Through the course “Building Your Technology Education and Skills”, I have learned several things from, blogs – podcasts - RSS feeds, to how youth today views the internet. However, this course has taught me I am not done learning and will need to forever maintain my technology skills in this dynamic time.
I have a blog. This is something I never thought I would say. I do not consider myself a writer. I did not see the need to publish my thoughts for others to read. Since taking this course my feelings towards blogging have changed. I do not currently use my blog for personal use, but for class assignments. However, after learning that a blog can be an essential classroom tool, I am planning and looking forward to incorporating one into my classroom next year. I would like to maintain a class blog where students have access to their own blogging. The blog would primarily be used for parent/classroom communication and for students to use as their journal.
Podcasting is another new territory for me. I am excited to better understand podcasting, and look forward to being able to figure out how to post my podcasts to my blog. Podcasts are an area I want to use more, but am having difficulty coming up with useful ways to incorporate them into lessons.
The book used in the course, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, provided excellent examples of activities that can be used with a variety of technology. The book discussed software, websites, and tools that can be used to enhance instruction. I was familiar with several of the software programs mentioned, but appreciated the example lessons provided. The book reminded readers of the numerous helpful tool programs, such as Microsoft Word offer. I learned how to track changes, use word as a search engine, and identify the reading level of my student’s typed papers.
I think the biggest eye opener during this course came from viewing the Frontline videos: “Growing up Online”. These videos made me more aware of the number of teens using the internet. It made me question my fourth grade students and the frequency of their use of the internet. After viewing the videos, I know we need to move forward with technology in the classroom to keep up with the student’s interests, the times, and the speed in which they’re accustomed to doing things. Kids/teens also seem to learn more quickly from the use of technology. They are using the internet as a resource and taking advantage when possible. What may take an adult several attempts to learn, takes students only seconds. After just learning a lesson on the software Inspiration, I observed my fourth grade class take off and in seconds begin an activity with very few questions. The kids had the activity complete and personalized with their style within thirty minutes. This activity, previously hand written, would have normally taken them two class periods with numerous questions and finished products all looking the same.
I hope our schools continue to invest in technology updates. I would like to see them make more of an effort in supporting staff education with new products, software, or example lessons that can be done with existing tools.
