Final Blog Post--Reflection

It's quite clear the overarching things I've learned this semester about technology. I mean, just look at my first entry about how embarrassing it is to accidentally tweet and then read the rest of this--how I'm actually sizing up different types of technology based on their usefulness in the classroom based on my understanding of them. Part of me feels like being on a commercial just to help sponsor the idea of Technology. Zoom in on a college student up to her neck in twisted computer chords, her face lit by a blinking computer screen. Announcer: "Are you tired of spending endless hours trying to figure out what all those buttons and keys do?" College student looks up pathetically and nods. "Are you tired of looking like a fool by a little box that can't think for itself?" College student starts to weep. "Now, with just a little assistance, you can conquer a moderate amount of your technology anxieties!" College student beams with joy. Different shot of that same student walking down the stairs of a powerful looking building--possibly a university or corporation. Student: "I used to freak out about all things computer, but now I'm telling my superiors how to do things that can better their lives. Thanks, Technology!"

Okay, so that's an exaggeration, but I still feel like my attitude about technology has changed, and that's the most important thing in my opinion. I don't think technology is purely a distraction and only brings in temptations or mind-numbing material to everyone's lives--I see that with the proper application of the tools available on computers, we can make our lives more productive and social. Networking isn't just about going from business to business and it's not just about Facebook either. With websites, blogs, videos, wikis and countless other pieces of technology, we have the ability to reach out and connect with people who can inspire us and teach us. Collaborating with peers and professionals is as easy as turning on your computer.

I think the most helpful blog I subscribed to this semester was Cliff's Notes because he had lots of links to other very helpful sights about good teaching tools and technologies to use. It was pretty consise as well--some other blogs you have to wade through a lot of stuff before you find the treasures. This wasn't the case as much with Cliff's Notes.

I also think the most useful pieces of technology for me to learn to use were the class websites and iMovie. I realized how a class website allows me to be more organized and available to my students (not to mention their parents). And I had no idea how many applications I could use for iMovie to make potentially boring subjects something kids would be excited to watch or even make. I definitely plan on using some sort of technology in my future teaching depending on what is most needed for that class. Wikis for collaborative papers, blogs for publishing daily journals, iMovie or garage band for bringing in more creative elements to the class . . . the possibilities go on. Part of the reason I wanted to become a teacher is because I had so many bad ones growing up. I thought that there had to be a better and more interactive way to teach, and now, oh mighty Technology, you have made my point.

Khanacademy

This weeks' blog post is going to be about khanacademy.org, a one man mission to teach the world math, finance, and physics . . . among other things. Though this doesn't have much to do with my subject area, I can immediately see three applications for me personally in my life and teaching career--

1.) I can direct students in my English classes where to go with their math woes since I am much more qualified with words than with numbers. This is a great resource so that if my students ask me about any math concepts, I can point them in another direction instead of letting my face go red with their persistent staring in expectation of me saying something intelligent.

2.) I can actually learn certain math concepts I may need to make an analogy in my class. Or, in some crazy turn of events, if I have to sub for a math class, I can brush up on my number skills so I have more to bring to the students than apologies or nice poems about math.
 
3.) Finally, and most applicable in my opinion, I don't have to use khanacademy to know that I have the potential to do something similar. The concept of having mini-lessons available online would be great for students who need a refresher on certain topics we've covered in class. I might, for instance, make videos like those on kahanacademy after school that week, going over the major themes we've covered. These videos can then be available as a study guide for students.

The possibilities are pretty open with this idea, and so more ideas helpful to my classroom could soon follow.