How do you feel about the use of technology in the classroom?
Living
in the time that we do, I LOVE the idea of technology in the classroom. It's
hard to imagine what life would be like as a teacher without a coping machine
that could print double sided, in color, and staple!
A
few decades ago, before the internet really took off, teachers were the source
of knowledge. When a student was unsure of something, they would ask their teacher.
Now a days, most 12 year-old children have the world wide web at the tip of
their fingers and google can answer even the most difficult or strangest of
questions. Google can even provide images, correct and incorrect, to go along
with that information. Although there are valid arguments supporting that this
"boom" in technology is has both its pros and cons, as educators I
believe we need to jump on board and get a few steps ahead of students so that
we can guide them in the correct direction.
Are there certain types of technologies
you like, don't like?
I
feel as if this is a loaded question....
The
only technology that I am still unsure about, mostly due to my ignorance in the
matter, would be google glass. The fact that pictures could be taken so easily
without anyone knowing is a little unsettling to me.
To
be honest, I love 99.9 of technology. What I have a difficult time with is not
the device itself, but often times the maturity and integrity of the person
using that device.
Example:
I do not think its necessary or eve wise for parents to allow their middle
school children to have i phones or devices where they can access the internet
24/7. Personal opinion.
What have been your educational technology experiences?
Currently
#1-
Projector: The
past two years I have used a projector at the beginning of each class for a
"bell ringer" activity. Students know that as soon as they walk in,
they open their binders to the first section titled "para empezar" or
"to begin" and then complete the three to five minute bell ringer or
"hook."
Due
to the fact that I teach five levels of Spanish back to back, this use
of technology allows me to redirect my focus from one level to
another. It allows me to have those few moments to switch gears and get ready
for the next class. Most of the time the "para empezar" activity is
review, but other times, there are fun and goofy questions to keep my lovely
students entertained.
#2-
Duolingo: There
is a magnificent language learning app for iphones, androids, and standard
computers/lap tops called Duolingo. The best part about this program,
other than its accessibility and results, is that it’s free! A professor from Carnegie
Mellon university felt foreign language learning was so important he has taken
a sabbatical from teaching just to focus on this program. My high school
students and I have created a class and cross grade competition. This has been
an exciting journey as my students are studying Spanish on their own outside of
the classroom and are bringing new vocabulary words into class while having fun
along the way.
What are you hoping to discover in these
classes this year? What are you hoping to avoid?
For these
next two semesters I am hoping to discover fun and creative new ways to get m
students involved with technology. As a foreign language teacher, I feel as If
there are multiple opportunities I can take advantage of and I do not want to
pass up many of those chances.
To be
honest, I really cannot think of anything I am hoping to avoid. Perhaps numerous
group projects only because my schedule is so busy I have scheduled times when I
do homework and grade for school. Besides that, I am looking forward to all of
the new skills I will have acquired throughout the duration of this course.
