Hello!

My Professional Background

My name is Dina Saad.  I am currently finishing my education certification at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  I will graduate in December 2002 with a BA in education and certification in both math and science.  At this point, in my career, I am student teaching at Salina Elementary school in the Dearborn school district under the guidance of Mr. Mahmoud       Abu-Rus in his fifth grade classroom.

The School

Salina Elementary school has two technology labs that are used by teachers and students in the school.  In the technology lab, which is also known as the Mac Lab, the students have internet access available to them in order to find information about a topic.  During the students Tech Lab time they may work on PowerPoint presentations of science units they have covered or are in the process of learning.  Students also have a class website that they can access to read about what they have to do for the weeks assignment.

The teachers at Salina school also have computers available to them in their classrooms.  Each teacher in the school has at least one Macintosh computer with internet access in the classroom.  Teachers are also provided with overhead projectors, TV monitors, digital camera, as well as a video camera.  The last two items are available upon request to the teachers.  The technology can be better explained using the STaR chart results that I found after conducting the survey.

The Students

The students at Salina come from limited English speaking backgrounds.  The majority of students at the school do not have computer access in the home.  The only time these students get to use a computer is at school.  Also, the students have a wide range in ability levels which range from learning disabled to gifted.