Reflecting

·     I believe that technology has helped in the classroom in many different ways. It has helped with remembering and getting the students ready for the outside world, which is full of technology. At the start of the class I was a little skeptical because whenever you want technology to work, it never does. Then, I was introduced to many other technology ideas. Technology does not necessarily have to be a machine. I learned about many websites I could go on to help teach a lesson more creatively and also help the students get involved more. I have learned about classroom blogging, the smartboard, what flipped classroom meant, using iMovie to create an informational video, using Google docs, and many other things! So, how have I grown from this class? I have learned that technology can be used in many ways and will be used in my classroom. It makes it fun for the students and keeps them focused more. It also makes the lesson more interesting and the students seem to remember the lesson better rather then hearing the teacher lecture and taking notes to only memorize facts for a test. Technology is everywhere in the real world today. Teach your students how to use it correctly and efficiently. 

My Philosophy on Technology in Education

We are in a technology age. To get our students ready for the real world we need to put use of technology in the classroom because technology is used for many things in this world today. Before I took this Education and Technology class, I did not think that technology in the classroom was important at all. If anything, I thought that it would distract the students more than help them learn. Though, I have learned that there are different ways to distract them with technology. Whether it is through a game that you made on the SmartBoard or an educational game you found on the internet, students just seem more interactive this way. People learn in different ways and I feel that technology helps reach each learning strategy.  I have seen technology used in the classroom and I have seen nothing but positive feed back from students. It is interactive learning and students seem to remember the material more. As a future teacher, I am looking forward to using technology in my classroom and seeing how my students interact with it. I am also looking forward to using and learning about new technology over the years. 

21st Century Teaching

As teachers, it will be near impossible to control all of the social media that our students will come across. Being a teacher, I will need to influence them and teach my students how to use technology and social media appropriately. In the right way, I believe technology and social media can be used to teach in the classroom. It is great for all different kinds of learners and keeps children active. For some students, it makes learning easier, more comfortable, and it brings out their creative side. Depending on how technology and social media are taught and used can either make or break a classroom.
I believe the 21st century learner expects to use technology in the classroom. Rarely now a days, you do not see a SMARTboard in a classroom. Children are starting to use laptops and e-readers in the classroom as well. As a teacher, I expect my students will want me to integrate the SMARTboard, e-readers, and laptops as much as I can because it is getting almost more comfortable for them. I would hope they expect me to teach them about self-control and a safe way to use social media as well because not many teachers or adults do that. I believe, that is why we have a problem with social media today. I plan on engaging technology in my classroom. When a child is getting the privilege to use technology in the classroom, it not only gives them responsibility, and teaches them how to share, it makes the student feel special about getting the privilege to use technology in the classroom. I do not see anything wrong with engaging technology in the classroom as long as the teacher explains social media and how to use it and not abuse it.

Should Classroom Blogging be Used?

I am new to blogging and I love it already! It is easy, simple, and a good way to reach all different kinds of learners in the classroom. I also feel blogging is a new and different way to get students involved in the classroom. Since technology is advancing and schools are following this advancement blogging is a good way to start something technology based in the classroom. I feel blogging in the classroom could open up a lot of creative learning and teaching for the students and the teacher.

I would use blogging for creative writing and for the parents to stay up with class activities. Blogs have turned into the "new journal" and it is a great way to get parents involved in the students work at school. Journal entries about different subjects or activities in the classroom would not only make the child think again about what they learned, but they will also get to look back at their blog for future reference. Students can then post pictures of projects and work on the blog so parents and family can look at their progress throughout the year.

Some advantages might be bringing out creativity in a child through writing and designing. Also, keeping the parents involved in the classroom and their child's work is important. Lastly, having a permanent/digital portfolio on the child's work throughout the school year. This is great for the teacher or the student to look back if needed at any time. Some disadvantages would be inappropriate usage of the blog through language, pictures, etc. so, the teacher would have to keep a close monitor on the blogs. Also, once you blog it is on the web, it is for everyone to see and someone you might not want on your students blog might comment so the teacher also needs to look out for that situation. 

Though, I believe blogs overall can be a huge benefit to the classroom and for the students learning.