Using Technology in My Classroom

I feel that incorporating technology in the classroom is a very important thing to do as a teacher. I think that it is essential for teachers to give their students opportunities to learn using technology because the more they use it, the more comfortable they will feel using it. Technology is constantly changing and becoming better as the years progress and knowing how to use it is becoming imperative. Also technology is becoming more accessible and there is a wealth of information that can be found on the internet. This can be very useful when your students have to find information or do research on a particular topic. Since there is so much information that can be viewed on the internet, it is also important for the teacher to show the students that not all of the information found is accurate and can be trusted. As a teacher, it is our responsibility to give examples (both good and bad) of what to look for in a website to ensure that they are accurate and up to date.

Technology can be incorporated within any classroom and for any subject. Some different examples of technology that may be used in my own classroom would be presentations using power point, listening to recordings/interviews, watching informational videos, typing up writing assignments, using software programs to enhance understanding of a topic, having online discussions and handing out a brochure with homework help sites.

I could introduce new information using a power point presentation. I think that students find these interesting because the teacher can include examples and pictures along with the specific information. Having a presentation prepared also allows more time for discussion instead of writing all of the information down on the board for the students. These presentations can also be printed off if a student is absent that particular day. I think that listening to recordings or watching informational videos are also important because they provide a specific example that the students may be able to relate to. I think that typing up assignments allows the students to get comfortable with typing and using the different programs on the computer. This may also be a positive thing for students who don't have the best penmanship because the teacher will be able to understand the main points the student is trying to make. I also think that using software and having sites that are accessible to students can help with their understanding with a particular subject. If the student is having troubles they can easily look at the different resources available to use as an extra aid.

These are some of the many reasons why I believe technology should be used in the classroom!

Insights from Class

I am learning many new concepts from this technology class. I really like the fact that each thing we use in class can be applied to other aspects of our lives. For example, the brochure I created, I plan on actually using when I begin teaching. I think that each child can benefit from having homework help tips and websites even if they normally don't need to use them. Each child has their trouble spots whether they like to admit it or not. The instructional power point is also very useful to have when you start teaching. I'm planning on becoming a mathematics teacher for elementary and middle school grades, so having something extra on multiplication can help students on an individual basis.

I also believe putting together presentations to use in front of the entire class can be useful at times. I think that they are more interesting to follow compared to just lecturing the class (keeps the children's attention better). Teaching the students how to use technology would benefit them in the long run. I feel that the earlier they begin to use it, the more comfortable they will become as they get older. I think that many students would have a lot of fun preparing their own short mini-presentations for the class.

My Thoughts On Technology

I feel that technology in the classroom is a positive thing to look forward to when teaching. It allows the students to be able to learn more in many different aspects of the classroom. Some examples would be that they can do research on the internet to help them learn about a particular topic. They can also use different programs such as Microsoft Word and Power Point to prepare for presentations and handing in papers. If someone has a difficult time reading books by themselves, a recording can be used during silent reading to help them follow along with the book. Another example would be if a child has a hard time with handwriting, they could use Word to print out assignments that can be more easily read. One more example would be showing a movie or educational video in class to help with the children's understanding. These are just a few examples of how technology can be used in the classroom.
I feel that a teacher should be able to know how to use all of the different forms of technology that can be presented in the classroom. Right now I feel comfortable using technology but I think that there is a lot more that I can and need to learn before becoming a teacher. One of these things would be to get more acquainted with the computer, such as some of the programs on them and also the internet.