After reflecting on
my connection to information technology, I have come to the conclusion that I
need to get more involved in the opportunities that are at my fingertips. I say
this because I consider myself distant from popular things used by this and the
upcoming generation. Namely, I do not have a smart phone with a data plan. I do
not tweet, I avoid texting when I can. And, believe it or not, I really don’t
facebook. However, I am not completely cut off from this digital age. I am compelled
by school to log into canvas in order to check grades, submit assignments, etc.
But the computer is not all business for me. I enjoy using it for entertainment
(Hulu and Netflix), I even buy some things online. Aside from google searches
to find resources for school, I can’t think of any “texts” that I read. Mostly because
I do not like reading things on the computer.
Clearly I have a lot
of ground to make up if I hope to connect with my future students. One thing
that I have seen done that I like is having a class blog. I can have a calendar
that contains things like lessons, assignments, and due dates. This way students
can go right there any time they have a question. They don’t have to ask in
class or wait for me to respond through an e-mail. Also I would post things we
are doing as a class. Maybe even have the students post things to promote involvement.
With the vast amount of information available through the internet, I could assign
readings that come from websites instead of a book. In case I have students
that are unfamiliar with the process of posting something online, I would make
sure to have instructions available to help them through it. I have also seen
Google Docs used in school to allow students to turn in some assignments and to
collaborate on group homework.
In the end there is
no getting away from the incorporation of information technology, so I know that
becoming familiar with it myself is a critical step to creating an environment
that my students will want to learn in.
I find it interesting that you don't like to read things on the computer. I'll admit there is just something great about a physical book in hand that I really prefer, particularly if I want to do any scholarly reading. I really like being able to mark things up. I have finally converted to my iPad when I travel because then I only have to pack one thing instead of a few books, and it is really nice for reading at night in the hotel and not having to have the light on.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a class blog as well, and think they can be a great hub of information and opportunities for students to connect outside of class about content material. Google docs are really great for group work, as long as students can access at the library or in the classroom if they don't have internet access at home. I'm not sure if you have taken the instructional technologies class yet (is that even what it's still called?), but I found it very helpful to go through and use different digital formats and technologies that would be applicable to teaching settings. Thanks for the post.
Alissa Groll
I also like the idea of having a class blog or website. I think students will be far more advanced than me when it comes to technology so I'll also have to try and utilize it as best as I can. I don't like changing things too much but I think technology is something I'll have to get used to using in my classroom and making sure I'm always updating my technology resources.
ReplyDeleteI worked with a video editing teacher whose students had won awards. When I asked her how she taught all of the technical aspects to them, her response was, "I just don't hold them back." She said even though she wasn't current on a lot of technology, her students were, and a lot of times they taught each other.
ReplyDeleteAs a future technology teacher, you will probably have students who know about a whole lot of apps, including apps that can enhance engineering like Force Effects or other apps that enable quick calculations. Also, there are apps that let you take photographs, and then they turn the objects in the photographs into complex three-dimensional models. I think if you allow students to bring these kinds of apps into the classroom, and teach each other, they can learn a lot from each other that will enhance their ability to apply TE concepts.
Thanks for a great posting!