Website that Provides Resources for Substitute Teachers
Project Focus: Using Technology (focus 1)
Project Description:
The project will consist of me creating a website to provide resources for substitute teachers, such as links to creative and educational games, what to do scenarios, and other teaching aids (grade specific activities). I chose this project because I am a substitute teacher and on many assignments I was not left a lesson plan and felt out of water. I hope to learn how to create a website that is functional and entertaining.
Project Artifacts:
- I will create my website and publish the address.
- I need to have teaching aids that are grade specific, i.e. K-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
- If I have a complete website with appropriate and useful information then that would enhance my focus, I will learn a better use for technology.
Project Timeline:
I plan on starting the website and informing the school district of my newly created resource by February 10, 2009. I will request feedback from several substitute teachers by February 20, 2009 and will complete changes to my website per feedback and other suggestions provided. I will complete and submit my work by March 1, 2009.
Purpose
My intent in this project was to create a useful website that would provide links to grade specific activities, scenarios of classroom behavior and other pertinent information for substitute teachers in the Coachella Valley. I see this website being used by substitute teachers to help prepare themselves for certain situations in the classroom that they are unprepared for or have little or no information. I also included a section for earning a clear credential to become a full-time credentialed teacher in the K-12 educational system. I believe that there will be some interest in using the website to enhance the teaching experience. If nothing else it will be included as a resource for substitute teachers who want a better experience in the classroom for themselves and their students.
What I Did:
I created the website www.helpforsubs.com and provided the address to a few substitute teachers that I thought might find it useful. Since I am a substitute teacher for the Coachella Valley Unified School District, I have found myself in situations where I felt unprepared, these situations inspired me to use technology to try and simplify the substitute experience; basically to provide a resource for substitutes that could help in certain situations.
What Happened:
After I created this resource for substitute teachers, I realized that it needed more fine-tuning. I attempted to contact the school district but they were unable to get back to me on time, I had asked for permission to speak with permanent teachers in several grades about their expectations from substitute teachers. What I was able to find out was that some teachers believed that a substitute is a “baby sitter” and their only expectation is to be able to press the PLAY button on the VCR/DVD player.
What I Learned:
I learned that using a website to get information across is a great way to allow teachers to find many pertinent resources in one place instead of spread out throughout the internet. Having access to the internet is a positive thing, especially if useful information is needed.
EVALUATION:
What went right?
I was able to find a lot of resources on the internet; I found very useful links and information that I posted on my website. Most of the things that I felt were necessary for a functional and useful website were available online.
What went wrong?
I had to sift through a lot of information and websites, some useful and others not, that I found using the internet research tools.
The next steps in completing and/or enhancing my project would be to update and add other resources to the website, I was made aware that links to specific lesson plans that do not rely on unavailable materials in the classroom would be a useful tool to have. I would also create a PowerPoint presentation that would showcase the usefulness of this website.
