My Beliefs

I have seen technology used in classrooms, I have heard stories and seen movies of how technology can be used and be effective. Yet, why then is it so hard to use the cool new technology in the classroom.

I know for myself that it is hard because it takes time and effort, and there are new things to always be learned. If you use technology but don't put time into it then it won't be good and effective, it will have been a waste for you and your students. I do believe that technology is a great thing. The kids love it, and it makes learning fun for them. When i showed my students the digital story that Debra and I made they sat there and watched it in silence. When it was over they clapped for us. They really did like it and appreciate all the work that we had done. When your students enjoy learning then you will enjoy teaching them and making the use of technology available to them.

I do believe that it is worth the time and effort to have and use technology in the classroom.

Lessons Learned

I feel like this assignment has helped me a lot in realizing everything that technology can bring into the classroom. Technology can make the learning more personal and meaningful. I really liked one of the videos you had us watch called, "Why Integrate." The technology that was in that high school was amazing! I had no idea how to do anything they were talking about, but it made me curious and want to know more. In this movie they talked about E-Click, where everyone in the classroom has a remote, and is involved. I like that you read the question and answers off the screen then each person answers the questions by pointing their remote at the TV. My favorite part is that the teacher can go back and see what every person answered, so that is how she can assess them. I thought it was a wonderful tool and the kids loved it!

Some of my concerns might be that i will have to stay up on the new and cool technology. I know that my students will know all the new and great things that are coming out and i will have to keep up and know how to use them. I can get very comfortable in my normal routine and i don't really need the new and great things, esspecially with technology. I know that i can do it though. I have wonderful resources all around me, that will let me keep up to date and be the best that i can be. It can be challenging to use technology, but i know that it will be worth the effort!

Strengths and Weaknesses

When reading the UNI and NET standards i found that there are some weaknesses that i have regarding technology. On the test that i took i found myself being lower on the question that talk about setting up the technology equipment you will need in your classroom. I am not very good with technology, my family would attest to that. The biggest thing that i have done in regards to technology is my digital story. That for me was huge! I really didn't know if i was going to be able to make it and then get in on You Tube and my website. Learning how everything works and is set up would really be benificial to me.

For me to strengthen this weakness there are many things that i can do. My uncle works with computers everyday, he is someone that could help me learn more. There are also podcasts/vidcasts on you tube that i could watch. I found a couple things titled, "How to set up a smart board," "My mac set up," How to set up a PA system." There are so many resources that i don't use but need to use more when i don't know how to do things. When things sound hard to me then i really just want to give up and not relaly go for it. This class has really helped me know that i can do these technology things, and there are tools out their to help me succeed.