Exit Post 9-16-10

In class when we discussed the statements in our first chapter readings, we were all forced to really consider how we felt about technology incorporated in education. “Technology makes life more difficult for teachers,” is a statement I was in the middle about. When weighing the pros and cons of teaching with technology I think they come out about even. Being a teacher learning new methods of how to teach is an ongoing part of the job. I do think it is important to take the time to consider what tools will be used efficiently in the classroom and which ones will just be a distraction.

The second statement we discussed had discussed is: “If educators cannot successfully integrate new technologies into what it means to be a school, then the long identification of schooling with education, developed over the past 150 years, will dissolve into a world where the students with the means and ability will pursue their learning outside of the public school.” In regards to this statement I was in the middle once again. I think that it is vital to incorporate technology into schools, but I would not say that students will learn outside of school. Students don’t go home and print out math sheets for fun. Students are online with social websites or playing video games. A small percentage may go on the computer to learn more, but they may be curious about things that do not pertain to schooling. For example a student may go online to learn about the legend of Bigfoot because they are curious. They are in fact learning, but the learning is not likely to help them in the school environment. I was in the “no opinion” group for both of these statements but I think that it is a positive thing to be able to see multiple points of view for these statements.

I was glad that we talked about using the SMARTboard in class because I had a presentation to give in Education 381 for my next class.  The tips were useful but I did still have a difficult time using the board.

I was glad that we were introduced to the website Prezi. I thought it was a fun way to steer clear of the typical Power Point presentation that we’ve all become so comfortable with.