Even though this was only a two week course, as our tech class comes to a close I am amazed at how much I have learned and been exposed to in just a very brief time. While I still feel that I have a lot to learn in terms of being more technically integrated, I at least feel more knowledgeable about the technological resources that are available.
The growing use of technology has changed the dynamics of our classroom….both for the better and the worse. However, technological advancements are inevitable, and whether we choose to accept them or not, I don think that we keep up with the rest of the world if we don’t know how to use them, or do not expose ourselves to them. There is no doubt that technology has greatly changed the way we interact and communicate with others. It so amazing that we can communicate with people all over the world almost instantly!
Today we learned how to listen and use podcasts. I signed on to an account on gabcast and listen to “Mic’s Africa Gapcast.” This was cast about one students experiences while visiting Namibia and Botswana. I think that it was so cool that I was able to hear someone share their story somewhere literally on the other side of the globe. I feel like it is a definitely a tool I would like to become more familiar with and integrate into my classroom. Podcasts seem like a great way to keep students engaged, and to share news and information with them a whole new level. In addition, through today’s group presentation on Skype, I also learned additional ways of interacting and communicating with others on a much higher level. I love how Skype can really bring people all over the world closer together…its the closest thing to physically be there!
Furthermore, I enjoyed getting to share my own use of technology during the Multimedia presentation I shared today. My group and I presented on starfall.com and additional interactive sites that can be used to teach reading to young and struggling readers. I think that this was great way to show how technology can be incorporated both at school and at home.
Though my technology exploration today was brief, as a whole I feel that I have generally taken a lot away from this class. Though I still have a lot to learn about being technologically savey, I feel much more prepared than I did when I began. Its important to remember that technology is always changing and evolving. While its impossible to keep up with everything, I think that it is important to take hold of all its possibilities and explore as much as possible.
