SWOT+&+Goals


 * SWOT Analysis & Goals**


 * I. Technology SWOT Analysis**

I feel comfortable using many aspects of technology. It feels as if technology has always been a part of my life, although it has become a larger part over the past five to six years. I am comfortable using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari for research and browsing purposes. I have Facebook and MySpace accounts, which I check frequently. I am well acquainted with Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Publisher. I am able to use Windows Media Player and Moviemaker without difficulty. Because of this course, I can now say that I am comfortable using Audacity. I have used this program outside of this course to make podcasts. Also, I am able to use iTunes for storing and purchasing music, as well as storing podcasts I have made and getting podcasts that others have made. I have e-mail accounts, which I check frequently, as well.
 * __Strengths__**

I sometimes find it difficult to browse through information on the Web when doing research. It is sometimes difficult for me to formulate the best search terms in order to only return the most relevant results. I end up with too many hits or not enough hits from the search terms I type in. If either of these occurs, I usually get frustrated because I cannot access the information I need in a timely manner. Another area I struggle with is knowing the reliability of websites. It is difficult for me sometimes to know whether or not a website is current, accurate, and unbiased.
 * __Weaknesses__**

//According to the NETS-T Self-Assessment, the following are some of my weaknesses:// · Promoting student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes · Engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources · Providing students with multiple and various formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform teaching and learning · Communicating relevant ideas and information effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats · Developing and modeling cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with students and colleagues of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools · Participating in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning · Evaluating and reflecting on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning

I am presented with many opportunities to use technology that I am already familiar with, as well as opportunities to learn how to use new technologies. At my house, we have four computers. I have both a desktop computer and a laptop computer. Although I use my desktop more frequently than my laptop, I can easily utilize my laptop when needed. I make use of my computer on a daily basis. I make use of my printer frequently. There are several opportunities to use technology in my own home. Computers, which I have already mentioned, are one opportunity. I also make use of television sets, video cassette recorders (VCRs), and DVD players in my home. I use these technologies on almost a daily basis. I own two digital cameras, which I use occasionally to capture memories. However, my mother owns more than two digital cameras, video cameras, and many other devices of the sort. Therefore, I am able to be exposed to these technologies within my home and learn how to use them with her assistance. Recently, she taught me how to make a label for a CD using the label creator on her computer. Aside from these mentioned, there are many other opportunities to use technology, even in my home.
 * __Opportunities__**

At the UWG Newnan Center where I take my classes, there are computer labs that are readily available for student use. The computers have useful programs such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Publisher, Windows Media Player, Windows Moviemaker, and many more. Several teachers make use of the projector-like screens that reflect exactly what is on their computer when teaching the class. There is also a SITS (Student Information Technology Services) center at the UWG Newnan Center where students can take their computers or their computer questions in order to receive help and guidance regarding their situation.

In schools (where we are placed in the field), there are usually computer labs. Additionally, there is usually at least one computer in each classroom, if not two or three computers in the classroom. Teachers make use of Smart Boards quite frequently, especially in Title I schools. I have had the opportunity to experience an ActiveBoard, as well as a Promethean Board while working in the field. I must say that I thoroughly enjoy using these boards to teach students. I feel as if using the Smart Boards enhances student learning and makes learning more fun and interesting for the students, as well. During my time in the schools, I have also learned how to use a copier (which I already knew how to use, but I have learned how to use one more efficiently), a laminator, and several other useful teacher tools that may not be considered “technological,” but sure are helpful.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of technology threats is the rapid growth of technology. I have found myself in situations where I learn how to use a technological tool, and before I’ve even gotten fairly comfortable with it, something about it changes. One example is Microsoft Word. I had just gotten very familiar with Word 2003, and knew how to navigate around very well. I knew many useful “tricks” that most other people may not have known about. Then, Word changed to the 2007 edition, which is very different from Word 2003. At first, I found this very frustrating; however, now I am accustomed to the new version of Word.
 * __Threats__**

Another aspect of technology that worries me is safety on the Web, especially for my (future) students. You can find just about anything on the Web, which is great. However, there are some things that you do not want to find, or worse to have your students find them. I feel safer knowing that there are several programs that are placed on school computers in order to prevent a student from stumbling upon something inappropriate. I will try my absolute hardest to monitor my students as best I can while they are using computers.

I used the results of the NETS-T Self-Assessment in order to formulate my goals. 1__. //Communicate relevant ideas and information effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats//__: I would set up a classroom website in order to accomplish this goal. On the website, I would post pictures, a calendar of events, daily schedule, newsletter (PDF file), links to educational sites, as well as the school’s website and the school system’s website, and other things that are deemed important. The website would be a place where both students and parents could find information that was helpful to them. The website would also contain my e-mail address, as well as other contact information. Therefore, parents could communicate with me via e-mail if they wish to do so. In order to measure if this goal has been reached, I will see if my student/parent and parent/teacher communication improves after giving parents the link to my website. I will determine if the goal has been met by seeing how many people visit my website. I will have an area for parents to post questions as needed, as well, so I can keep track of who visits the site. This will also allow me to be able to know what parts of my website need revising or clarifying. I plan to have the website up and established by August 2011. I plan to have the measurable outcomes by December 2011.
 * II. Goals**

2. //__Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with students and colleagues of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools__//: In order to accomplish this goal, I would have a classroom e-pen pal each year. The e-pen pal would be an individual (or whole class) from another country and culture. We would “write” to our e-pen pal once a week, probably on Monday or Tuesday (so ideally the pen pal would have time to respond within the same week). I would hope to get a whole class pen pal, complete with a teacher and students. This way, we could compare and contrast the teacher, as well as the students. This would increase the students’ cultural understanding, as well as global awareness, by showing them that there are actually people who live in other countries outside of the United States. I would measure to see if I reached my goal by asking the students questions regarding our e-pen pals. We would take time out each day to talk about our pen pal’s culture and country so that they would gain understanding of the pen pal. I plan to reach this goal by May 2012.