How I Feel About EDM349

When you first hear the word technology it can be intimidating.  This class of technology tools in education however, did not intimidate me, but did just the opposite.  I was thankful to find that we were to be taking a course crucial to the success and progression of education, since technology is the new way of teaching in which benefits far out way the negatives.  With any social change, there is disagreement and controversy because it naturally is different than what has been the norm or standard.  But when everything else around you in society is progressing and moving in a new direction, there is a choice to move with it or be left in the dust.  Through this course I learned about the many means of using technology not just as tools for teaching, but to provide information and practices for students to use which is more important if they are to use technology in their futures in careers and in their daily lives.  Whether we like it or not, we are at the front of a computer generation where the internet can provide any information; it's more of a phenomenon than people seem to realize.  Rather than being passive about it, I'd like to take advantage of all it can provide to help students learn, want to learn, and be more well-informed individuals in society.  Above all, I want children to find their niche and be confident and love whatever they do.  If technology can aid in that, which I think it does, I will certainly use it.  I now have a clearer understanding of Google and all of its dimensions, ereaders and iPads, websites of content and for practice to use in schools, and most applicable, blogs.  I learned that blogs are quite simple to put together and anyone can have their own.  They are a fantastic source for sharing ideas, sharing understanding, and providing resources.  I now know that having a classroom blog is a great way to stay connected and allow an opportunity for students to collaborate in and outside of the classroom.  It opened up a whole new realm of possibilities in teaching strategies and activities of all ages.  The video assignment we did at the end refreshed my experience of filming and editing videos, but gave us the basic ideas of video creation to also incorporate in classroom projects.  I wish the class was longer and more than just one day a week.  I felt like the only downfall was lack of time and rushed topic discussion.  The course should also be more than one credit for the work we do is of more value than one credit.

Smartphones Make Us Smart

With new technologies coming out like sliced bread these days, it makes it easy to fall into wanting to use it, own it, and have fun with it.  Education, especially, is entangled in the web of technology that all started with the email revolution.  Part of teaching is about staying connected and understanding your students.  Smartphones can make it easier and provide for a more fun time all around.  How do Smartphones make us smarter and less spacier you wonder... well so do I.

With our eyes glued to a little screen, what can we as educators use to move students' gazes to "see the bigger picture?"  How can we use such devices to keep everyone on the same page?

Social learning through social media can be pretty powerful.  I found tools to use in the classroom that put this to the test!
Edmodo.com    Where classes can connect online.
Grockit.com     Where students can study together online.
Edublogs.com    Blogs for students and the teacher to use and stay connected.
Skype.com     Bring in outside resources.
Wikispaces.com    Share teaching materials, lessons, and media with students.
Pinterest.com     Database of lesson plans, materials, & projects for teachers to share with teachers.
Ning.com      Create a personalized social network for a class.
ePals.com    Students can learn languages and study other cultures.

Please explore and learn from these options as future/present teachers.  Hopefully they will inspire you!