TappedIn Tech Task

I finally went to a TappedIn discussion tonight. It just seemed like none of the other times discussions took place worked for me. It will be nice when the semester ends and life slows down a little! Anyways, the discussion I went to was about storytelling in the classroom. It was very interesting. The guest speaker was a man who designed a website where kids can create their own comic strips. In doing this they learn about story lines, sequencing, and plot development. It is especially good for autistic kids and ESL learners because it provides visual clues. This is also good for kids who simply struggle with words and language, because it combines words with pictures. This can give them the motivation to create stories and continue to develop their skills. Everyone can be successful with this, and feel a sense of accomplishment in their creation. The thing that most struck me was the variety of ways in which to tell stories. We can show even the most struggling or reluctant learner that stories are for them - sometimes we just have to think outside the box. It is part of human nature to tell and listen to stories; everyone likes stories. This discussion gave me lots of ideas and made me think. TappedIn is a great way for teachers from all over the place to collaborate with each other and share ideas. I think I may just use it in the future.

Reflecting On The Semester

Well, it's here - the end of the semester. At points throughout the long, cold winter it seemed to drag on, but now that it's nearly over it seems like the first week of classes was not that long ago. I can definitely say that my knowledge and comfort level with computers has increased. It's the kind of thing where you don't realize how far you've come until you actually stop and reflect on it. Yes, reflect, the dreaded "R" word of the education program. I know way more now about the trends of technology than I did at the beginning of January. The reason I signed up for this class is because I knew I needed to learn more about technology if I was to be "with it" in the classroom. I am very pleased that this class succeeded my expectations. Not only did I learn a lot, but I feel way more confident using computers both for personal and classroom use. Power points no longer seem scary, and I've discovered BlueDot as a great way to keep track of useful websites. I created a WebQuest, posted an online portfolio, and learned where to get free software. I realized that the Internet can be a great collaborative and resource tool when teaching. I feel much more ready to embrace the changes technology will bring to the profession of teaching, instead of fearing them.

The Wild Card of Presentations

Well, it is that time of year when it is nothing but one group project after another. Projects can take on any number of forms, some relying heavily on computers and some not using computers at all.

Last night I did a presentation in which 75% of it consisted of power point and videos found online. This definitely added to the stress factor beforehand, because as we were setting up, we discovered that our opening video would not play, and it was key for introducing the presentation. Then, we found that the music would not play for the power point, and without it the power point would not be nearly as effective. After quickly scrambling to resolve these situations, we were able to pull off the presentation without any glitches. We were already feeling nervous to begin with, but these problems prior to the presentation definitely escalated our stress levels. I can think of a number of group presentations I have been in and watched that have encountered similar problems, and when these problems cannot be fixed the consequences can be disastrous to the presentation.

I am currently preparing for another presentation for Thursday that does not involve any technology at all. Rather, we are doing mock interviews, story telling, and using posters for visual impact. We don't have to worry about anything going wrong, because we will have total control over everything. This will definitely cut down on any anxiety we might be feeling, because we don't have to deal with the "wild card" of computers.

Although these two presentations are very different in the mediums we use to present them, I think that both are informative and engaging. It seems like so many people feel obligated to use power point in their presentations because it is "the thing to do". It is a great tool that can add a lot to a presentation, but I don't think presenters should solely rely on it. Many people think that a presentation will only be effective if power point is used. This is not true - I have seen plenty of boring power point presentations. Power point, when used effectively, can really enhance a presentation, but it should not become the presentation. An engaging speaker often doesn't need any visual aid. And there are so many other mediums to use in presentations that present information in a fresh, creative, interactive way - skits, stories, activities, posters...there are so many inspiring options, we should not feel limited only to power point.

