Assignment #5

I had so much fun doing this assignment. The only thing about the link is that it doesn't show the pictures I added to it. It will show when I do my Powerpoint presentation. I learned so much doing this project. I used Powerpoint, Word, and then I will use the Smartboard to present it to the class. It took me a while to do each of the slides, but now that I have that down it might be fun to do in an actual classroom. I am going to keep it and change it according to the lessons that I will be teaching. I had the most fun putting the pictures in. I am going to try and add music later.

Now that it's done I feel more comfortable with the technology used. It took me a while, but it's a learning process. The more I use it the more comfortable I will be. But I had a great time doing this project.

Classroom in 5 Years

Who knows? Technology changes everyday, and in 5 years I may be shocked. I feel it's important to keep up with technology, but there is really no way of knowing what will be available. 5 years ago I would have had no idea of the technology available today. There are times where I feel like technology is taking over, but I get over it. My only wish is that technology is advanced for the better. As a teacher I hope to use the future technology for the benefit of my students. The Smartboard will probably be more advanced and in every classroom. The Elmo will probably be a necessity too, but it all depends on the classroom that I will be at. Some schools have more money and can afford the latest technology. This doesn't mean that they are better, but that they have more options available to the teachers. I just hope that I will be a great teacher no matter what equipment I have.

Classroom Reflection #9

A couple of weeks ago I went to my school's science fair and was greatly impressed by some of the technology used. Some of the exhibits were the usual, but there was one that really caught my eye. One of the students had this really cool microscope that could be projected on a television screen. I thought it was really neat because several people could look at the object instead of just one. I wanted to get one for my son, but I asked and it was a little too pricey for a 4 year old. But it would be a nice asset to have in the classroom. All the students could look at the same object and in the long run it might cut down on costs because you would only have to buy one instead of 26, or so.

Thoughts on Technology in Education

Technology is very important to education! Students are coming in with such a vast amount of technological information and it's important for teachers to encourage their students to increase their technological knowledge. I also think that technology can help educate students. For the visual learner, they can look at the Smartboard, Elmo projector, or even the computer. The kinesthetic learner can learn by actually doing the things on the computer and Smartboard. The auditory listener can listen to music, video, podcasts, and the computer. I don't see how technology could not benefit a student.

My views of technology haven't changed this semester, but it was nice to learn about some of the technology out there that is beneficial. Some of my favorite new technology findings have been the blogger, podcasts, and the Smartboard. I hope to use them in my classroom in the future.