All about me survey

Journal 4 - One Size NEVER Fits All

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading With Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

Teachers have not been able to take full advantage of technology tools for special needs students because of lack of training. There has not been enough specific training for teachers to use technology with students with learning disabilities. Technology has shown to help students reach and raise their IEP goals.Teachers in these workshops learn to use specific technology tools with specific tasks. This helps teachers understand what technology will work best or help the most with each individual student.

Full technological integration is impossible. But through training and learning, teachers can use technology effectively no matter what the level the integration. They have developed a 3 tier system that helps teachers integrate technology. Tier 1 is workshops for teachers where they can learn how to use the tools. Tier 2 is learning with online and face-to-face interaction. Really learning how to use the online environment. Tier 3 is educator collaboration and face-to-face support. This is when teachers begin to integrate technology with their students in the classroom.

How can the integration of technology in the classroom improve the performance of my students with special needs?

Technology is a great tool to help kids be creative and express themselves. Technology tools can ease typical frustrations that may come with physical limitations of a students. Reading and writing can become easier with the help of a keyboard, mouse or even voice command. Technology is a median that can let a student feel more accomplished with their schoolwork.

Why can the implementation of technology in classrooms be difficult?

Difficulties can come from lack of funds or lack of training of the teachers. Lack of training for teachers was one of the main reasons mentioned in the article. That teachers simply do not know how or when to use the technology to help their special needs students. But through special classes and online communities, teachers can now get the resources that they need in order to fully help their students.

Journal 3 - Abracadabra–It's Augmented Reality!

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra - it's augmented reality!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

In the article "Abracadabra- It's Augmented Reality!", Raphael Raphael talks about Augmented Reality (AR), and the advantages of using it in the educational sector. AR is adding extra information to what we already understand and know about the world around us. Examples of AR are visual cues such as colored lines on top of moving pictures or realistic holograms. AR is being used more often nowadays than ever before. This is made possible through the advancement in technology. AR is a great way to get students interested in their work. Companies are already creating software specifically for students that will allow them to do more than just create but can interact with their work.

A great tool that had been created is called Zooburst. Zooburst is geared toward students, which is great for the classroom. It is a pop-up story telling tool that allows students to interact with the story through the use of a webcam. "Zooburst is a powerful way for students to experience augmented reality." In addition to Zooburst, many other programs and applications are being developed such as social networks, mobile apps, and virtual desktops.

How would I see myself using this technology in the classroom?

Technology is one of the greatest ways to get students excited about their work. Technology can make things more interesting and fun. I love the idea of kids creating and sharing their work on different levels that they never thought possible. Not only will they have a better understanding of the subject but maybe something about themselves.

 What are other AR tools available to use in my classroom?

Wikitude was another tool mentioned that I could use in my classroom. This provides extra information about the environment around us. In the classroom students could point their phone or other devise at an object and information would pop up on a screen. This could be helpful for students with visual or auditory disabilities.

Journal 2 - Join the Flock

Ferguson, H. (2011). Join the flock. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Learning and Leading was a very interesting article that explained in depth about how to create and use a PLN. A PLN is a online community you create yourself built of people who are collectively learning together. In order to build this community of common learners you must spend time communicating with others though connecting with technology. The technology tool that is mentioned in the article is Twitter. Whatever social networking site you chose you use, you must created a detailed profile. A profile that provides information about yourself so people can know more about you. The article goes into detail about how to go about setting up a profile and utilizing these social outlets to their full benefit that can and will help you build your PLN.

This article advises that you take the time to get to know other common people on these sites. Such as telling others about what someone has said or responding to that person directly. This shows people that you are interest in what they have to say. Also learn the terminology and type of language that is used on the site. This will help reduce confusion while reading and responding to others and create better understanding.  

How would I see myself using Twitter to help create my PLN?

I would use Twitter to help me connect with other teachers and educators around the country. They may have creative ideas or solutions that I never thought of to problems that I may have in the classroom. It is important to have advice from your peers that may have more experience in the area than you do. And technology is so accessible and easy to use, it would be hard not to take advantage of all the information that is available.

How would I put this new found information and technology to good use?

With Twitter and other networking cites, I could create a large database of information. Anyone can access that information at anytime around the world.  It is possible to send or connect people with that digital information so that they may also take advantage of what I have found. It is important to have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips because you never know when you may need it.

Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0

NETS - T II
I posted a screen shot and discussed my results of the Promoting Technology Use in Schools online quiz.


The model I chose to look into was Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. Being creative, I believe, is a very important aspect of a students ability to learn. Assignments should not be boring and pointless, classwork needs to be interesting in order to keep students engaged. All students are unique. The assignments should reflect the student. I think that students are more likely to put more into their assignments if the are able to be creative and more individualistic. Technology is one of the many ways to help inspire student learning and creativity.

