Unit 7

    The article Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship explained and discusses nine elements surrounding digital citizenship. These topics include such examples as digital access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette and law. It also included three very important issues; digital health and wellness, security, and rights and responsibilities. I feel these topics really sum up the appropriate norms and responsible behavior with regard to technology use. Most people have access to so much technology at any given moment will post pictures or photos without thinking of the consequences. I feel it is imperative schools, communities; households have on-going discussions with children concerning digital citizenship. Unfortunately, many people have learned the hard way as to the repercussions involving inappropriate technology use. Education should be implemented within schools as early as kindergarten, continue until twelfth grade and through college. As technology increases so should our education. Parents should be aware and monitor, educators should be mindful and instruct students towards safe digital citizenship. Communities should provide opportunities for families to learn and interact with their children about internet safety.

    My school continues to be involved in many situations where students are bullying or reaching out inappropriately to other students. This behavior consistently occurs at home. In most cases the parents are demanding we as a school rectify the situation. However, since this behavior occurs at home we as a school are not able to be directly involved. We offer them supportive resources to consider. We monitor the interactions between the students while they are at school. In some cases the police have been called and while they take a report there is little they can do. In short, parents need to be mindful of the content their children are viewing. As a school we have restrictions in place to block many websites and we are consistently monitoring the student’s, as well as the staff’s activity. This is the world we live in…

http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html

Unit 4 -

After reviewing the chapters I found one idea that grabs me. Professional Learning Networks (PLN and it is not because the author of the example used is married to my current professor). Within my school we rely on and are committed to participating in a multi-disciplinary team. I value the input of others that have more knowledge than me in his/her specific area of expertise (Occupational Therapy, Speech and Physical therapy etc.). In my opinion it assists me in growing as a leader and teacher. PLN’s have so much potential to aid in personal and professional growth. When people who are engaging in conversations of mutual interests they are more likely to achieve their personal goals, offer or receive support, share ideas about data, useful strategies, and/or information. Additionally educators are able to acquire pertinent feedback and become inspired. As educators continue with their career one can become complicit with their pedagogy. When PLC’s are accessed educators open the dialogue to a two-way flow of information and communication that will benefit the students and themselves.

     Ultimately this will transfer into your personal school community. It will enhance communication and collaboration among the staff. Ideally it can change the way your school is run. PLN’s such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Wikis, and so many more provide educators with the opportunities to change and develop into a school community that will meet the diverse learning needs of their students. 

Unit 3

     As I reflect on this post about the benefits and uses of educational and reflective blogging as a school leader, one thing came to mind. Communication! This has been an on-going challenge at my school for many years. External and internal communication was a high priority. Recently, we have transitioned into a larger online presence. Our school is now actively posting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I must admit at first I was skeptical. I am very hesitant to comment on these posts because it does open my digital presence to students and their families. While I am very cautious about what I post, we are prohibited to be friends with any current students or their families. I am especially cautious because of the population I work with can easily have misconceptions about friendships etc… I am very conscientious about my Internet presence I do see the value in utilizing these tools as an effective way to communicate with the school community. At my specific school it is always a wonderful tool to promote the individualized programs we offer and it encourages families to seek us out. Our parents are able to see all of the wonderful opportunities their children have while attending our school. For some families it allows them to see their child interacting with others in a positive way. Sometimes these opportunities are not very frequent, so it becomes a much-needed source of happiness. It also serves as a networking platform for parents, which again is so important for families with special needs children. Some of our students attend our weekend retreats and summer camp. Social media gives these families a glimpse of their children immersed in these activities. Frequently, our families have never imagined their child would ever participate in such a way it provides them with such joy.

  

    In my opinion blogging is another effective tool in bridging the communication gap with families. The benefits of blogging create such incredible opportunities for teachers, principals, and families to increase their critical thinking skills, social interactions and stay updated on important school events.

It is ever so important to remind ourselves though of this important statement from Karen Szymusiak, a blogger from Ohio, “So many people assume that innovation is closely aligned with the technology and the digital devices we can offer our students. But I think it is so much more. Digital devices are changing classrooms but so are the teachers who plan thoughtful learning and teach brilliantly.” Teachers are at the heart of the classroom.

http://talkworthy.blogspot.com/

Unit 2 Blog

Unit 2 Blog: 

    I feel I am very fortunate my current administrator is supportive, knowledgeable and will advocate for his staff and students. He is extremely visible throughout the school day. He communicates effectively and consistently recognizes hard work and accomplishments. He allows his staff to make decision without micro-managing and encourages teachers to grow and take an active role within the school community. He consistently demonstrates his support for his staff in numerous ways. He models his respect for everyone and in return has earned our respect. My supervisor encourages the following ISTE standards:  Provides learner-centered environments equipped with technology and learning resources to meet the individual, diverse needs of all learners; Ensures effective practice in the study of technology and its infusion across the curriculum. He supports our technology initiatives through encouraging our consistent use of our Smart Boards, I-Pad carts, and Laptop carts. Each classroom teacher has a laptop and an I-Pad assigned to him/her that my supervisor makes sure are accessible for everyone. We have Technology Tuesday’s where our Technology Curriculum Director instructs participants on new or challenging technology issues. Our use of technology has increased in recent years and it has been greatly supported by my school principal.


  

    As a leader technology has been and will continue to be implemented within the curriculum. Technology should not be a once a day subject. Technology should be integrated organically within a student’s environment. Students should feel comfortable and at ease with various forms of technology. I would support teachers in every way necessary to integrate technology within the classroom. I would make every effort to ensure every student has access to some form of technology at the very least at school with the intention to expand into the family’s home. My youngest daughter has been fortunate to have access laptop for the past 7 years through the school district. I have seen first hand how much it has positively impacted her schooling. Clearly technology is a huge part of a teenager’s life, so why not use this to enhance learning. I am writing this blog today after returning from NYC to Face book headquarters with my students. Here we were able to witness the shift in the way business is conducted. Open office spaces, collaboration with co-workers in the office and all over the world. They are valued for their creativity, morale is maintained a high level by the use of uplifting works of art, inspiring posters, and even an art area for employees to take a break. It is our responsibility to ensure our students are prepared for the ever-changing work force. Schools need to embrace change.

 

About me...

Hello, My name is Michele Seel, I am a very passionate educator within the Autism field. I believe strongly that I am educating students as well as their families in order to plan for the future. 

I am a Life Skills High School teacher at The Vanguard School in Pa. Malvern, Pa. We educate only students with special needs from the ages of 6-21. Most of these families have endured many hours of fighting for the right to FAPE regarding their child's education. Throughout the school year I serve on many committees and a coordinator for respite retreats. These retreats provide families with the much needed rest from caring for a child with special needs. These retreats also provide the students with opportunities to practice independent living skills. During the summer I am a supervisor for our Vocational Immersion Program, which is an intensive program to assist young adults in navigating the employment world and living in a supported environment. I also plan a 12-day overnight/day camp for children ages 8-25 with special needs. This opportunities exposes children with special needs to a "typical" camp while providing a supportive experience. At camp the children are able to horse back ride, zip line, go tubing, ride on a jet ski, climb a rock wall and much more. it is the most exhausting 12 days of my life but the most rewarding.

My philosophy reflects the understanding that every child has potential. It is our job as educators to encourage each child to reach their maximum potential.Thereby guiding each child on their journey to becoming contributing members of society in their own special way.