Technology
Posted on March 31, 2008
I am thankful for high technology-furnaces that go on with a push of a button, answering machines, cell phones, microwaves (one of my favorites), email, running water, but I am also quite intimidated by it. It just goes with the territory of being older. Change is hard for some of us. I am very glad that my children and students are not intimidated or fearful that something might break. I have learned the first rule of repair-CHECK THE PLUG.
Technology is great for my students-we use "talkers', walkers, motorized wheelchairs, spellers, special software, touch screens on the computers, universal reader, etc. I wish I were more in the forefront for pushing the parent or district to get technology going for some of my students. The process scares me-who pays for it, who pays for the warrenties or updates, what if the district says no and the parents say yes, who pays for the training for staff after the paid day?. The textbook and video clips encouraged me to go full steam ahead in getting what my kids need. I really need to work with the websites more. I wish the text had checklists and was annoitated. Extra Credit anyone?:) SARA
Comments
I was a paraeducator while finishing college awaiting graduation and my first job. I was a speech/lang assistant. I had probably 3 or so hours of training and away I went doing language groups with preschoolers, articulation exercises with kindergardeners and written language support with third graders. It was a great experience; but it started me out on the road of non administrating para educators. A good para is a great asset, a middle of the road para can do recess and bathroom duty, a less than average para is much more work than they are worth. Next year, the model for student support will be different. Change will happen, some bumps may be felt, but growth for all can and will occur. Later, after the baby woke up with a bad dream, I read this again, I am daunted by the work ahead of me, but I am determined to see students grow. sara
Posted by: Sara Airoldi at April 15, 2008 11:29 PM