Going...Going...Gone

This morning I was discussing with my friend Krissy the advances in technology and how they cost us so much money and time. Well, maybe venting is a better word to use than discussing. For instance, the other day on the bus I noticed a man reading a business newspaper with the headline "Blue-Ray Predicts DVDs Will Go the Way of the Dinosaur Within Three Years". Aaargh! Didn't DVDs just go mainstream five years ago? What happens to the movies and TV shows that we've already spent money on? Will we actually have to buy them all over again? I know the same thing happened with VCRs, but they were around a lot longer than DVDs. And the same thing has happened with music, too - records, eight tracks, cassettes, CDs, MP3s... When will it ever end?! Sure, advances in technology make these things easier to use - CDs, after all, are easier to use and have better sound than records. And eight tracks were just a plain bad idea. But it's not as if we are hard done by if technology stops advancing. There is such a thing as being content with what you have. And it's frustrating because we have to keep spending money in order to keep up with all these upgrades. Call me a cynical, close-minded, stuck-in-the-mud pessimist, but it's just a big money making scheme on the part of the companies who are continually pushing for change. Sure, they have jobs that enable them to experiment with technology and stretch boundaries - that's cool. But must the entire population be forced to conform to all their whims? I don't know - the whole thing has just been bugging me lately. I just think that all these things add more complications to a life that is already complicated enough. It is hard to take pleasure in the simple things when we are constantly being forced to keep up with the rapid pace of change in this world, especially technology. Okay, this is starting to border on a rant now, and I don't want to go that far. To whoever has read up to this point, thanks for sticking with me. Am I the only one who feels this way? Does this resonate with anyone else? Or am I just being stubborn in my inborn resistance to change?

Parent & Teacher Education

As teachers, it is important that we stay on top of the current trends that today's youth are engaged in. We have to have an understanding of what is going on so we can better relate to our students and address their needs. We need to have a knowledge of these things so we can teach them to think critically and act responsibly. If we demonstrate understanding they will be more likely to respect what we have to say, and subsequently take what is said seriously. If they feel we are clueless, this puts them in a position of power over us, and they will follow their own beliefs and ideas, which might not be mature enough to help them be responsible. This is absolutely the case with technology. In my Moral Education class we read a book called Teen Sex: Reality Check by Stephen and Shelagh Genuis. They address the influence of technology on teenager's exposure to sex, citing that more than half have recieved pornographic mail through the internet. They write: "Because adolescents are frequently more computer-savvy than their parents, teens are commonly learning about the Internet environment from personal experimentation and from peers. As a result, teenagers receive little teaching on safe, appropriate Internet use" (p. 88). I think that it is extremely important for both parents and teachers to educate themselves on the things that children are doing and are exposed to. If we want children to be responsible, we must first be responsible, and that means doing our research on the lives of children so we will be better equipped to help them make good choices. We can't protect them from the nasty things in this world, but we can prepare them.

Tech Task #7

For this tech task I listened to a podcast on learning to speak German. I listened to the first lesson, which focused on simply listening and getting a feel for the language as it is used in different contexts, like news broadcasts, songs, and plays. As I read about the podcast program, I discovered that the series is constructed in the form of a story, and each podcast builds on the other. I took German 100 last semester, and believe me, if you don't keep practicing the language, it does not take long to forget what you've learned! I found that the lesson I listened to was helpful in refreshing my memory, and I think I would utilize this program in the future. It is a great way to retain and continue to learn the language. The website the podcasts are found on is:
www.dw-world.de

Do Computers Equal Better Writers?

I've been thinking lately about the difference computers have made in our ability to write material. Penmanship and typewriters were useful tools in the past, but I think that computers have allowed people to take their writing quality to a new level, be they students or authors. Never before has it been easier to draft, revise, and edit. Is a paragraph just not working? Highlight the whole thing and hit delete. Would a paragraph work better on page 5 than 3? Copy and paste! I would caution, though, that spell check is of limited use and should never be an excuse not to proofread! I can't help but wonder if writers are able to produce compositions of higher quality because computers are such an efficient tool. Of course, there is always the danger that they will freeze or somehow lose your work, but that is beside the point. There are also some writers who have tried computers but find that inspiration comes more easily when they write freehand. I guess it's ultimately a matter of personal preference. Whatever tool works best for a person is the one they should use. I often find that I prefer drafting freehand, and then typing out what I have written. It gives me a chance to rethink wording and sentence structure, and also leads to further inspiration and insight on initial ideas.

Tech Task #6

In class today we learned how to make crosswords, quizzes, etc. using a program called Hot Potatoes. I made a crossword puzzle with a spring theme. To view it here is the link:

http://www.education.uregina.ca/web/richterv/springcrossword.htm

Tech Task #5

The telecollaborative project I found is called the "One Day When I" Story Circle. The purpose of the project is to have students go outside and experience the natural world, then post online a description of their experience that begins with "One day when I...". At the end of their description, they talk about what they they have learned about nature. Children read and learn from the work of other students.

