Blog Post #1

As a twenty three year old, I am on the line between those who are considered technology natives and those who are considered technology immigrants. I remember a time when technology was not an aid of choice for my teachers nor was it a tool that I used as a social network. However, I have become accustomed to our technologically geared society and have adapted to the changes in the rapid use of the internet. Going into this class, I was not nervous about conquering the different tools that we would be using in order to build my knowledge on how to use technology effectively in the classroom. The first project that we did involved Web 2.0 technology, which allowed me to create a Web Portal to introduce myself as an educator. Creating this Web Portal was not a challenge because of the information and tools that were offered in order to complete the assignment. When thinking about how I would use this particular technology in my classroom, I thought that this would be a great tool to provide my students with information about assignments, grades, and even myself. This would also be a great tool to help keep in contact with parents as well.

 The other assignment that we completed was a Glogster, or an interactive poster. Choosing to use the topic of the Bill of Rights, specific to 8^th grade Citizenship, I created my interactive poster using different mediums and visuals from the internet. I was very proud of the end result of my Glogster. When looking back at my experiences as a middle schooler, I would have found using tools such as the Glogster exciting and fun. Being able to actually interact with the information that is presented on the poster allows for students to connect much better to the material that is being presented. Also, in creating interactive posters, students will become more engaged with the material that they are presenting in their posters.

In taking this technology class, I believe that it will be very beneficial for me as an educator. I have read countless articles focusing on the issue that although technology is encouraged within the classroom, many teachers are not comfortable enough with technology to actually use it as a tool in their lessons. Although I have much experience and feel confident in conquering technology, I believe that after taking this class, I will gain much more exposure and knowledge in different tools that I never knew existed before.