Week #1 - I Want to be a Tech Teacher!

So, today we had our 1st class in Instructional Media. I was so inspired and moved about the importance, especially in this day in age, to incorporate all kinds of technology in the classroom. "Doc" Waters had a very interesting comparison to relate the difference in how we learned in school and how our future students learn. She compared those who remember a time when we didn't have technology surrounding us (which is all of us Elem. Ed students) to Immigrants, and she compared students this day in age who don't remember a time without technology as Natives. Seeing it from this perspective really opened my eyes to the importance of making technology a key part in teaching todays kids. I always knew that technology would be an important part of teaching, and planned to use technology however, I imagined using technology as technology was used when I was in school - for fun. I never imagined using technology as a main part of teaching to help todays students learn. It was a "lightbulb" moment.

We also learned about google and what awesome tools they have. Using google tools students are able to connect with one another and collaborate on a project all without leaving the comfort of their own home. All the tools found in Microsoft Office (Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) are found on google tools. Another wonderful tool found on google allows students to search for information using a "scholar search which allows them to find accurate information. There is all kinds of information on the internet but discerning what information is reliable and trust worthy can be difficult, especially for younger children. With the scholar search found on google, students can find the information they need and be confident it is good information. Another tool we learned about that is cute and fun is Voki. Voki allows you to create an avitar that you can personalize and add voice to. I imagine that if you had your own avitar as a teacher that students could see, that you would become "tech cool" in their eyes.

As a future teacher, I would definitely have projects that would give students the opportunity to collaborate together and work on a project together using the computer. I think this kind of collaborative project would be important for students to learn and with the google tool, it would be easy to faciliate for all students. I think it would also be neat to encourage children to keep a journal, however instead of using the black and white composite books we used as kids in school, I would encourage them to use blogger (or something similar), to customize it and to reflect on their learning, their day, etc. just as you have encouraged us to do. I think that could be a very useful tool for both students and teachers. You could let the students choose whether to share their blogs or keep them private. It wouldn't be an assignment, just something you could help them see the value in and help them set up and be excited about. If children did decide to share it with you, their teacher, it might help give you insight into their personal lives and how you can best help them and also perhaps give you insight into ways to improve your teaching as you read the responses that pertained to what the children learned, enjoyed, etc.

After todays class, I am excited for the many tools I am unaware of, that lie waiting to be uncovered and used to make me a better "future" teacher.