Dan Haugh Education Blog

      As we progress further and further into this course, I am solidifying my understanding that the inclusion of technology isn't as difficult as it may sound. If you take the time to think about what you want to do and describe your thoughts with as much detail as possible, then you will be led to almost exactly what you are looking for, or something close to it. For example, for the self-directed section, I wanted to focus on literacy and technology. As a special ed teacher, I do a lot of reading instruction, and incorporating technology is difficult. Especially when following programs like OG or Wilson literacy. But my searches brought me back to some of the AI tools we have used in past classes, specifically Padlet.     Now, the first time I used Padet, I had no idea what I was doing. But I learned that it was a discussion board where we could post and view information from other people's posts. How could something like this be introduced to my class? Well...

 Week 5 This week I got to take a glimpse into the minds of my fellow classmates to see what makes them tick. Each of us chose an AI tool to share with the class that has enhanced their abilities in the classroom. Being an elementary special ed teacher, I don't often get into the classroom to experience all of the fun and exciting experiences teachers plan for their students each day. So this was sort of like pulling back the curtain on the Wizard, and seeing how Oz creates the smoke.  I was introduced to many AI tools, but a few of my favorites were definitely those that centered around the arts. Although I do not teach anything related to the arts, I have always had a fascination and appreciation for artistic people, whether they sing, dance, play music, draw, or paint, I can always find some joy in their creations. Suno AI is a music generator that takes a person's drawings and creates a soundtrack to the drawing. It even interprets the art and gives an encouraging summary ...

  While reviewing your week’s learning in this course, what new ideas are you taking away that will help advance your professional practice?                                    Some of the new ideas I am taking away this week deal directly with AI, such as ChatGPT and Khanmigo. After watching the TED talk on Khanmigo, I was really impressed with the notion of AI as a tutor for students. The AI's ability to assume the personality of a character from a book and then converse with a student in real time, providing answers to questions about their in novel decisions, and their motivation, is amazing. It isn't something I would even think of AI doing. Also, from reading and collaborating with my peers, I learned a little more about ChatGPT. Its level of response enhances with the level and depth of information you ask it. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to answer a question so that a...

              Week 3 Reflection:       After having the opportunity to review the Hour of Code site, I was reminded that my elementary students are using this type of technology every day in school and probably at home. Technology is forever advancing and developing, for better or for worse, who knows? Either way, it is an area of education that we as teachers need to continue to find ways to incorporate into the classroom. If nothing less than to build awareness and digital citizenship, so that students are safe in their exploration. Additionally, Coding offers areas of interest for everyone, as it seems by tapping into generational and interest areas that help to keep the interest level high.  This week was a reminder that I need to continue to build opportunities for students to access technology in our limited pullout work sessions. Especially if students share an interest or are showing motivation in a certain aspect of te...

 This is my first attempt at blogging, so I have little to no idea of what I am actually doing. The reason I am taking this on is for part of my Master's in Education program through SNHU. I am currently enrolled in A Technology and Instruction course and will be learning about integrating technology in the elementary classroom. As part of our course, I have selected the book Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom. I will be discussing sections of the book as I read them.  Upon reading the introduction and first chapter, I would say that I am eager to continue. The tone and structure of the material is very inviting and easy to read. It divides itself into brief sections that concentrate on different instruction practices and models. Some of which I have used in past years, and some that I continue to use in the classroom.  For example, encouraging collaboration and communication between the students is a tactic I agree with. Students being able to le...