In order to ensure my students will receive a solid foundation related to technology, I must focus on becoming educated in technology integration (IT). My professional development will include becoming involved with organizations that help me stay abreast in technonology. ISTE is one organization I would like to get involved with; primarily the ISTE NETS Project. I would like to do this so that there will be defined standards for students, integrating technology, technology support, student assessment, as well as for the evaluation of technology use. I also plan on learning about IT by reading various journals. Some journals that may help build my technology skills are the “Journal of Information Technology,” and the “Information Technology Journal.”

To further my technology skills I plan on staying involved with workshops, classes, and research. I will also visit various websites including the ISD website of my school district. Through ISD I will be able to access network/technical assistance and consulting, help on software selection and integration, current technology projects, and a list of classes that are offered. The site also gives me access to a variety of resouces that may be beneficial while integrating technology into my classroom. Such resources include those for computer technology review and news, educational sites, as well as resources on viruses and updates.

When I visited the Ottawa Area ISD website, I found they offered a variety of Professional Development tools and learning opportunites. I found I can learn various skills through in-service workshops at an educational service building, a local school, or online. There were a variety of classes on this website that caught my attention. I’d be interested in taking such classes as Digital Camera Basics, Photoshop Elements, Pinnacle Studio Academy, Support Staff Series: Newsletters, Website Creation, Website Graphics, and Website Management. I’d be interested in taking these classes because they would assist me in the areas I feel particularly weak in right now.

Other sources I plan on utilizing for my professional development include the websites http://remc11.k12.mi.us/bcisd/classres/intideas.htm and http://www.leesummit.k12.mo.us/its/. I plan on utilizing these websites primarily for IT classsroom ideas and learning how to integrate technology in the classroom. Overall, I plan on maintaining and gaining knowledge in IT through organizations, journals, and a variety of websites to endsure that my students receive a solid foundation in technology.