Integration Project

This class continues to challenge me to go farther in the classroom of technology. Challenges that continue to inspire me to look at my lessons differently. I am excited at the challenge of taking the student's learning to a higher level through technology. I do think Bernajean Porter gives us some interesting ways to look at integrating technology that need to be strongly considered. As stated so well by Katie before, "If we reach for the stars, we may land on the moon." This class has been such a blessing for me. Thank you, Katie, for taking the time to not only teach us about technologies in the classroom but also to inspire us to go beyond just using it to teach.

Field Experience Interviews

The students interviewed did a wonderful job. It is evident that they enjoy technology and that it gets them more excited about school. As the students were asked about what experiences they've had because of technology, their responses showed that they were exposed to a variety of different technologies. Their responses also showed that the individual's interests have an effect on which type of technology they prefer. Some experiences the students had because of technology in the classroom were making web sites, creating Eagle Beat, working with apple computers, corresponding with Canadian students via the SMART Board as well as traveling to Canada, working with the handhelds, and competing in the "Digi" awards. Along with the types of technologies the students used above, the types that the greatest impact on students included making the students more agreeable to complete their assignments and making the assignments more fun. They also responded that using technology helps bring them into the 21st Century. The internet, video cameras and laptops that everyone could use also had huge impacts on the students interviewed. It was mentioned the technology can teach students to teach. Anytime you can teach a concept to someone else, the information stays with you much longer. Using technology seemed to help accomplish this. The students mentioned that they would like to use technology more in what they are doing in class currently. It was evident that the students enjoyed having technology as a big part of their classroom.

The thing that stood out most to me as the students answered their questions was their excitement about the technologies they used. You could tell that they enjoyed learning with the different types technologies. The comments that will have an impact on my future goals was how they wanted to use it more now in their current classrooms. This made me realize that I need to not only use technology myself to create lessons but also to include them in the process of using the technology.

Left Behind

Missing class last week, I definitely feel left behind. There are so many avenues within technology to explore, that I hate missing even the "fluff" parts. I am excited to try so many new things. I just wish I could extend hours in a day or the amount of sleep my body requires.

I go home and my mind is just swirling with information that needs sorted out after class. The information on the Power Point Presentations was very interesting. It was good to take another look at how to use Power Point for presentations. I think there are some very good points to consider, especially if there is more work going into how the presentation looks instead of researching the topic. I need to evaluate how I use Power Point for my presentations as well.

I look forward to learning more.

Technology Integration as a Transforming Teaching Strategy

This article was interesting to read. I think what it said made a lot of sense. The example of Mrs. C was an excellent example of how to integrate technology in the classroom. We need to use it as a resource to help engage the student's learning and then enhance it by allowing the students to find out more about their topics and to share their information with others. I agree with the researcher's findings that integrating technology in the classroom is going to vary according to the teaching beliefs as well as their perceptions towards technology inovations.

1st night

Not sure what I'm to type right now. I'm going to get Kari a pop right now.

Great ice breaker!!! This blogging is interesting. I'm very interested in blogging with the students.