My Personal Vision of Technology in Education

Use it. Use it. Use it! Students need to be able to use a computer proficiently and comfortably if they want to succeed in the world - this I knew before entering this class. Students can use the internet to increase their authentic learning while increasing their skill of technology - this I hadn't understood before taking this class.

Each week as I desperately figure out how to teach another week, I am constantly using internet resources that range from webquests to online newspaper journals. I think the one thing that i continue to disagree with Dr. K is the idea of a computer lab. Granted it would be great to have a computer for each and every student, it's just not possible. I prefer being able to take my whole class to the computer lab on days when we are using technology to enhance our learning. If we had a handful of computers in the classroom, I would not be able to do this. Moreover, I love that my school has a technology class built into the schedule so that my students are slowly becomming proficient in basic computer programs that include Microsoft everything and navigating around the internet. This has proved to be invaluable because when I take my classes to the computer lab, I don't have to worry as much about teaching them 'how to use the computer.' Rather they are able to use the computer to increase their learning.

In all honesty, I have loved this class. Ok, my seventh graders are getting anxious. Thanks!

Get ready for some grumbling, a little protesting, and a whole lot of whining...

My title could be translated to
I am finished with online discussions. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time on the computer reading other peoples' postings, fishing through off-topic discussions, and trying to remember which post was created for which site (specifically my blog, my two blackboard discussions, and my Chapman-online discussion). I really hope that my next classes will not be so focused on online discussions. As many of you know, I learn through being verbal and that learning style is far from recognized when I am sitting at my desk reading post after post after post. So to rant, but I am over this. Peace.