I believe it is my responsibility to incorporate technology in the classroom, it is so important. The benefits to myself and my students are plentiful.
Technology will make several of my tasks more efficient. I will be able to analyze scores, compare data and then share this with administration and parents. I will be able to link to on-line learning sites and share this information with my students on an IWB or classroom computers. I can expose my students to opportunities via virtual field trips in the classroom instead of all the planning that an actual field trip would require. I can divide my class into centers, while some students are engaged in computer aided instruction, I am able to work with individuals or small groups on other content areas. I believe technology will allow me to be more creative with my lessons as well as my students' assignments. I am convinced that videos and interactive materials will engage my students more and allow them more opportunities to excel and express themselves as learners, this is a benefit to both of us. I'm a believer that when students are engaged and the learning is varied and fun, there will be less discipline issues in the classroom; technology will help create this learning environment. Technology will allow students variety. A shy child may shine when he/she completes an assignment with a flip camera instead of standing in front of the class sharing a report. In this example, there is more learning going on, it's not just researching a topic and writing a report. Students will become more familiar with technology and will be better prepared for their future.
Challenges???? Of course there will be some. I do not know where I will be teaching, perhaps current technology will not be supported. Funding may not present for IWB's, video cameras, software and tech support. I need to be able to incorporate technology into my lessons in a balanced way, not just for the sake of throwing in something techy. A personal challenge is RELAXING, but I think I'm getting there! I realize that students will push the wrong button or navigate from where they are suppose to be, or a website may be having issues. I need to become more familiar with the programs and anticipate where students may wander so that I can help keep them on track.
What lessons will I take with me? With respect to the Smartboard, I will take advantage of the software, and not just use it as a fancy overhead projector. I will provide table work while others are at the IWB. I will keep my digital portfolio current and will also maintain my Diigo social bookmarking site. I would like to incorporate technology into student assignments, such as creating videos. I am excited about creating a classroom site for parents and students to visit. Another important lesson I've learned is that there are great free resources that I can use, especially if my future school does not have funding to purchase certain programs. Last but not least, there are a lot of great videos on YouTube and the tutorials have helped me a lot.
