My thoughts on technology

I am pretty comfortable with technology. I enjoy technology but it does scare me because I don't always understand why or how it works. When it comes to using the Internet or creating a word document or a PowerPoint, I feel that I am very capable. However if I need to do more, say create a web page or use java, I am lost. I am very willing to learn because I know that technology is the way of the future, which is why I'm interested in this courses content. I want to be more competent with technology, so I will be able to incorporate it into my classroom eventually.

To me, teaching with technology means the ability to use technology resourcefully and communicating critical information to your students. I think technology should be used for creative teaching, like creating games or websites in order to aid your students with the course material. I also think that teaching with technology means the ability to do every day technological tasks, such as creating PowerPoints and the ability to email. Technology is becoming more and more crucial to every day tasks, such as using the Internet as a reliable source for research and information. The ability to tell the difference between reliable and unreliable sources, and being able to help your students with their technological needs.

I believe the biggest challenge teaching with technology produces is the fact that technology upgrades and becomes outdated so quickly. Students always seem to be more savvy with new technology and it will be a challange to stay ahead of the game in order to keep up with technological needs. Another problem that arises while teaching with technology is the fact that technology doesn't always work. Today's class proves this fact, the overhead projector didn't work. This has happened in a few of my courses here at IWU, and it proves that you can't rely solely on technology, because problems may arise and the technology may not behave as you had hoped or anticipated.

I believe teaching with technology offers many benefits. For starters it allows a teacher to communicate with students out side of school, via a course website for example. It makes a teacher available to his or her students when they wouldn't be otherwise. I think it is a good learning tool because the use of technology in a classroom will help prepare students for their future by developing skills that they will need. The ability to type and use the Internet are crucial for student development today.

From this course I hope to learn critical skills that will be valuable in a classroom in the future. I hope to become more comfortable and competent with computers and technology. I know there is a lot to learn about technology and I feel the more I apply myself now, I will be better equipped to teach and work with students in a technological world. I think this course will also give me new great ideas that will only benefit me and my students in the future.