Internet Technology in My Classroom

As a college student pursuing a degree in Education, I have to learn and become aware of all things changing in the classroom. One of the most common changes in the modern day classroom is the use of technology. There are several ways that technology can be used to an advantage in the classroom. One of these ways is with Internet technology. The Internet provides countless number of websites that could advance student achievement. Although the Internet is very useful, I also have many concerns.

My first concern of using Internet technologies is that sometimes you cannot count on the Internet. I can remember in middle and high school when I would be told by my teacher to use the Internet for an assignment while at school, and the school's Internet was down. Sometimes, the Internet is a hit and miss on whether it will be up and running. Another concern of mine is that students will go to a website they are not suppose to. I'm sure that I will do my best to be supervising the student's when I give them an assignment online, but there is always the chance that a student could navigate to a website that they were not told to get on. One of my last concerns with using Internet technologies is that sometimes, the students need to have time away from the computer. It has become a norm for students of all ages to use computers daily. Every once in a while, I feel that students need to take a break and do work on paper.

With most problems or concerns, there is almost always a solution. There are many ways I could ease my concerns of the use of Internet technologies in the classroom. One way is to check before I have the students get online that the Internet is up and running. This way, I can save time if it is not working. Another way I can alleviate my concerns is to try my best to watch what my students are doing on their computers. I could also block any websites that I thought the students might try to access while they are suppose to be working on an online assignment. One of the last ways I could ease using the Internet is to not over use it. I could limit the amount of assignments or activities that require my students to access the Internet. Although I have concerns with using the Internet in my future classroom, I know that there will be many solutions. I am excited to be in the situation where I will have to use my resources, such as this blog, to help me adjust in my classroom. 

Software Applications

 

 

Software applications. They come in all different types. There is word processing software, desktop publishing software, spreadsheet software, database software, presentation software, internet browsers, email programs, graphics programs, and too many more to name. When I become a teacher, I am going to have the opportunity to take advantage of and use software applications that best suit my teaching practices. I can see myself using many types of word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect. I think I will also use many types of presentation software. Some of my favorites are Prezi, Emaze, and MS PowerPoint. Another type of software application I will most likely use regularly in my teaching practice is Internet browsers. Using Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, my students will have access to online homework assignments or online games that go along with the lesson. I’m sure throughout my teaching I will use even more types of software applications.

 

Students are all different and each of them learn in different ways. Therefore, some types of software applications may be suitable for some learners, but other students may have difficulties. To increase my ability to reach a variety of learners, I would like to improve my graphics programs software skills. Out of all the types of software applications, this is probably one of my weakest forms. Some students learn through pictures or drawings. If I could give them a chance to use these types of software, I can increase the likelihood of their learning. Also, I would really like to improve my graphics skills overall because editing and publishing pictures and that of the like is pretty neat.

 

To improve my graphics programs skills, there are many steps I could take. I could download a picture editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop, and work on editing pictures for a lesson in class. I could also become more familiar with using drawing or painting programs on the computer so that I could show my students another way to learn. In the end, the best way for me to improve my graphics programs software skills is to practice. After getting the hang of it, I will be able to turn around and teach through it to my students.

21st Century Teaching & Learning

To be a teacher in the 21st century, you have to be equipped with many skills. You have to know the old school ways of teaching, the present techniques, and be prepared for new things to come. From my own experience, I feel very well prepared to teach in the 21st century. The classes I have taken have been very beneficial. I've learned many modern teaching techniques about cooperative learning and similar teaching styles. In the midst of the class, Educational Technology, I am learning to become more equipped with various types of technology in the classroom. This will truly benefit how I teach in the classroom, because technology is becoming a large role in 21st century teaching and learning. 

The skills to be successful in the 21st century should be taught in high schools. Do students graduate from high schools equipped for success using 21st century skills? From my experience, I would say that I graduated high school with most, if not all, the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century. I can't speak for all high schools, but if students are not learning these skills in high school, where are they going to learn them? High schools should take the responsibility and better equip the young adults of our nation to be competent in all areas of 21st century learning.

Every individual person has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to 21st century teaching and learning skills. My strengths would have to be the core subjects and collaboration. I feel I can come together with others and complete the task successfully. I enjoy working with others, and I feel I can bring good skills to a group. Another one of my strengths is in core subjects. My understanding of core subjects is very strong, and I feel I would be able to teach them in a successful way. Although I have strengths in regards to 21st century teaching and learning, I also have challenges. One of my weaknesses is critical thinking skills. I'm very good at memorizing and then forgetting. When it comes to thinking hard and digging deep in my brain, sometimes I find it difficult. As I continue to work on my 21st century teaching and learning skills, I know that my challenges and fears will slowly fade away.

Technological Classrooms

Technology. Could you imagine the world without it?

 

It's scary to think what it would be like if there was no technology, because technology has made working in the world so much easier.  As an education major, I mainly think of how technology makes working as a teacher less stressful and benefits learning in the classroom. Technology can be such a helpful tool when used in the right way and at the right time. Although I think technology should be used very often in the classroom, I do have some fears.

First - Will using technology in the classroom be just as effective for every student?

As we all know, every student is different, and everyone learns in different ways. Setting up a classroom environment based on learning through technology, such as using computers or iPads, might not have the same impact on Sally as it does on Joey. Some students may learn more efficiently through old fashion teaching methods, and some students may learn more through using a computer. 

Second - If we as teachers become so technologically based, and one day the technology is not in our favor, will we be able to adjust in the moment?

My concern is that as technology becomes more popular, teachers will lean on the ability to use it more often. If we rely on using technology so much, what will we do if the computers are not working one day? Or what if the SmartBoard freezes? My hope is that as teachers, we will not forget how to teach without technology. 

 

Technology use in the classroom can be very beneficial, but there are some barriers of using technology in schools. Depending on the school budget, your classroom may not have the amount of tech gear you expected. This could change a teacher's methods. Also, depending on the amount of technology in your classroom, there could be barriers. If you have your students in groups of five, but there are only four iPads, then you also have a problem. Likewise, a blockage to technology use could be if the technology is working or not. Some days, the computers, Smartboard, or iPads may not work, and this could effect your teaching instruction. Little things like this can become a barrier to using technology in schools, but although there are barriers, technology is a major role in modern education.  

 

Every day, I am learning how to become a more effective teacher. Using technology in a classroom can help me to reach my goals of being a powerful teacher. Currently, in the class Educational Technology, I am learning about the different areas of technology used in the classroom. My goals of this class are to learn how to most effectively use technology in a classroom. I want to be able to use technology to impact my students for the better, and give them a better learning opportunity. I hope that through this class I can reach my technology goals and use technology in a powerful way in my classroom. Because I couldn't imagine a world without it.