Monday, December 14, 2009

final thoughts

Technology, when used properly can really enhance the learning process. However, we, as educators, need to make sure that our use of technology serves a purpose. We shouldn't incorporate technology just because we can. When we add technology to a lackluster unit in the way of a well planned and effective webquest, we have enhanced learning. When we go overboard with transitions and visual effects in our powerpoints, we aren't serving any higher purpose. In fact, these uses can turn people off, and muddy the waters.

I am truly excited about the possibilities that technology provides. As I think about the lessons that I used to teach, even the ones that I thought were great lessons 12 years ago, I can easily see how they could be more effective and interactive with the addition of technology. For instance, instead of making an advertising poster and speech for a particular Civil Rights organization, students today could easily create an entire video advertisement. This addition helps them gain a greater understanding of the power of images and persuasive speech. Not only will they learn about different Civil Rights groups, but they will also learn effective ways to convey this knowledge to others.

I truly believe that to be effective educators we need to understand and be able to use current technology, no matter what grade level or subject matter we teach. With it, we can change the world; without it, we simply watch the world go by.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

more thoughts

As I have continued to work with some of this technology, I am more convinced of the effectiveness of using it in the classroom. It is not only important to teach our children how to use computers and the internet, it is important to use this technology ourselves in our teaching. For instance, the more we know about power point, we can create more effective presentations that grab our students attention instead of creating a modern lecture.
I have begun thinking of ways to use technology to advance and challenge some of my higher level students. The power point project that I am creating has possibilities for these students to add to it. We can also use the interactive power point as a review for students who need to go over information another time, or need to have it presented in a different way. Technology is a great way to help individualize lesson plans. It is also a wonderful way to use a medium that students are interested in to capture their attention and interest.

Thursday, September 10, 2009


I have recently realized that I had a lot to learn about technology and it's role in education. I had never thought of myself as technologically illiterate until I had a class in information literacy this summer. I couldn't believe how much had changed in the 12 years since I had been out of education.
So with an incredible amount of panic, I plunged in to the deep end. What I found, is that it really isn't that hard to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact I was having a blast "playing" with all of the new gadgets and sites I had been introduced to. I learned how to wordle and glog (two things most of my friends still think sound too dirty to discuss in front of their children). I opened delicious and gmail accounts that I posted to my recently created igoogle homepage, from which I access my rss feeds. I feel like I've learned a completely different language as well as new skills.
But, now that I can do all of these things, the question is - When do I? and Why? I really do feel that technology adds so much to the educational experience. At its best the entire learning process in enhanced and comprehension is deepened. If nothing else, it can capture the interest of an otherwise unmotivated student. Students are using this technology all of the time, we, as educators need to get on board; if for no other reason than to teach students how to effectively communicate in an e-mail.