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.