Learning Educational Technologies

So, here we are at the end of the semester. I was so excited to start the School of Education this semester, and it exceeded all of my expectations. This class had my interest from the day I signed up. I was excited to learn about different technologies that I could use in the class, and what was available to me. This class really broadened my horizons as to how to use different technologies that aren’t just made for educational purposes – such as MovieMaker and PhotoStory (both of which I have grown pretty fond of!). I can’t wait to find new and exciting ways to use different technologies besides the computer to help my students learn in a way that they have grown up dealing with.

My practicum teacher does not use alot of technology in her classroom. One time that I was observing the class, we had to go rehearse for the production that the school was putting on. This required the use of a laptop, projector, and PowerPoint. My cooperating teacher was the one that was supposed to work the computer, but it ended up being me. She had no idea how to wake the laptop, how to start the PowerPoint, or how to end it. There are two computers in the classroom – the one on her desk, which I’m not too sure she uses alot, and the one that students use to do their Accelerated Reading tests. The students do not use any other technologies besides when they go to Computer class with Mr. Morse, which doesn’t always happen every week.

I do not want to end up like this teacher. I don’t want the technology that the world has to offer to pass me by. I know there will be a time when my students know how to use something that I don’t know how to use as well, and that is okay. I am not going to be scared of something new though. I can’t wait to get into the classroom and see what my school has for me to use, or what I can do to enhance my lessons so that my students can use technology, if only as an option.