Reflections - EDU 781 Technology Leadership Project

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Soooo......, I am just finishing my 2nd to last endorsement class at Dominican which is EDU 781 Technology Leadership.  The class project was useful, practical and challenging.   Basically, I had to make a change within my class/school/district that involved technology.  

I decided to develop an internet safety program of instruction for the special education program that I work for.  Why?  Because the state of Illinois requires that all schools provide internet safety instruction for grades 3rd and up and my special education cooperative isn't doing this.  Also, studies show that the special needs population is even more vulnerable to predators or bullying online.

The program that I teach for is the Communication Development program.  My program has six classrooms ranging from grades K to 8th grade.  I teach a 2nd/3rd grade class of 12 boys.  Yep, you heard me right, 12 squirrelly boys that I think the world of.  

NetSmartz - 

Missing and Exploited Children

I chose to use the NetSmartz program. What I liked about NetSmartz is that it has separate presentations for K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and tweens.  The presentations are fun, covered vocabulary and age appropriate topics.  

I found the whole process of completing the project rewarding and beneficial.  I have actually been wanting to do something like this for quite a while and was grateful when this opportunity came along.  The most challenging part was working with the other classrooms in my program.  The six classrooms in the CD program are located in two different schools that are within two separate districts. It was difficult coordinating with the other program teachers.  I ultimately worked with the program social workers which was very helpful.

It is my hope to keep this program going year to year.  As our students travel through our program they should have a thorough education on internet safety and be better prepared to interact with this ever changing online world.

As I am finishing my Technology Specialist classes, I am hoping to transition to this roll within my cooperative.  I really want to stay within special education and apply what I have learned to my cooperative and the special needs population.  My cooperative is really behind the times and I would really love the opportunity to help bring it up to speed.