The article Promoting Technology Use in Schools examined how technology in schools promotes learning. It says that "new technology can be an appropriate vehicle for promoting meaningful, engaged learning." There is also more communication between students and their teachers. With technology, students can research and find information on current issues. Technology can be a powerful medium for students. Students already use massive amounts of technology everyday. Why not utilize the skills they already have and apply them to the classroom.

Journal 1 - Kara's Happy 100

1. Disneyland
2. Playing volleyball
3. Coaching volleyball
4. Winning
5. Surfing
6. Swimming
7. Relaxing in the sun
8. Clean sheets
9. My massive DvD collection
10. My boyfriend
11. My friends
12. My family
13. Playing Wii games
14. Eating all the pizza I can get my hands on
15. My sparkly jewelry
16. Stars
17. Greeting Cards
18. Hanging out with my friends
19. Quoting movies with my sister
20. Being my friends psychiatrist
21. Watching videos on You Tube
22. Finding Deals
23. Facebook stalking friends
24. Being my friends social photographer
25. Visiting Hawaii
26. Warm water
27. Musabi
28. Good Luck Cats
29. Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
30. Making new friends
31. Celebrating birthdays
32. When my Boyfriend tells me jokes
33. Listening to Music
34. Downloading music
35. Making Mix tapes
36. Creating photo albums
37. Going to the movies
38. Christmas time
39. Dogs Doing Tricks
40. Driving
41. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
42. Office Space
43. Getting my nails done
44. Getting pampered
45. Attending concerts
46. Walking my dogs
47. Singing in my car
48. Champagne Brunches
49. Learning new things
50. Playing Pool
51. Attending Friday happy hour at PB Bar and Grill
52. Reading
53. Teaching surf camp
54. Football
55. Watching unknown silent films
56. Breathing
57. People telling me ‘I Love You’
58. Sweatshirts
59. Snowboarding
60. Camping
61. Laughing
62. Smiling until my face hurts
63. Traveling
64. New Shoes
65. Massages
66. Care Bears
67. Eating Krispy Cream Donuts
68. Fresh Cookies
69. Going to Taco Tues with friends
70. Making friendship bracelets
71. Getting presents
72. New crazy socks
73. Bake specialty cakes
74. Going to Joia
75. Go to parties with friends
76. Getting stronger
77. Entertaining/playing host
78. My Peter pan collection
79. Playing Mario Party on Nintendo 64
80. Watching March Madness Basketball
81. Drinking Hot Chocolate under an electric blanket
82. Going to Sonic
83. My laptop
84. Bonfires at the beach
85. Taking pictures with characters
86. Creating my own Halloween costumes
87. Making perfectly toasted sandwiches
88. Dancing
89. Shopping at Target
90. French fries
91. Getting my makeup done
92. Being a model
93. Cooking for friends
94. Buying Disney Ears
95. Pin trading
96. Harajuku Lovers purses
97. Gnomes
98. Having my college degree
99. Achieving my goals
100. Rediscovering 100 things that make me happy

Its me, Kara

My name is Kara Kraszewski. At my jobs people call me 'Coach K'. This is because mostly everyone has trouble pronouncing my last name because its super confusing and complicated. As most Polish names are. I am part of a 3rd generation family from San Diego. I was born here and have never left. I feel as though why should I leave a place that is so beautiful and people spend so much money just to visit. Plus it doesn't hurt that I have a free place to live where there is always food. My academic carrier started at a private Catholic school where I was forced to wear a uniform everyday. A residency of nine years of plaid and polo shirts. I attended Point Loma High School from 2000-2004. A public school that gave me an eye opening experience of what the real world was like. Soon after graduation, I attended Grossmont Junior College in El Cajon, receiving a 3 year degree in Forensic Science. I then transferred to SDSU for my Bachelors in Political Science. I changed my major after discovering my passion for coaching. I am currently working toward my single subject teaching credential in Social Science at CSU San Marcos.

I have worked with technology and computers my whole life. I can remember writing my first written assignment for school on a typewriter then soon graduated to a green screen first generation Apple Desktop. Over the last 15 years, I have developed a lot of computers skills from classes and from technology advancements that have become readily available. I am proficient in 
the common programs of a PC. Yes, I am a classically trained PC user. This would consist mostly of an Microsoft programs. I have dabbled in some photo and video programs, but am not entirely comfortable with them. I just got a EVO 4G phone that allows me to surf the internet and receive/respond to emails while on the go. I must say, it is an amazing tool and I love it!


Teaching has always been a passion for me. CSUSM has an excellent reputation and a few of my peers
have completed the course in years past. I am very excited to start my adventure in the educational world. A corny way that I like to explain my passion is that 'our children are our future'. I am happy to say that I am choosing a profession that everything I do will leave a lasting impact on those around me.