Technology is the Future!I must admit that my initial ideal of the content matter of this class was significantly separated from the actuality of the course material. My expectations were to further refinement of acquired computer skills to enhance my professional development as a future teacher. At the completion of this course I find that I have done just that but not in the way that I had expected. My role as a teacher will undoubtedly make me an exemplary model for my students thus I must have the ability to navigate technology easily. I will use what I have learned in this course and continue my journey of the exploration of the evolving technologies while also interpreting their best uses in my class.
Particularly the information I acquired in regard to Blogging, Goggle Applications, Wiki Spaces, Questionnaire Implementer, Google Earth, Delicious, Google Wave, tagging a photo, alt tag, Gmail, IGoogle, Twitter, what a technology literate teacher may be, PLN Usages, the future of schools, the dangers of some of these technologies especially social sites, and the obligations of a teacher to be knowledgeable in all of these matters, has for me sparked further interest in investigating all modes of technology. I do believe the use of many of these applications will assist me in the classroom in regard to communication with parents and students, as well as reinforcement options, introduction to new materials and organization. Some of the options I did encounter this semester however have as of yet left me without a definite opinion of their functionality in every classroom. Though I find Podcasting and Vodcasting a stimulating idea in reference to teacher usability for course material, I am still unsure of their immediate transportation methods through ITunes and YouTube. As a teacher I would be interested in accessing course material pertaining to lessons, but am consciously unsure at this venture whether I feel confident in the safety of the modes for my own personal class uploads. None the less I am pleased to have been made aware of this avenue of teaching and learning and look forward to how the future will refine this avenue of education.
To reiterate my earlier statement about my expectations of this class, I had hoped to become more familiar with Smart Board applications, database depth, and or current programs being implemented in schools systems. With all of this said I do understand that Google is one accessible program of sorts which I have learned just what I had expected to learn from this class, though it has not taken off in schools to my knowledge to date. The most stimulating and intellectually challenging aspects of this course on the other hand, was the many options to become inspired and then analyze the information by posting to my blog. This process of critical analysis and self evaluation of thoughts for me was the most important of all material combined.
I would not say that this course was not stimulating or that I found it boring. The course from my understanding set out to do what it was designed to do, introduce upcoming teachers to various forms of technology as well as implementation of these sources. Therefore if I understood the curriculum correctly I feel its design and implementation was adequate. I cannot say I would recommend changes if my understanding of the purpose of the course to be correct.
In conclusion, I find myself to be more aware than some of the extensive possibilities of technology usage in the classroom. I am not certain this makes me technologically literate, though I would suppose compared to some I would be considered so. My definition of someone who is literate is one who has understanding, comprehension, and application of a skill. Therefore from that definition I feel competent at this time. In order for one to maintain literacy in a changing market then, one must continue this competence with ongoing training, which I plan to commit to while I complete my studies at USA. The ability to maintain adequate implementation of the newest technology advances as I graduate and begin teaching will no doubt be made possible by my constant quest and practice of all available resources. I believe myself to have gained awakening from this course in the task of furthering my quest for this knowledge and I do intend on the continued journey.
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