Achieving Balance with Technology in the Classroom

I am concerned because my digital camera is showing that my battery is low. I really do not think that the battery should be replaced so soon. I turn the camera off when I am not using it. Maybe the batteries that I have need an upgrade.

I am finding that using technology in the classroom, not only requires critical thinking on my part, but it requires me to transfer these same skills to my students. When using technology, I cannot just use an application and think that it is going to work or even be effective the first time that I use it with my students. I have to plan ahead, which I am used to; however, I have to be even more proactive when working with special needs students. I realize that have to break all necessary indicators and skills down to their barest parts in order to teach special needs students the same skills that most general education students will grasp more quickly. This is the work within special education.

What I find to be evident is that my special needs students grasp the uses of technology with so much ease. They are excited about using the computer or anything that requires the use of kinesthetic and tactile skills. They struggle with reading text and having to generalize these skills. With my new found training on technological applications through STEP, I really am hoping to find a variety of ways to assess, teach and apply the same skills I have been teaching over the years, using technology and engagement. I still feel that there are just some days and concepts that will require direct instruction, so I need to apply a balance. I really need for them to understand that technology has its places and uses and that everyday in class, will not be all the bells and whistles. This is my struggle. Unless my students are listening to an IPOD, or texting, everything else seems to be boring and they easily tune out. This is a struggle. Balance, balance, balance.