Joe Waski's DU Masters Program Blog

Final Reflection Source: blog.tcea.org   My Views on Ed Tech: My views on educational technology have always been positive.  I still feel that educational technology is very important and definitely the new trend in education.  Our current students learn differently than students in the past as technology is a major part of their lives.  Almost every student has a smartphone and a one-on-one technology device, 10 years ago this was definitely not the case. It is important that educators adjust to our students learning styles as technology is here and its here to stay.  Incorporating technology over time can make a teachers job easier, done are the days of grading 150 math homework assignments.  Now students can use self grading platforms where teachers can review reports to view progress.  My classroom looks much different that it did five years go.  I use platforms such as MATHia by Carnigie Learning, Khanacademy , Formative , and most recently ...

Digital Tattoo  Source: College of DuPage Library  Brief Overview: A digital tattoo is the information that exists online about you or your activity.  Traditionally this has been referred to as a digital footprint, however the term digital tattoo better describes the term as a tattoo is more permeant than a footprint which can be washed away. One must be responsible about their online activity to ensure that their reputation is not damaged or impacted in a negative way.  In today's society it is very easy to damage one's reputation by posting something inappropriate on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. These damaging posts can hinder ones future plans such as acceptance to collage or even finding employment.  Digital tattoos are not just what one portrays about themselves on social media it also encompasses personal information about a person on the web.  This can be public information such as sale of a house, divorce, jobs, r...

 Assistive Technology  Source: Expert Insights Assistive Technology: Assistive Technology is any device, software, or equipment to help people with disabilities to learn, communicate, or function better.  Assistive technology doesn't just need to be an electronic type of device.  It can also consist of magnifying glasses or even a device that allows a person with mobility issues to put on a sock.  My Strength:  I'm pretty familiar with assistive technology.  I'm a Special Education teacher of 16 years and have used a wide variety of assistive technology in my classroom.  I've used magnifying glasses, large print handouts, audio books, and MP3 audio options in software utilized in the classroom.  I also administer the MP3 Audio version of the PSAT and SAT every year at my school.  My Weakness:  I would say my weakness lies with all the "new" technology out there for students to use.  I still need to learn more about what assist...

Professional Learning Network My Twitter Experience  Source: Twitter  PLN Overview:  According to Brown and Porter, a Professional Learning Network is referred to as any group who engages in collaborative with others outside of their everyday community with the goal of improving outcomes for students.  PLN's have become more common and also have been much easier to access with the use of internet and technology.  Educators are able to access each other outside of their organizations and share ideas and practices.  PLN Assignment Overview:  For this assignment I was to create a Twitter account and interact with 15 or more individuals or organizations relevant to my learning environment.  I was then to participate in a Twitter chat and post some resources that I found.   My Twitter Account:  My twitter address is @jwaski103 .  I was able to connect with 53 people or organizations.  Source: Blog Author My Twitter Chats:...