Some+things+we+know+about+using+technology—for+personal+use+and+for+teaching+and+learning

//** Our Voices... **//


 * ====I have learned a lot about technology and the importance of digital literacy in the 21st century. ====


 * ====Technology is used everyday in my personal life. The computer is my number one piece of technology, as I find myself relying on the messages and information I can gain from it. ====


 * ====Between email, social networking groups, or a Google search of things such as airlines and restaurants, I am constantly in need of the internet. I know that without technology usage, most days I would feel lost or out of the loop of things. ====


 * ====In regards to teaching and learning I do know that there are a large number of websites which are extremely useful for students to use while exploring certain topics. Many schools now have a class set of laptops which help students learn systems such as Microsoft. ====


 * ====I know that Smart Boards are also efficient in getting the entire classroom to contribute, interact, and visually be able to see the development of the lesson. I also know a document projector can be useful as students in the far back will be able to see large writing up on a wall. ====


 * ====I believe incorporating technology in the classroom is very important, especially since we have come so far with technological progress. I already know that I want to have a classroom website where I can post notes from a class that a student might of missed, and homework assignments as a simple reminder. Technology is a great tool to use in the classroom because it not only can be educational, it can keep students interested. ====


 * ====As far as technology in the classroom, I hope to utilize the tools I have to the fullest. I think that technology is only become more prominent in our daily lives and it is important that students begin to learn and understand how to use it to their advantage at an early age. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to use things like computers, televisions, overhead projectors, smart boards, and hopefully a program where students could check their grades online—I think it would be great for students as well as parents. ====


 * ====In terms of technology, I understand that it is both essential and a distraction in the classroom. Essential- because writing assignments can be typed, as well as classroom blogs and other research can be easily accessed through technology, but a distraction because students will then easily be able to connect to Social networking sites and their e-mail during the class. However, technology promotes growth indeed because it creates opportunities for different learning modes. ====


 * ====I want to incorporate technology, much like my instructors have, because it broadens the approach to assessment. I’m also familiar with iMovie, Movie Maker, and obviously PowerPoint. I’ve never actually made a Prezi before but have been exposed to them in numerous classroom settings. ====


 * ====I know that using technology in the classroom can be very beneficial for both the students as well as for the teacher. There are so many ways to enhance learning by the use of technology and I feel like the possibilities are endless. I really enjoyed making my digital autobiography and learned so much by doing so. I also learned about using Wiki and Twitter and how they could be useful in a classroom, along with a program such as Blackboard. I think allowing students to respond and interact with each other through a site like one of those would be really neat. ====


 * ====Doing the digital videos with CCMS students in class was an eye opening experience. The children seemed to really get involved and enjoy it tremendously. Also, using websites such as Moodle seem very helpful for students as well as parents. ====


 * ====I learned about twitter and blogs and forums, and the list goes on. … A class forum is a good way to set up communication within the classroom using technology. I would also like to have a class website or moodle site. That way the kids can see the daily lesson plans, homework, worksheets, etc. online. ====


 * ====I want to use technology as a time-saving tool. It could be possible to use electronic grade books, lesson planning software’s, PowerPoint’s, and videos in my classroom. ====


 * ====I can work my way through most areas of the computer and I know how to use a camera, printer, iPod, camcorder, and other similar devices. I can upload pictures and videos, and can download music. I love copiers and document cameras as well as overhead projectors. I have learned that sometimes all you have to do to fix technology, is unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. It generally fixes the problem (unless it is my printer). ====


 * ====I understand how important and engaging technology can be in the classroom even from personal experience. Using technology for personal use as well as a learning tool in class can hook students. If you have a slideshow or a cool website that sparks students’ attention, it would lead to more participation among students. ====


 * ====By using a flip camera, teachers can upload videos to the class website to help students remember certain moments in class. I also developed a recent interest in photography … and have taken pictures that I feel will be able to be used in my classroom to teach about things found in different countries. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Knowing the huge role technology plays in our everyday lives, I’m grateful for the exposure I’ve been given to such applications as twitter, blogs, wiki, and digital movie making. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I know that it is important to keep up with the new innovations and there are many exciting inventions that will greatly enhance my teaching. I use Facebook, Microsoft Word, Photo Story, and a couple other programs on the computer. I’m sure I will use several of these in my classroom. I can also use an overhead projector, Flip cam, Smart board, and document camera. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I'm able to do most the normal personal tasks, e.g. Email, Facebook, shopping. When it comes to teaching and learning, I've now mastered the digital video technology that can help students understand a new concept in a different way, or help students show what they've learned in a particular unit. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I know a good deal of technology from email to power point. From the reading class we took last semester I learned creative, new ways to implement technology into my classroom. I learned about blogs, wiki spaces, bloggsters and more. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I know that technology is expanding in middle school classrooms. Students are creating presentations on laptops and using games and programs to further their learning in the classroom. I am familiar with basic tools. ====


 * ====<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I know how to work my cell phone, and I am semi-functional on my laptop. I can maneuver around my iPod and love my digital camera. … I have a few ideas about how to use technology in a lesson plan, like music videos or web pages, but I want to make sure that I am utilizing every available resource to best enhance my students learning. ====