Technology Background:
When I first came to Plainwell in 1999 we were a district that was very limited in technological resources. Fortunately, the district was in the middle of implementing a bond that was approved with the purpose of improving the technology situation. So this was a perfect time for me to join the district and advocate technology, as I came in with a proficient understanding of technology. Part of my technology background included a Honors CollegeThesis Project that included my development and implementation of a computer club during my teaching internship. Other technology related experiences that I had included speaking at the Michigan Association Computer Users Learning (MACUL) Conference and starting WMU's Educational Technology Program as an undergrad. I have since continued with my technology experiences adding various achievements from 1999 - Present including:
- Adjunct Professor - Western Michigan University; EDT 347: Technology for Elementary Teachers, The course designation is to help ensure that students meet or exceed the National Educational Standards for Teachers (NETS) for integrating technology into the classroom.
- Participated on a Computer Lab Committee to help design, focus, and develop brand new computer labs built in the district from the current bond. This committee had the charge of developing curriculum, guidelines, and an overall structure that the computer labs will follow
- Started a Fifth Grade after school Computer Club at Starr Elementary.
- Gave staff presentations and classes on district specific technology programs and resources.
- Developed a report card template for all elementary grades using Microsoft Excel.
- Hired on as an additional part-time Technology Integration Consultant where a colleague and I developed the Technology portion of the Professional Development program for the entire District in 2002-2003.
- Developed a unit plan for Intel Teach to the Future Educator 2003.
- Organized and Participated with a team from my building in Ameritech Technology Summer Academy (ATA) trainings Level I (in 2001) and Level II (in 2003).
- I also continue to act as a Building Level Technology Consultant. Although I do not get paid for this role, it does allow me to help other teachers integrate and use technology in their classroom teaching and curriculum.
I have truly loved every technology opportunity that I have engaged in. I can hardly wait to use this excitement to ignite the passion in my students to use technology. I believe using technology can help them reach their maximum academic potential. I have even subtly changed my philosophy on education to include technology as a major cog. Education should offer a multi-dimensional approach to learning that includes demonstration, participation, technology, cognitive thought, and self-discipline. Through sensorimotor, as well as cognitive activities, students gain new knowledge, skills, and motivation that they can use throughout their lifetime to maintain both their physical and social well being. Other information and personal experieces that I have achieved can be viewed in my resume which is attached.
Learning Environment:
Plainwell Community Schools strongly emphasizes the seamless implementation of technology into the curriculum. All classrooms are networked and on-line and all elementary classrooms contain at least two desktop computers. My first grade classroom contains 26 students, all full of energy. Technology is incorporated into my units with the use of my two desktops, one laptop, a TV/VCR combination system that has Super Video capabilities, DVD player with MP3 and Super Video Capabilities, two building HP Laser Jet printers, a Projection Unit, and a digital camera. In addition, we have fifteen wireless laptops all located on a cart, a Projection Unit, and a SmartBoard Interactive Whiteboard that are shared throughout the building. We just recently added a Computer Lab in our Building that includes 30 desktop machines along with a teacher work station with its own projection unit to aid in technology based instruction. Software available via the network is very limited at this point, as the items that we have a site license for is the Microsoft Office Applications, and Accelerated Reader. Other software that one would like to have on their computer must be purchased by the individual teacher. This lack of software has been somewhat of a problem. If we would like to utilize a new software program, we are forced to install thirty day trials on the machines, after which we can no longer make use of that particular program. In addition to making use of this hardware and software, I maintain constant parent communication through e-mail, weekly parent newsletters, and my class web site. Enjoy my portfolio and feel free to email me at: mraffler@plainwellschools.org.