WEEBLY: Collaborating with Parents, Students and Teachers in Special Education by Felix D. Tyre EDD 7914 Technology –Integrated Teaching and Learning Nova Southeastern University November 28, 2011  

Technology in Special Education My name is Felix D. Tyre and I am originally from Ft Myers, Fla. I came to Alabama to attend Alabama State University where I received a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and a Masters degree in Special Education. Later I attended Auburn Montgomery where I received a second Masters in Educational Leadership. Currently I’m an Educational Coordinator with sixteen years of experience. Presently, working with The Department of Youth Services Educational system, where I find the work challenging and rewarding. A wise man once said that teachers touch the lives of children, but I can truly say that my life has been touch by so many children. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to teach.   I have been married 19 years to a wonderful lady who has a PhD in counseling. We have two great girls, ages 20 and 15, the oldest is a sophomore attending University of Alabama majoring in Counseling Education like mother; My youngest is very active with school sports and activities. One large German Rottweiler name Diamond.  

My educational philosophy My educational philosophy can be based around what I have just witnessed during my first year of teaching secondary special education 9-12. I learned a lot during my first year and came into the role of a teacher from a very different background than a lot of the other teachers. I didn’t have a formal education relating to teaching. I taught with a provisional certificate and relied on my own experiences as a past student to help me craft how to teach all students. Relying a lot on my experiences from my first year of teaching and my mentor, I plan to discuss my views on education and the importance for me being in this profession. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.

WEEBLY The Weebly that was created is to help provide the Parents and Students with disabilities resources on all disabilities.

Benefits The students and parents can ask questions. Students, teachers and parents collaborate. Teacher and parents can share ideas and information. Easy for the parents to use the website.

How can Parents use Weebly? Collaborate with the teachers. Find important meeting dates. Finding out the lesson in class. Finding out answers to questions regarding Special Education. Finding out the IEP process. Finding helpful websites.

How can students use Weebly? Collaboration with Peers. Collaboration with the Teacher. Group Projects. Making Learning fun. Familiar with Technology. Discussions. Podcasting

How can Teachers use Weebly? Collaboration Lesson Plans Study Guides Class Syllabus Useful/Helpful Websites

ASSURE Lesson Plan Instructional Technology is helpful for designing courses using different kinds of media. This model assumes that instruction will not be delivered using lecture/text book only. It allows for the possibility of incorporating out-of-class resources and technology into the course materials. This model will be especially helpful for instructors designing online courses. All effective instruction requires careful planning. Teaching with instructional media and technology is certainly no exception. The ASSURE model is a useful planning model; it guides us how to choose and use media and technology in an instruction. The ASSURE model intends to assure effective instructions. The plan is based on the use of jigsaw teaching strategy and the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) used in assignment 4. The goal of the writer is to move from Constructive Infusion (C4) level to the Authentic Entry (A1) level. The lesson that will make this plan effective is the usage of Integrated Technology to complete assigned classroom activities. The writer will provide the following components of the ASSURE model such as description of the learner characteristics, objectives, instructional strategies and technology used, activity, and the evaluation.

My Weebly Features Are….. Welcome page- A brief description of myself. My Education Philosophy- My definition of Education. Websites for Parents- Useful Links for parents. Effective use of Podcast- Classroom Usage. My Journal Article - Classroom Observation. Sample Lesson Plan –ASSURE Model. URL: felixdtyre.weebly.com

Conclusion Weebly is very beneficial to the education process. This makes learning fun and exciting in the classroom for the students. This will enable students to participate in an online discussions. Students today need 21st century skills to hold their own in the global community today. Click on the link below to tour my website. URL: felixdtyre.weebly.com