Janie Spahr June Blog

June is also a busy month technologically speaking. I am teaching a Veteran's Upward Bound Class in which I tutor Veterans that are entering college. We work with Reading/Language Arts, Math, and Computer Skills. There is a computer program they work with called My Skills Tutor, which I have had to learn. It is very similar to KeyTrain. I spent two days at PLATO training. There were several other teachers at this training that also plan to use PLATO. We decided we would have to set up a schedule for using PLATO since we only have a certain amount of licenses. I went through the Computer Technology lessons and made up plans that I can use in my BCA classes. The lessons are very interesting. I hope I can use them. I also attended a one day session in Charleston doing GET A LIFE simulation training. It really doesn't have much to do with technology, but it is a great program for students. I can see where you could add technology to the program by letting students use computers to help them figure out their finances for the simulation. I am working on my advanced marketing creditialing, so I have been trying to add as much technology into my lesson plans as possible. On June 4, I attended a one day CS5 training session at Randolph Technical Center in Elkins with Denise Stalnaker. I feel it is a very difficult program to learn, but it is very worthwhile to learn it and to teach it in Desktop Publishing, Web Page Publishing, and Digital Imaging. I can see where it can also be used in other classes, too. I also finished my Webtop for Educators WV Learns class as part of our TIS requirements. I enjoyed doing the lessons in the course. Janet was very helpful when we needed her help. I'm hoping to finish my TIS work soon, too. Once we're all finished we'll celebrate in Charleston or Morgantown! I can't wait to see everyone.