I think this is a great project. It can be used for any elementary grade level and can be used in language arts, science, visual arts, or phys. ed. There is a lot of talk about showing students how different school subjects relate to one another, and this project is a great way to demonstrate this concept. Such creative writing can be incorporated in a science unit, or what is being learned in science can be referred to in language arts. There is any combination of possibilities.
Further, it is a great way to encourage kids to get outside and explore the world around them, and then be able to share their experiences easily through the computer. It demonstrates that there should be a balance between time spent in front of the computer and away from the computer, and how the two can even be interrelated.
Finally, think of the potential this has if children from different climates and countries participate in this correspondence. They can hear firsthand accounts of weather, vegetation, scenery, and animals that they have never experienced. A child in snowy Saskatchewan, for instance, could swap stories with a child in sunny Australia.

Here is the link for the website. Unfortunately, a registration fee is required for this particular project, but a person could easily start their own.

http://www.gsn.org/GSH/pr/GetDetail.cfm?StartRow=1&view=1&projtype=%2Ccurrent%3Ball&sortby=Start%20Date&fAge=8&tAge=8&pID=2769

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

I freely admit it - I'm naturally inept with computers. I touch a button and I wreck the whole thing, and that is only a slight exaggeration! Even though I have grown up using computers, there are constantly so many new features and programs that I have a hard time keeping up with the changes. I sometimes feel like an elderly person trying to figure out all this "new-fangled" stuff. But I have discovered lately that learning how to use computers is a process that naturally requires some trial and error. I used to get frustrated when I did not understand something right away, or when something did not work for me even though I was sure I was doing it right. After two months of taking this computer class, though, I have learned to relax and go with the flow. Sometimes it takes a few tries before I get something, but if I keep at it, my persistence usually pays off. It is a great feeling to solve a problem and learn something new at the same time. My advice for others like me who struggle with computers is this: be patient. Don't be afraid to try new things, and don't allow yourself to get frustrated. It's not worth your time or energy to let an inanimate machine ruin your day. If the computer freezes just before you get around to saving an hour's worth of work, though, feel free to shout at it.

Keeping in Touch

I have been thinking lately about how different the implication of living far away from friends and family is today from what it was a hundred years ago. When immigrants came to North America, they did this with the knowledge that they would likely never see their home country or those friends and family who remained there again. Occasional letters were the only attachment to their loved ones for the rest of their lives. Fast forward to today, where we can hop on an airplane and be across the globe in a matter of hours (of course, it is not that easy cost-wise). We can communicate daily via the phone, e-mail, and msn, and with technology like Skype and web-cams we can actually see the person we are talking with. It makes the distance seem less so. My friend has been teaching in Taiwan for the past two years, and she recently came home to Canada for a few weeks. Alas, I did not get to see her as plans did not work out. I was disappointed, yet it didn't seem like that big a deal. Why? Because we talk on the phone about once a month, e-mail each other, and she keeps me posted on her blog. So even though we have not seen each other face to face for some time, I still feel very much connected with her and involved in her life. Even though some people say technology is detrimental to relationships, I say that when used properly and effectively it can actually maintain relationships and help them further develop.

Life Without A Computer

While I was home over Reading Week, I was unable to use the Internet because my family's computer had gotten some sort of virus. For the first time, I actually took into account how many times a day I think about going on the computer, because I would have to stop myself and say, "Wait a minute - I can't." Whether it was checking my e-mail, checking out a website, updating my blog, or looking up information, I suddenly realized how dependent I have become on computers. It didn't drive me crazy, though. In fact, I actually found it added to my relaxation over the week. I didn't feel obligated to respond to e-mails, and I didn't miss out on anything. Sure, I was happy to be able to use a computer again when I returned to Regina on Sunday, but I really enjoyed my time away from the computer. Instead I baked cookies, read books, and found other things to do with my time. I discovered just how much time I spend in front of the computer, often with nothing to show for it. I would seriously challenge everyone to try going without their computer for a week or even a couple of days when it suits them. It's an interesting and thought-provoking experience!

