As I look back to my school days and compare it to today, I
am at awe on how much it has changed.
During my 6th grade year we had one Apple IIe on a cart that
was shared by the entire school and another one in the office. Technology consisted of a film projector and
chalkboard. Now I look at my classroom
and see all types of technology (computers, laptops, internet, airliners, etc)
ready for my students. It is awesome to
see how things have changed, but scary to know I must adapt my teaching style
just as fast. However, I welcome the
challenge and am not afraid to jump in and try something new. Plus I find it extremely important that my
students see me modeling what it is like to be a life long learner.
My
classroom consists of 2 student computers, a teacher computer, a document
camera, and an airliner (fancy overhead projector). A laptop cart is also housed in my
classroom. I am limited on the amount of
technology available, but use it as much as possible. I am currently in the process of teaching my
students the capabilities of the airliner.
They are thoroughly amazed at what we can do with it and how it controls
the computer from across the room. I
incorporate the laptops within my lesson plans at least three times a
week. My students use them from a range
of internet programs to Microsoft Office.
I want to
create a learning environment where the kids are always actively engaged. One way to achieve this is to bring
technology into my class. This is a
digital age and the kids are products of having access to all sorts of
technology. The use of technology will
help keep their interest as well help them explore, produce, and analyze
information. Kids learn from doing
rather than listening and teaching through technology is a great way to make a
connection with them.
Throughout
my past 15 years of teaching I have seen how teaching and society has changed
due to the technological advances. I
remember when the computer lab was a huge deal and when I was totally lost when
my overhead projector bulb burnt out (I always made sure to have a spare in my
desk). I never thought that I would have
laptops, document cameras, or IPads for my students to use. This is such an exciting time for students
and teachers alike. This is why I want
to further my education into technology.
Everyone wants the newest and most up to date stuff, but I want to be
able to utilize it within my classroom.
