Online Portfolio
Nichole M. Plank
In October 2012, I was finishing up my first semester of the MAET program. For CEP811, we were asked to come up with a Personal Growth Plan. This plan allowed us to consider goals we had at that time. Looking back at these goals, I can’t quite remember that person.
The first thing I noticed in reflection was that I wrote frequently about developing and updating classroom websites and blogs. I do remember this being an issue that was really important to me. Although I have developed both of these, I don’t see them to be as important. I guess I always thought that a good, technology savvy teacher should have these things. I followed first grade bloggers like First Grade Parade and Babbling Abby whose success with blogging and Teachers Pay Teachers had earned them more money than teaching ever could. It is so naive and embarrassing to admit, but I think the “me” who wrote that reflection was more concerned with becoming a “Famous Blogger” than becoming an awesome teacher. What I realize now is that I should spend less time and less concern with this. Now it isn’t even a thought because I’d rather spend the time and effort finding effective ways to incorporate TPACK in my daily instruction.
The Problem with Artificial Goals
By: Nichole M. Plank
I also wrote about a desire to get funding to obtain technology. At that time, we had four classroom computers and a projector. Since then, we have been blessed to get additional technology without having to fund it myself. For example, last spring our school received Promethean Boards in every classroom. It was a great opportunity and everyday I am trying to learn even more. As for seeking funds for my individual classroom, I have used Donors Choose to acquire six Kindle Fire Tablets. Having these individual resources for the children was never a consideration for me because I knew how expensive iPads were (if I couldn’t afford one for myself, how could I afford one for school). After meeting colleagues, especially in the Summer Cohort, I heard similar stories from other teachers who made it happen for their kids. If I couldn't afford an iPad, at least I could find funding for three Kindles, or the price of one iPad.
One of the biggest concepts I realized over this time is that technology should not be used a crutch. Educational Technology is not just laptops and tablets; it is sticky notes and mechanical pencils. If I don’t have an iPad, I make it work. I spent the first semester feeling sorry for myself because "all the other schools have the cool stuff." My second semester was spent living for the mantra, “Make it work!” Whatever you have, use it! Whether that means acquiring old digital cameras for the kids to document work or bringing in my personal laptop for children to record their voices, as a teacher you spend your career taking what you have and adapting it to make it useful.