Technology Education

I was reading a chapter in Neil Postman's book "Building a Bridge to the Eighteenth Century" (2000) and found something he said relevant to this class. This is in regards to teaching about technology in schools:

"Everyone will know how to use computers. But what they will not know, as none of us did about everything from automobiles to movies to television, is what are the psychological, social, and political effects of new technologies. And that is a subject that ought to be central in schools. It requires some knowledge of the history of technology, of the principles of technological change, and of the economic and social alterations that technology inevitably imposes. If we want our students to live intelligently in a technological society, I don't see how this can be done if they are ignorant of the full meaning and context of technological change." (p. 170-171)

I think that Postman makes a really good point. How can we know where we are going if we don't know where we have come from? We should not be ignorant of the history of this technological development that is rapidly transforming the way we live. Children need to have an understanding of how society has changed since technology has become more common, and the implications this has for the present and future. Technological education should combine technological skills with technological history so children have a broader understanding of it. They need to know its personal and social impact. Such an education will aid in their critical thinking and enable them to use technology so that they control it, rather than it controlling them. Postman sums this up well: "My point is that, if we are going to make technology education a part of the curriculum, its goal must be to teach students to use technology rather than to be used by it" (p.171).

Tuesday's Class

Tuesday's class left me truly inspired! It is amazing to see all the creative possibilities that making videos presents. And never has it been so easy for amateurs to produce a quality product. With this kind of medium, the only limit is your imagination. I especially appreciated the music history video - a little creativity and effort can go a long way towards an impressive presentation on a subject. I'm not saying that in order for students to learn it must always be entertaining, but projects like this can serve as great introductions or summarizations that get the students interested and inspired. Projects like this show them that learning does not have to be boring, and shows them how what they learn can be applied to their own lives.

Education & Entertainment

I read an interesting article in my Comparative Education class that I thought was quite relevant to this class. It is by N. Postman in the book Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985). He discusses that how one learns is as important as what one learns, and this has implications in the technological age. I thought this article especially poignant given the date it was written; I wonder what the author thinks now. Here is an excerpt:

"One is entirely justified in saying that the major educational enterprise now being undertaken in the United States is not happening in its classrooms but in the home, in front of the television set, and under the jurisdiction not of school administrators and teachers but of network executives and entertainers...like the alphabet or the printing press, television has by its power to control the time, attention and cognitive habits of our youth gained the power to control their education. This is why I think it accurate to call television a curriculum." (p.145)

The influence of television in the 1980's has extended to computers in the 2ooo's. Education and technology have become intertwined to the point where they are inseparable. Although television and especially computers can be educational tools, it should not get to the point where they become education itself. There is an ever-growing attitude that children do not want to learn something unless it's presented as entertainment. This is a severely misguided mindset, because education and entertainment are NOT the same thing. I know some people will disagree with me on this, but true education requires dedication, hard work, and application of the mind. Yes, education should be interesting, but this should not be mistaken for entertainment. When children are constantly entertained in an attempt to educate them, they are being spoon-fed the material. Their natural curiosity and ability to think critically will weaken when they are repeatedly subjected to education of this kind. I think it is true that the medium is the message. When entertainment is the focus, what kind of message does that send to children?

Technology & Morality

Yesterday's class really made me think about the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom. There are two extremes: the good side like the class using Skype to connect with the girl at home, and the bad side like the devastation caused for the Star Wars kid. Like anything in life, the key to using technology for good is to teach kids responsibility at an early age. If they learn how to be responsible users and think critically about the things presented on the Internet, I think that will lessen the potential for problems considerably. Parents and teachers need to warn children about the dark side of the Internet so that they are aware of it and know how to avoid it. More importantly, though, the positive side should be emphasized and good websites and applications presented so that children concentrate on those things. I think that to bar children from using the Internet in an effort to "protect their innocence" would only lead to irresponsible behaviour when they are given the opportunity to use it, because this will inevitably happen with the myriad places it is available.

I compare this to the drinking of alcohol in Europe and North America. This may sound strange, but stick with me here. In Europe children are exposed to alcohol at an early age, and grow up drinking with their families. They are taught to drink responsibly, and they drink to ENJOY it. There are virtually no problems with alcoholism in Europe. On the other hand, in North America people are not allowed to drink until they are older, but teenagers do it anyways. In general, their drinking practices are not responsible; they drink to get sloshed, not because they enjoy the taste of it. Alcoholism is a common problem. The suppression of alcohol use and the fact that children are not taught to use it responsibly has led to these problems. In the same way, barring children from the Internet will not help them. By teaching them how to use it responsibly, they will be more likely to use it that way. They will focus on the positive, productive side of the Internet and know to avoid those things that could lead to detrimental consequences.

