Digital Blog Post #A - Chapter 1
As mentioned in the text, the computer is the driving force in the changes occurring in society. Some of these changes include exposing children to technology, the important role that technology has in a household, and changes in communication. I remember that, when I was a child, I entertained myself by coloring, playing outside, and reading. If I watched TV, it was because there was a 4:00 program for kids, and it only lasted half an hour. Computers were a big block, and the only time I got to use one was when I would go to the library and play the computer games they offered. Now, only one decade later, I see babies and toddlers unlocking their parents' cellphones, taking selfies, and playing games on a tablet as if they were experts. The computer has evolved in such a way that we can hold one in our lap, in our briefcases, and even in our hands. Teaching styles have changed dramatically based, for many high schools integrate tablets into their curriculum because it is just so much easier. Going to the library and searching reference books is outdated because students can find the answers they need while they are sitting in class. When I have my own classroom, I will definitely use technology to promote interactive learning, and to let my students discover ways in which the information they are learning connects with the world. This website offers 20 free technology tools that every teacher should be using. In an elementary setting, I could assign homework from a fun, educational website where I can monitor their activity, and this could also promote parent-child interaction.
This leads me to the next concept that caught my attention--the technology-based office. The technology-based office is just what it sounds like. It is the teacher's office based on technology, meaning that all of the essential duties--like attendance, grading, and recording educational expenses--can be done on the computer. I can imagine how difficult it must have been for teachers before the computer age to keep track of their important papers, on top of the assignments the student's submitted. Along with this, teachers also have Microsoft Office at their disposal. To enhance learning, they can use PowerPoint and Word. To better organize themselves, they can use Excel spreadsheets. There are so many tools available to teachers today, and since we have grown so comfortable using them for our assignments at school and for other uses, I am sure I will take advantage of them. However, since many schools have their own installed programs for, say, grading, technical issues always arise. For this reason, I will most likely keep some files the old fashioned way as a back-up.
Third, building a digital identity seems to be a fun and important part of the teaching experience. It is interesting how students are not the only ones learning in the classroom. Teachers constantly have to learn about new ways to present their information in an attractive manner, and technology is necessary in this process. Building a digital identity addresses three goals: building a multimedia resume, learning resources and teaching tools, and modeling technology for students. I took a look at the "21st Century Technology Self-Assessment" found on page 18 in our text, and I discovered that there are still a lot of things I don't know about technology in teaching! Building my digital identity will be fundamental in my success as an educator. I will have to accept that my teaching methods will change as I gain more experience. My students will need to see that I am literate in technology, and that I am able to help them in becoming engaged digital citizens. They need much more than a passing grade: they need to learn skills that will help them think critically and solve every-day problems. I aspire to do my best in teaching them what I know!
As seen throughout this reflection, technology is much more than an optional tool--it has become an integral part of our society, and therefore, of the teaching profession. For the students' benefit, I must be knowledgeable in what is available to me as an educator to adapt my method of teaching to each student's individual needs. For that, I will begin working on my multimedia resume so that, when the time comes, I will be able to show that I have the skills necessary to be in charge of a class and use media to making the learning experience enjoyable, memorable, and practical for the future. I can't wait to get started!
My sources
A, L. (2015, May 29). Educational Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved January 24, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9kdIBlM424
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Meador, Derek. (2016). Free Technology Tools that Every Teacher Should Be Using. Retrieved January 24, 2015, from http://teaching.about.com/od/tech/tp/Free-Technology-Tools-that-Every-Teacher-Should-Be-Using
