Technology Blog (Blog 5)

The session that we had about technology and the different resources available to us as teachers was very useful. I enjoyed going to each station and being able to explore each of the technologies. By doing this, I feel each of us was able to get a better idea of ways to incorporate these into our everyday lessons. We will also be able to find what technologies we feel the most comfortable with and which ones will be the most successful as far as a learning tool in the classroom. We have been exposed to many technologies in the past, but there are so many out there that we have not even heard of or have not had the chance to explore. I feel this is where the new literacies project will be very beneficial. It will allow each member of the class to become an expert on a certain technology and find new and innovative ways to use them in the classroom. I also think that having each member of the class share their ideas will be very useful as well. Seeing a different vantage point on how a technology can be used can be an eye opening experience for all of us and may even convince us to use a newly learned idea in our own classrooms.
Some of the technologies I particularly enjoy are ones that incorporate discussions that involve small groups and the entire class. In high school and college in particular, I have mostly enjoyed the classes that have allowed us to have in depth discussions on issues that we may or not have been familiar with. However, by having the discussions, I was able to pick up on new and creative ideas and also add to previous knowledge that I already had. I feel these types of classes have allowed me to expand as an individual and help me to be more understanding of all those around me. I feel discussions about topics are very important and could be incorporated at younger ages as well. It teaches them not only about an issue, but it also teaches them how to form opinions about the issue and be able to come up with support regarding their stance on an issue. I also think you can incorporate life lessons such as respect fro others into these types of lessons. Discussions often bring many opinions to the table and many of them will be very contradicting to your own opinion. However, having this does not mean you cannot get along with this person. It is important to show respect and understanding of where a person is coming from when they state their opinions. Too often, we pass judgment quickly on people who have differing opinions. By teaching students proper ways to handle these situations at a young age, we allow them to be more open to new ideas in their future education.