Assessing Meaningful Learning

There are many different assessment technology tools that I have learned about through this semester. The assignments that we have learned about through the past few months are ePortfolios, Grading Rubrics, Clicker Tools, and Inspiration/Kidspiration software. ePortfolio is an electronic portfolio that collects different assignments. Example of this would be is instead of having a final exam, have the students create an ePortfolio of what they have done throughout the semester.   This can allow the teacher to grade the student and what they have done throughout the course by using an online program.  There are many different rubrics that are provided that are available for you online. These sites are very useful for teachers to be able to find grading rubrics that will fit to you needs. A fun way to get your student involved is by using clicker tools. The Quizdom helps students get involved and increase their participation in the lesson. This also allows the teacher to gain knowledge of feedback so that she can see that were students understood what they are discussing. Inspiration soft websites is a great tool not only for the teacher, but also for the students. This website provides the student with diagrams, maps, graphic organizers, outlines, and lesson plans. The will allow the teacher and the student be able to succeed throughout the year.

Through this semester I have learned a great amount on how to incorporate technology throughout my classroom.  I have not only learned about the many new technology tools that are provided for the teacher and the students, but also how to teach them. Every tool that I have learned about through this class, I plan on using in my future classroom.  Blogs & Podcasting are all great tools that you can provide you student with. I think that using a site such as Quizdom would be a great tool to provide your students that will engage them in learning. Using technology in your classroom is very important part of your student’s education. By taking this class I feel that I am prepared to help my students to be able to succeed in their education.

Technology Application Standards

I will teach High School Special Education.

§127.13. Career Preparation I (Two to Three Credits).

(a)  General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11-12.

(b)  Introduction. Career Preparation I provides opportunities for students to participate in a learning experience that combines classroom instruction with paid business and industry employment experiences and supports strong partnerships among school, business, and community stakeholders. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills for a fast-changing workplace. This instructional arrangement should be an advanced component of a student's individual program of study. Students are taught employability skills, which include job-specific skills applicable to their training station, job interview techniques, communication skills, financial and budget activities, human relations, and portfolio development. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success.

(Source: Texas Education Agency at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/)

My degree that I am pursuing is All-Level Special Education. I plan to be in a higher secondary classroom of 11^th and 12^th graders. Since I have planned on working with the high school level, I choose the career development portion of the TEKS for grades 11 and 12. In my classroom I would break down the TEKS in my classroom in many different activities. Working with students that have serve disabilities, the career development skills can be very important. Students that are getting ready to make the transition into the job fields, it is very important from them to know these skills so that they will be prepared for their future. To teach these skills to my students I would have role play activities such as a pretend store or work place. Also, I would use hands on group activities such as an activity with money skills. I would have my students also fill out a pretend job application and go through a pretend interview process.

Every TEKS play a very important role in education. Not only are they important to the teacher, but also to the student. TEKS are designed to set up guidelines for the teacher to follow and what all he/she need to cover for the year. To me career preparation is a very important TEKS for students that are in a life skills class to cover. Students with disabilities that are able to go out into the world should be taught these skills so that they will be able to succeed in their life. Using the TEKS that I have provided above, I will be able to prepare my students to know how to find careers and also to be able to succeed and whatever career path they choose to follow.