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
Emily, i totally agree with your initial reactions to the class! I too thought that I would only be incorporating technology that i already know how to do: powerpoint, etc. I am also now excited to use different types of technology we will learn about!
ReplyDeleteGood job, Emily. I want to tell you that among the interesting observations you share, the matter of connecting to parents and the larger school community is very important, and you're wise to already be thinking about how to better attend to this. Indeed, I would say that one of the potential benefits of tools we'll be examining is that they could give parents a look at some of the work being done by their kids, as well as their thinking. Indeed, as you've doubtlessly surmised, a prime motivation behind *our* decision to use the blogging tool was the hope that we would be able to get a better sense of each of you and what you're thinking about.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, you're already raising great questions...bravo!
I really agreed with your idea that there isn't much harm in using technology in the classroom even if you use it wrong some of the time. I know that I'm not very tech savy but I still want to look for ways to incorporate at least a little technology into my teaching style. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi, Emily -- My friend and colleague Buffy, who, along with her colleague Susan, will be our virtual guest speaker in a few weeks, can speak about the role that transparency has played in her own work. It's been very powerful for her. Your concern about technology as a distraction is echoed in others' blogs as well -- let's be sure to revisit it in class when you're embedded in your school placements, too.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of an online network connecting students, teachers, and parents is a great idea. I also enjoyed meeting with the other cohort, since we have not had much interaction. I also really like you comment about "flashy and impressive vs. meaningful. I think that these concepts can become difficult to distinguish sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI want to second or third or fourth your idea about how technology can be used to network kids/teachers/parents. It is always hard for teachers and parents to come together, especially when it means parents have to take off time from work to do so. It seems that, especially with working class parents, this leads to a misconception that they are not invested in their childrens' education. This would be such a helpful way to help all parents to chart students' progress. It is also to have this great tool for resources/catch up, etc. It would be really important for kids to get used to using school-related websites (because we use them incessantly in college)!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about the class when I found out we had to take a technology class. I thought we were going to be doing a lot of powerpoints and activities on basic programs like word, but the first day got me a little more excited.
ReplyDeleteFarrah (et al) -
ReplyDeleteThe most significant part about the potential of online interaction with parents to me (or, perhaps rather ONE of the most significant parts) are for students in "urban" settings (urban is in quotes because i think its too often simply a synonym for poor/disadvantaged, and i simultaneously mean this and mean more than this). parents are labeled as not involved and lacking in "caring" for their students or their success... but often their absence from school activities and the kitchen table for help with homework is because they are working so hard to provide for their family and trying to establish a life for their child that is beyond what they are able to provide for them, and working and providing food/housing is the way that they can tangibly (they think) provide that.