Before taking this course I thought that I had a good grasp on using technology effectively in the classroom. As a technology High School teacher, I quickly became the student. I never realized how many free educational technology tools are available to use in the classroom. In addition, these tools can be used for almost any subject type. As a Business Education major and teacher I only really saw technology from a business stand point. Seeing how technology has been implemented by teachers who teach other subjects has been great. Reading the experiences and stories of my classmates use of technology in their general education classroom has been a great experience. Reading these first hand accounts of technology education I think has made me a better teacher.
State Standards also are very important when using technology. To effectively implement technology successfully in the classroom is to make sure that the technology is following state standards. It is our jobs at teachers to make sure that students are learning what they need to know and state standards help guide learning.
My view on technology has not changed much from taking this course. As a high school computer teacher I highly value technology in the classroom. However, since taking this course I find myself sharing my technology knowledge to my fellow teachers at the school I teach. If I did not take this course, I probably would not share my knowledge and love of technology on to others.
This course has opened my eyes to many technologies that I did not think even existed. For example, a few technologies that I enjoyed learning about and will be implementing into my own classroom for this school year and in the future include: Wordles, Wikis, WebQuests and Screencasts. I know have a better understanding of these technologies and have the confidence to implement these technologies into my own curriculum.
Technology is always changing. As a teacher it is our jobs to make sure that we prepare our students for the future. Technology is the future. Incorporating technology in the classroom is vital to prepare students for the real world. After taking this course, a teacher has the tools that they need in their technology toolbox to better prepare students.
Very nice reflective post! Even when you teach technology it can be hard to keep up with the changes :). I feel like every 9 weeks I re-write my curriculum again just to keep it fresh. You've done a nice job in the course sharing your knowledge and applying the new stuff you've picked up. Thank you for everything!!!
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