Products of the School System

In my Comparative Education class we were told to read the article "Against School" by John Taylor Gatto, who taught for 30 years in New York and was once named New York City Teacher of the Year. It really made me think. It takes some time to read, but it's worth it. It can be found at:

www.spinninglobe.net/againstschool.htm

Gatto argues that the current school system is designed to produce mild-mannered citizens who are obedient to the law. The purpose of education is to educate people so they can take on jobs that serve the larger social system and keep it running. As a result, boredom is prevalent in schools because children's natural curiosity is repressed, and consumer frenzy means that children never really mature as they become adults because they never need to commit to anything. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer, and the system is designed to keep things this way.

As I thought about this article, I looked at our society with a more objective point of view. Although all children are entitled to an education, school is designed to weed out those with little potential to serve the system and build up those who have that potential. Thus, from an early age many children are led to believe they are of lesser value than those who are "smarter", simply because they do not fit the mold society would like them to. Schools are designed to set these kids up for failure. Why is education the only measure of value in today's society? Why do we look down on those who are less "educated"? Who decides what is and isn't worth learning? Just because someone does not meet the standards of the system - to graduate from high school, to go to university, to get a good job and thus become a productive member of society - does not mean they are failures as human beings. The ironic thing is that we depend on these people to maintain the standard of life we are accustomed to while looking down on them all the while. Who are the people who work at Wal-Mart on Sundays, at McDonald's at midnight, and at the video store on Christmas Day? Those who we have discarded as being unambitious underachievers. Yet we sure appreciate it when we can have these services provided to us at our convenience. This is just part of the problem of our society, and the school system is a direct product of the society it serves. As aspiring teachers we need to be aware of these attitudes and practices, and strive to show our students that they are smart, capable human beings who can aspire to be who they want to be. Gatto says, "After a long life, and thirty years in the public school trenches, I've concluded that genius is as common as dirt. We suppress our genius only because we haven't yet figured out how to manage a population of educated men and women."

Cell Phones in Schools

This morning on CBC radio there was a discussion on the use of cell phones in high schools. There are problems with students text messaging and making calls during class time, and in more severe incidents the cameras are being used to film people in locker rooms and the videos are posted on You Tube. Some schools in the United States have banned cell phones completely. Students and parents argue that cell phones are useful for potential emergencies and for making arrangements for rides after school. Parents feel better knowing they can contact their child if necessary. The teacher being interviewed believes that these are valid reasons for students to carry cell phones, and doesn't think that phones should be completely banned from schools. However, rules regarding use need to be established and enforced. Inappropriate use of phones disrupts the learning environment for all students. I agree with this teacher; I think that banning phones is a little extreme, but rules need to be set and most importantly, enforced by teachers.

The Art of Penmanship

A few people have discussed on their blogs the possibility of penmanship becoming obsolete as people use keyboards increasingly more. I think that it is important to teach children both penmanship and keyboarding skills, because both are necessary. While children should be encouraged to use computers for writing, they should not become dependent on a machine to do their writing for them all the time. What happens when the power goes out? And isn't it easier and cheaper to jot something down on a sticky note than to use a PDA? There is also something much more personal and special about receiving a hand-written letter than an e-mail. On the other hand, for people who struggle with spelling, writing on a computer is an enormous advantage thanks to spell check. It comes down to a matter of personal preference, but I think that both hand-writing and keyboarding skills should be held in equal esteem in education.

Citizen Journalism

As I was getting ready for school this morning, I was listening to CBC radio, and they were talking about the development of what is called "citizen journalism". Basically it is where people who are not journalists by occupation are writing and informing others about news items. For example, the trial regarding the murders of prostitutes on the Pickton pig farm in BC is receiving massive media attention. A news website (I can't remember what it was called) has hired sex trade workers to attend the hearings and report on them. The rationale behind this is that these people will have insider's knowledge of the case and can perhaps give a more in-depth perspective than the average journalist. As is happening in other areas of expertise through technology, people who are not "professionals" are being given the chance to contribute their own unique knowledge and skills. Supporters say that this results in a type of journalism that is more subjective than objective, and perhaps lends a more human perspective to the news. Opponents worry that if everyone were to become "journalists" that many conflicting stories would result and credibility would be nill. This would lead to a very untrusting view of anything that is seen and reported in the news - it would become harder to discern fact from fiction.

