Technology Enhancement

I am not a teacher yet but I find myself gaining more and more knowledge with each assignment. I saddened that the semester is almost over because I would not feel as excited about finally entering the classroom if it had not been for the vast wealth of knowledge I attained from this class. I loved doing these lesson plans. I was second guessing myself going into it because I went off of a lesson that some of the students in my school had completed several months ago. I saw some of the completed posters and papers on a bulletin board in the hallway. I asked the teacher for her copy of the lesson plans but she never got them to me but I found something similar on Assignment Discovery. I found this site through the California Learning Resource Network. Amazing ... simply amazing. These sites are unbelievable and I know that they are used but are they being used to the enhancement of our students. I have asked several supposedly technologically advanced teachers in my school about some of the sites I have learned about in this semester and they don't seem to know very much about them. I have noticed in an increase in the power point slide presentations as an inclusion of technology but it doesnt completely help the students with the necessary hands on application of the concepts.

In the article, we read about the techno-constructivist and how our students need this teacher. I believe that after taking this class, I now understand about the necessity of the students trying it for themselves. The memorization, rote and recitation is old and it does not work for our digital age students. I am presently between a stage 2 and stage 3, using the computer to type papers, check my email, research surfing and chatting. But i am acclimating myself so that I will develop into a well-rounded, digital teacher. I understand students need technology because every employment position they will apply for in the future will require them to have computer based skills. I as a teacher understand to compete for the upcoming teacher positions I too will need computer based skills.

I love this class!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l3JbFHXsro

Technology in my Classroom

i am so excited about becoming a teacher. i have learned so much in this class as far as technological websites and resources that i will try to implement into my classroom. i was overwhelmed but excited about the webquests. i know that this could be a helpful addition to the curriculum, leading students on a journey to learn, think critically and analyze information. i am working on my lesson plan and i love this assignment. i'm not finished yet but i'm getting there. our kids are growing up in a time of technology and we as new, upcoming teachers should take off our traditional blindfolds and get with the times. i believe that we need to involve ourselves, not only for the students sakes, but for our own- it will increase our knowledge and give us a heads up over the students and our own kids. i know im older but i am definitely going to try to go digital.

THE NEW CLASSROOM????

I watched the new classroom video with shock and horror in my eyes. The room looked so rigid and drab - gray and black. It simply didn't look like a place I would want to teach in. Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe that technology has a huge place in the classroom but I also believe that the classroom is where these kids live for 8 hours a day. A classroom is a safe-haven or a home away from home and that classroom looked so cold. I did love the wealth of technology placed in there but I definitely believe that they should rethink some things first.

Watching

I thoroughly enjoyed the videos this week especially the video that introduced the book. I found it hilarious. I know in today's society, people should generally know how to understand the workings of a book but they cannot comprehend the abundance of knowledge contained within the pages. I watch students throw books on the floor, step on them, spill things on them - they just don't care about them. Hopefully, later in life they will understand what they've done and will try to help their own children to understand the importance of books and what they can do for us.

Socialites...

Our students today are social butterflies and sometimes they take things alittle to far with their social networking. Yes it can be very beneficial or our lower-achieving and special needs students. Some of today's students use their social networks for negative use. In the past month, at the school I work at we have had over 5 fights based on postings on other students myspace pages and facebook sites. While learning how to use these sites, I feel that students should also learn how to be responsible. I understand freedom of speech but then there is blatant irresponsibility. Should they be accountable they are still teenagers????