I've been thinking about technology this week since class. When I was in college I had to take a technology course. We learned about using a digital camera, creating a web page, and using educational software. (Am I dating myself a little?!? All of this stuff was brand new!) I enjoyed it and looked forward to using it the classroom. Unfortunately, when I got my first job there was a computer lab, but that's about it. My following two jobs had no lab and no other technology available other than a teacher computer. My growth in technology usage basically stopped.
I am excited to have that learning start again! In fact, this week I have been learning how to use the SPSS program. I realize that this isn't to work with in the classroom, but WOW what a great tool to analyze data. It has just made me realize that there are many tools that I need to learn more about to make my life easier!
I also told my husband about wordle. He does presentations fairly regularly in his position at work and I thought it may make an interesting visual for the people that he is sharing information with. I am not sure if he used it yet, but it at least intrigued him.
I am hoping that in this course we will examine computer software to use with young learners as well. I am curious to learn about pre-reading programs that can be used effectively with young learners. Primarily I am interested in how to determine good programs from programs that are not so good.
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Thanks for trying again! It worked this time. Very interesting post as your story is not different than most teachers! In schools where there is a technology lab it is the "technology teacher's" job to take care of that content. Hopefully in this class we will take more of an integrated approach where the teacher just naturally thinks about technology as he/she is planning the learning activity.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that would be a huge benefit for students. What is the difference between schools that have many different types of technology available to them and schools like most of those that I taught in that have nothing available for students? Is it solely a financial issue? More of a leadership issue? Is it a community issue? Or is it possibily a combination of some or all of those?
ReplyDeleteIn the last school I was at, it had the best of both words it had the hated computer lab, with a "technology teacher" who doubled as the librarian but also had great resources in the classroom such as a student computer and a mimio which is like a projected smartboard. It was great to see the students use this technology but I could see how it could also be intimidating for a teacher who has never worked with the technology.
ReplyDeleteBeth - I am going back to your comment left. It is a real combination of all! That is why it is difficult. Obviously, finances play a critical role --- but why is it that we have 3 school districts Central Iowa that just started a one-to-one laptop program for their students. They found the finances in pretty bleak economic times. Leadership, community support and teacher knowledge is key! But there are more!
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