This is yet another example of how technology is restructuring the way we live our lives and receive our information. At this point I lean towards getting my news from traditional forms of journalism because these people are held to certain standards of credibility. At the same time, though, even professionals have the capacity to make mistakes and be dishonest. I am already critical of the media, and I think that sometimes what isn't said says just as much as what is said. Perhaps more truly relevant stories will come out of citizen journalism, things that might not be brought to our attention otherwise. Anyone can recap the latest celebrity weddings and breakups from the last year, but how many people are truly aware of the plights of people in places in Africa like Sudan and the Congo? If anyone has any thoughts on this I'd be glad to hear them.

Thoughts on Tuesday's Class

So I have to say, I was having my misgivings about this computer class last week, but I am starting to come around. The reason I am taking this class is because I think it is important as a teacher to keep up with the times, and I wanted to learn more about computers and how they can be used in the classroom. So far it has been challenging trying to figure things out - a lot of times I feel completely lost in class - but without challenge, there can be no real learning, right? Things will get easier as I become more comfortable using computers, I think. I am keeping my mind open, and I am learning some really cool things. I had no idea that the database program on Google existed, and I see how it could be a very useful tool when keeping track of student's grades. I am already pretty familiar with using Microsoft Word, but it was neat to learn all sorts of tricks and shortcuts on the program that I didn't know about before. Things are looking up!

Tech Task #1

My name is Vanessa Richter. Some of my favourite things in life include my cat named Frank, red velvet cake, figure skating, and Monty Python. I am 22 years old and grew up in the little town of Nokomis, Saskatchewan. I lived there with my parents and my sister who is three years younger than me. I went to the same school from Kindergarten to Grade 12, which was a great experience. After graduation, I attended Briercrest College for three years, where I received a BA in General Studies. Ever since I was a kid I knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to be a teacher, yet I did not want to commit to anything until I was absolutely sure. I had a lot of time to think about what kind of career I wanted during my time at Briercrest, and came to the conclusion that I definitely wanted to be a teacher. I am now in my second year of the Elementary Education program at the U of R, but because I have a semester’s worth of transfer credits from Briercrest, I am currently taking the classes that I would normally be taking in my eighth semester. This means that I will end on my internship, which everyone in their fourth year tells me is a great thing!

My first experience with computers was in elementary school, with the old computer screens that were composed of fragmented images in orange and black. The Mavis Beacon typing program was obligatory, and in our free time we got to play games like “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” and “Midnight Rescue”. My family bought their first computer when I was ten years old. Oh, the excitement! I used that computer to play many games, and as I got older, to type out school assignments. When I was fifteen we bought a new computer that could handle the Internet. I didn’t use the Internet that often, only to e-mail and do research for assignments. Up to this point, that is basically what I have used computers for – to type essays, e-mail people, and look up information. I often find myself annoyed with friends who spend all their spare moments on the Internet, and I think it is especially rude when they are IMing at the same time they are talking to me on the phone. I guess this explains my limited use of computers – I see how they have the potential to make us a self-centered, isolated society, and I don’t want to be a part of that. However, if used properly I think computers are useful tools in communicating and learning, and I would like to gain more knowledge of how to use technology to its best advantage.

I think that technology can be a powerful educational tool in the K-12 classroom. A whole world of ideas and information can be readily accessed, and kids can use computers to present their assignments in non-traditional ways. Kids who struggle with reading, writing, or math may be exceptionally good at using computers, so it gives them a chance to succeed at something and boosts their self-esteem. Technology can also increase their global awareness, helping them understand that there is a world beyond their own experience, with people who are just like them but who lead different ways of life. It helps them realize that they are part of a larger community. While I think technology can be used effectively in classrooms, I also think that its use should be limited. Kids need plenty of personal interaction and hands-on experience. They need to learn how to do research in a library and experience the pleasure of holding a book in their hands. It must be emphasized to them that although computers are great for learning and communicating, they are merely tools to accomplish these aims and should not be used at the exclusion of other forms of learning.

Through this class I want to learn more computer skills and grow more confident in using technology. I want to discover websites and resources that I can share with my students and that will aid me in my teaching. Teachers must stay current if they want to effectively interact with their students; technology is here to stay and is slowly transforming the way we live. I think it’s important for me to educate myself as much as possible about technological trends so that I can view them critically and use them to their best advantage. Right now I feel a little out of my comfort zone in this class, but I hope that by the end of this semester I will feel more comfortable with technology.

Blog #1

Well, here it is, my first blog. My friends will be so impressed, because I have a reputation of being technologically impaired. I have made this for my computer class, and hopefully by the end of the semester I will be a technological whiz! Here's hoping...