Tech Post #1
1.
In today’s world it’s inevitable to avoid technology—it
has almost become necessary for most people’s everyday lives. This video demonstrates that it’s necessary for
teachers to be responsible for being updated on the most recent technology and
incorporating into their classrooms. The way the video was portrayed
demonstrated that what the workers were doing wasn’t distracting their
customers—teachers bringing technology in the classroom needs to be done the
same way.
2.
In relation to the list, I am a visitor to some
and a stranger to most! I mostly use my laptop for school and researching for
my school work (and of course, Facebook).
3.
(1) UStream
definitely seems like an awesome tool! If I had a page that all of the students
accessed (like our Wiggio) I would utilize this tool to address something I may
have forgotten for students in class or to demonstrate how to do something via
video, which is most of the time easier than explaining in writing. (2) I was
surprised to find that when I clicked the link for Scribd that I already had an
account! Taking a further look into the
site, it would seem like a great way to have students share resources (when appropriate)
and for me to attach assignments students may do on their own computer and
resubmit (saving paper). I also like the flow of the website—it seems very easy
to maneuver. (3)Today’s Meet seems like an interesting concept that I would
like to explore further. I like the idea of having it a private environment where
students may be able to share or express their feelings or questions regarding
an assignment or classroom discussion that was had in class. Since some
students are shy, this may prompt them to be more open in voicing their opinion
or asking a question.
4.
To keep learning about teaching after I leave
school, I would find it very important to have acquaintances that are also
involved in teaching to create a network with to motivate each other to keep
up-to-date with teaching. One of the easiest ways to create—or join—a network
would have to be more than likely virtual. Of course there are going to be
teachers at the school you’re teaching at, but it’s important to extend outside
of that circle because there is so much to learn from so many different
professionals. Teachers seem to be a strong community that wants to share and
discuss with so many resources available! It’s almost too easy.
5.
I loved seeing that Goodreads, Wordle, Prezi,
and Flashcard Exchange were on the list! I’ve had to use Goodreads as a student
to write reviews on books (writing virtually) that we’ve written in class, so I
love the incorporation of it. It also creates a community of reading and
writing. Wordle (one of my favorites too!) is a great tool for students to see
how frequently they use the same word and can really help them become more
aware of their writing! The website is online so the students are forced to
write virtually, and it gives them opportunity to fix it virtually. Prezi is also a great tool for students
because it’s similar to a powerpoint, but more updated with technology is more
fun. Of course, with anything technology based it’s easier for students to get
distracted, and these are public domains, but it’s vital for students to be
aware of the resources that will ultimately benefit them the most.
6.
I was shocked that twitter was the number one
things teachers are using the most—I barely use it! Although, it seems the most
popular things teachers are using are related to having the students on one main
site that allows them to access and upload documents either to or from the
teacher. The ones I was the most surprised and impressed about were more
related to blogging and social media. These are more difficult for me to find
the usage in them because they weren’t involved in my education.
7.
Understanding how a student learns reminds the
teacher what to focus on to still implement in their teaching while using
technology instead of getting distracted by it. Using technology shouldn’t change
the material, but change how the students are learning it so it can better fit
their needs to they can create. For example, showing the students a video and
discussing it may help them remember instead of reading the information from a
text book.
8.
The tools I already use aren’t very expansive in
comparison to what has been listed and discussed. My issue isn’t using the
technology—it’s how to use that technology to reach students. One of the things
I really want to master is how to use a Prezi: one of my professors uses it and
I love it! It flows nicely and holds the audience’s attention because of the
way it’s set up and transitioned. I would like to learn more about blogging
(which we’re currently using) and which website would be the best as a home
base for students.
