Speaking to teachers on my campus, they are for the use of technologies but are reluctant to use them due to lack of support. However, as Janie mentioned, the district is on the right path. To create an innovative classroom and provide students 21st Century skills, knowledgeable staff is an integral ingredient in the process. Having Master Technology Teachers on campus will help shift the teaching process. Based on the survey created in 6342, one of the reasons teachers do not incorporate technology is that they feel is not easy to implement in the classroom due to lack of trainings. Providing teachers support and ample time not only to learn how to use the technologies but also how to integrate them into their lessons to enhance content is a must to successfully reach technology goals.

I teach 7th and 8th grade Technology Applications/Career Portals. Integrating Web 2.0 tools such as prezi, glogter and wikis has enhanced their content and technology skills. Prior to taking the MTT courses, I was unaware of the many collaborative tools. Last year I began working with Glogster. Now, my students enjoy working in groups and collaborating with each other to complete project/assignments goals. They learned to work with Prezi, Glogster, Sliderocket and Storybird. Students take ownership about their learning by deciding which delivery method to use for their finish product.

Although I teach technology applications and career portals, I was unaware of the many Web 2.0 tools available for free to integrate in the classroom. Introducing students to all these tools opens up new avenues and possibilities. Students learn that they have choices to present data in different modes. For example, students can present using slide rocket, prezi, glogster, story bird, etc. It is amazing the student's reaction when they are introduced to new technology. I have also updated my class wiki and created more tutorials

Wow!! Amazing!! My 9 year-old daughter watched the video with me, and was so thrilled about it. She made reference to the Avatar movie. She wants an iPad, but now the iPad3 is the latest. This made me realize how technology is rapidly evolving. I do not doubt we are headed this road within the next 5-10 years. I remember when I began teaching in 2000 having a regular whiteboard was exciting. Then, around 2006 the wheeled smartboards were introduced I was ecstatic. Technology as we speak is non-stop; students are becoming more tech savvy; thus, expecting more interactive technologies in the classroom. As teachers, we must make every effort to keep with current and new technologies into the classroom while addressing online safety and netiquette skills.

Integrating technology can be challenging, especially because the skill needs to be taught before students can apply the skills in the content. I am one of three teachers to teach Technology Applications in one of the middle schools in DISD. By having students acquire technology skills in a separate classroom, it helps core teachers reduce time spent introducing the skill. Thus, technology integration becomes easier in content areas.

Thanks for providing the information. I have utilized EBSCO before and it truly does provide quality articles while conducting research. EBSCO certainly will assist students narrowing a topic and produce quality research on any desired topic. I agree we need to encourage students to make use of the school's online library resources. These resources contain reliable websites that provide valid information to use with respective campus' password. Students enjoy the educational videos available.

This is my second year using Edmodo and I love it. I use to choose weekly topics, but for the upcoming sixweeks I will change things a bit using this class' method. Each class will work on a weekly post and classmates will create threads to the post. Using Edmodo in my class allows students to keep track of assignments, quizzes and upcoming events. Also, it allows students to view what they missed when absent. Edmodo also provides easy grading, immediate feeback and its in realtime, so students can view their grades and comments in realtime.
--Esther

The purpose of providing effective and meaningful staff development is to have teachers utilize technology in their classrooms. Technology trainings must embrace teachers' technological needs and provide them with opportunities to effectively integrate technology in the classroom. The article emphasizes school administrators play a vital role in providing teachers opportunities for professional development. The author points out, school administrators should provide incentives; provide opportunities to attend trainings; encourage teachers to utilize technology in the classroom; provide ample time for teachers to learn and experiment with new technology; and provide continuous support as needed.

Starr, Linda. (2009). The administrator's role in technology integration. Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech087.shtml.

There are many of great Web 2.0 tools to use in the classroom. We must evaluate and plan accordingly not to overwhelm ourselves and students. When planning the lesson, the teacher should select the most adequate Web 2.0 tool to enhance student learning; thus, meeting content objectives and goals. When using Web 2.0 tools, we must also consider our skill confidence and students' age appropriateness.

I thought I knew instructional technology, but this program has giving me so many useful tools and perspectives on technology. I enjoy the reaction my students and my colleagues have when showing a new technology tool/skill. Part of becoming an MTT is developing leadership skills to lead the way into a new technological world. As an "MTT in training", part of my duties is to ensure teachers-ELA teachers and Elective Department--- are effectively integrating technology into their curriculum. Other MTTs on campus are in charge of different departments. However, we are all here to support any teacher with instructional technology concerns. Becoming an asset resource to the school has/is a rewarding experience.