I initially had an excited yet apathetic approach to this class. I know how to use a computer... am a self-proclaimed wiz at PowerPoint, and feel like the technology that I would use in the classroom would initially be limited to (a) things I already know how to do or (b) could pick up relatively quickly.
After class, I am more excited. After doing the reading and having a brief overview of the syllabus, I feel like I actually will learn how to do some different things (and realize that my initial cocky-ness was way over stated.) I am excited for the opportunities that things like a Wiki page could lend to the classroom, or even simply to my own practice.
I felt the activity we did in class with the different "stations" to discuss the Tech Standards essentially yielded the same discussions: if you can and know how to use technology; awesome. If not; you will probably still impart an education on your students. One thing that I did take out of one of the discussions that I thought was really valuable was the idea of establishing an online classroom or correspondence system with parents and students that helps to keep them informed about assignments, grades, missing work, upcoming tests/events, etc. I think this could be really valuable for parents that are unable to make it to conferences, and allows the parents that do come (and, perhaps, are a little OCD) to keep tabs on how their child is doing in my class. I think its important to have the lines of communication open and VISIBLE (having documentation is something we have talked about before in other classes) to prove why a student got a particular grade is of great value to the family and to the educator.
One thing I am confused about, though, is how to integrate different types of technology in the classroom to keep it interactive and engaging without distracting students too much, or feeling like the technology is teaching them rather than me. Additionally, I am a bit concerned about how to make the technology I integrate meaningful and purposeful, rather than just flashy and impressive.
I am also excited about for this class and the opportunity to be in class with my colleagues in Section B. I feel like there are STILL people that I dint know their names, majors, etc and I think this is going to be a great opportunity to bridge the gap that is often created between our two groups.
I don't know how long this should be but.... I feel like I'm done.
Grace & Peace,
Emily
