End of Semester Reflection

This semester has been useful. My philosophy about technology has not been changed or altered, but fully realized as what I never knew I always believed. Just being exposed to all the forms of technology has been a great way to get a feel for what is actually going to take place in the classrooms I will enter in the future. I have learned that technology and creativity go hand in hand, and that it is quite possible to misuse technology and lose the kids by not using tech effectively. Taking account of the Nets I chose at the beginning of the semester, (Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making) for students and  (Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity) for the teacher. The projects I have designed and the posts on my wall have been all about allowing kids to make choices that will stimulate learning, and inspiring them to be creative with technology. I am satisfied with my work from this semester, and will take much of this knowledge with me.

Comments round two!

Jodie
Beth
Kyle
Angela
Peter

Reflection # 12

What?   Today in education, teachers use the technology available to them to merely bide the time and fill up the unconsumed minutes and hours of the students who finish their work or catch onto concepts quickly. So What? Instead of sticking extra work in using technology, teachers should find ways to truly integrate technology to further the learning and stretch the boundaries of what kids are learning. Now What?  Technology really can enhance learning, and I do not want to be that teacher who doesn't teach tech, but who    just shoves tech at kids who they don't want to deal with.

Reflection # 11

What? Realism in technology. With so much Science Fiction out there, how can we expect kids to get excited about word processors and data analysis programs on their Mac? So What? If teachers want students to be interested and engaged in class, it seems to me that they need to talk up the exciting things about the tech available. Teach kids shortcuts, key commands like Ctrl + I = Italics... teach them things that they like, and then have them utilize it in a creative way to learn what you want them to. Now What? As a teacher, I will always remain creative and willing to help kids get jazzed about becoming proficient at the tech available and see how it will help them with  future versions of tech.

Reflection # 10

What? Technology and the environment have potential to be the best friends ever. So What? What if we can find more ways to do school work on computers... make kid's files on usb drives and house on a secure database... less paper, less time spent, more avenues for creativity... How else can tech and the environment get along? The real issue is to be aware of the effects of technology (ie, waste from producing plastics and metals involved in forming the tech. Now What?  The real thing is to increase awareness and promote the desire to help the environment through tech use, so that students and teachers will be intentional in their usage.

Reflection # 9

What? Technology in theatre is a challenging thing to master. Lighting, sound, fly lines... all of that. In a school setting, it is even more difficult to find people who know how to run all of that tech when there is no budget for hiring professionals or for training amateurs. So What?  I think that if schools are going to have theatre programs, they had better invest in the technical portion of theatre just as much, because it is just as vital to a show as the acting, singing, and dancing. Now What? Since most schools cannot afford all of the amenities of a legit technical theatre, as a teacher, it is best to form strong relationships with other theatres and theatre companies in the area, as well as train the students and teachers interested in tech and in theatre on the basics of running and designing lighting, sound (including microphones) and fly rail.

Reflection #8

What? I was having a discussion with the principal of the school I work at, and she was trying to send an email to a friend of mine who was applying for a job. Her keyboard was lagging at first, then was giving out. She was taken aback, and asked me what I  thought the trouble was. Keep in mind, I've spoken to her, maybe 5 times in the 2 years I've worked with her, and I am not doing tech work. Either I look like a techie, or I am just young enough that I must know about computers. So what? I had some ideas, but thought that the principal should know the basics like turning your computer off and on again, disconnecting and reconnecting the device, and even 'call IT or the district office to talk to someone who will know.' Now what? I guess I'll know the basics, and be available to co-workers to help them learn what I know and remain dedicated to knowing the ins and outs of new tech.