My name is Jeff Hogan. I have been a teacher of technology and/or computers in the Orange County Public School system since 1999. During that time I have taught technology classes in both elementary and middle school and I have also been a technology coordinator.

For the past two years I have worked at Ivey Lane Elementary as a computer teacher. However, for the 2006/2007 school year I have been assigned to teach Global Studies at Freedom High School. In the coming weeks I will develop a Global Studies component for this website; but, until then I have the basics of the course outlined.

One thing that has troubled me over the years is the lack of technology web sites for teachers on the internet. Sure there are some out there -- but, most just contain links to other sources. Few actually contain lesson plans or curriculum ideas. Yes, there is CARET (Center for Applied Research and Technology), ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and Kathy Shrock's website (one of the best I might add) but there are still few actual websites with lesson plans or methods of actually teaching technology.

Having access to technology and being able to use it are two very different things. I think one of the obstacles our district faces (like many others) is having the necessary funding to actually train its teachers how to use technology. If one walks into one of our schools many of them do have cutting edge technology -- but, just like any other tool -- the extent to which it gets used is dependent upon the training and comfort level of each teacher.

I am going to attempt to do a few things to help bridge the gap between having a computer and being able to use the computer. I will provide a page with software reviews (which I encourage you to share any you have done with me)

I have also compiled an extensive list of technology integration resources that are ideal for the one computer classroom (though they work in a lab as well). To date, I the ones I have completed are for Elementary though I do plan on adding different grade levels in the future.

Last Updated 31 July, 2006