constantly searching the Internet, and technology applications to become more innovative. On many occasions, I do become excessive with using technology in my daily activities. I would like Apple to conduct a follow-up to this study in order to compare differences and similarities.

Project Tomorrow's Speak Up Research

"Nearly a majority of classroom teachers (45 percent) noted in 2012 that they are creating more interactive lessons because of having access to technology, an increase of 25 percent in just the past two years." Based on this research, teachers largely use technology because it is more innovative and easily accessible. Technology can promote high engagement and positive responses in students. Also, school districts use technology tools for webinars, PLC, networking, and online classes to name a few. I believe the sample size in the research is small due to the disparities of resources distribution to school districts across the states to support technology in schools. It is imperative to have access to technology but regular professional development for teachers is needed to help teachers to become familiar and comfortable with creating these lessons. Therefore, two questions arose from this research. For example, how can classroom teachers receive more access to technology? What is needed to help incorporate technology into their classrooms? In my opinion, clarification on these questions will provide more understanding of ways to increase responses in teachers.

About Me

Hi. Thank you for visiting Trendy Tech In-Training. My name is Lyssa Amison. I am a Student Resource Team (SRT) Leader and school social worker at Valley View School District 365 U for the last two years. Prior to this position, I worked in residential, foster care, early childhood, in-home counseling, and therapeutic day schools. I enjoy helping others to improve socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Currently, I am working on a Master in Educational Administration with principal entitlement at Dominican University.

I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and volunteer regularly with my sorority. I enjoy reading journals in education and social work. I am a movie fanatic where I enjoy watching anything in black and white and other movie genres (color, too). I love cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am very creative where I make jewelry and knit creations. I believe technology is an intricate and evolving process in learning. I enjoy studying new things so I am hesitant and eager to embark on learning how to integrate technology in my every day existence especially in curriculum. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy my journey!