I have been learning alot about how technology can be used in the classroom. I have been thinking about how much I would like to use technology in my own classroom. I also have thought about what kind of environment will I be in? Will I have computers to use, will they be updated or not? I know that I would like to use technology alot in the classroom, but know that my resources to having computers in the class might not be there. How does one implement all this wonderful technology when there isn't any updated computers to use the programs? That is my biggest fear.
I have come to th conclusion that technology isn't everything. I know that I want to use technology for certain subjects, yet I know that it is not the answer for everything. I would like to use technology whenever I feel it can be used because I know that all students learn in differnt ways. Kids today seem so much harder encourage to want to learn because of the technological world we live in and the work we require them to do involves paper, pencils and books. There is so many ways to show what you've learned and I want kids to know that they can use technology to express themselves. I know that there is more than one way to learn and therefore there is more than one way to show what you've learned. I feel that we should allow kids to express their minds in a way that they feel most comfortable. We want to know that they've learned the lessons, but why do we limited the assessing process? We should want to try to reach the kids, and if using technology will reach that student, then good for them! I think if the studnet is learning, and making progress, why does is matter that they are using a computer and not using a pencil?
I am very glad that I've taken this class because I feel that there are many resources on the internet to use in the classroom. The resources out there is growing, and if we can learn these programs, and implement it in the classrooms, then I feel we will reach more children out there to learn and be successful! Technology is wonderful!
1 comment:
Very interesting post! You're right--technology is not everything. It's everything in this class because that's what this class is all about. But I hope no one leaves this class thinking that there is no place for coloring books, nature walks, handwriting, or textbooks in our classrooms. Technology is a tool that you have to reach and engage students, and knowing how to use it effectively makes you that much better of a teacher. I'm sometimes asked if I think that a person can be a good teacher without using technology. My general answer is "Yes, but I'm not sure I want my child in that teacher's class." In other words, I want to know that my child is engaged in learning and has a teacher that models effective uses of technology to get the job done. That doesn't mean using technology for everything all the time, but it does mean having it available when it is the tool for the job.
Another very good point in your post is the question of what you'll have in your classroom in terms of technology tools. If you teach elementary school in Fairbanks, you'll have a laptop and a projector (as of this year) and possibly a couple of other desktop computers in the classroom. You might have access to some laptops on a cart (this varies greatly from school to school) or even some AlphaSmarts to use. There may or may not be a digital camera or a video camera. Perhaps there will be a lab in the building, perhaps not. On the other hand, if you were teaching in Ft. Yukon or the Denali Borough SD, all of your students would have their own laptop. The point is that the technology that you inherit varies from school to school and even from class to class. What you make of what you have is what will determine how your students will perform.
Very thoughtful post. Thanks.
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