My AHA moments

This course has really opened my eyes to the rapidly changing world of technology.  There are so many different opportunities in implementing technology into the classrooms and the world of education!  I know I don't know everything there is to know, but this class definitely inspires me to learn more.  I want to learn more about the technologies I have learned in this class, such as Wiki's, blogs, creating an ePortfolio and programs like JING and what else technology has to offer.  It also encourages me to take more technology courses to learn what I can from them.  It seems easier to me to learn from a course like this one, than to go sit through a professional development class through our district.

Google was probably my biggest Aha.  I had no idea how much Google had to offer!  I was so impressed that I will be switching my browser page over to Google.  It just seems more organized and offers more options than Yahoo, which is what I use now.  I am familiar with Google earth, but really had no idea of all the others.  Very exciting!!  I have started out in technology with PowerPoint's, web searching, making videos, and emailing.  Much of the basics, but I really am excited about learning much more and incorporating more into my classes as a teacher.  Technology has always been important but I haven't always used it like I should and plan to incorporate a lot more into my career as a teacher and future librarian and in my personal life.  Thank you for such a great class with lots of inspiring ideas!

What to change?

    After reading this article, It seems crazy that our lives evolve so much around technology.  Our kids know more about technology than we sometimes do.  My 22 month old daughter, knows how to navigate through my iPhone with few mistakes.  If you grow up surrounded by technology you just "get it" and learn from it more than not.  It is scary at times to think how our world is rapidly and radically changing.  But some change is good....
     I think we should find that "happy medium" in which we include both the virtual and physical spaces in education.  I think we should integrate technology into our lessons enhancing our students learning.  Students already know how to blog and face book, so incorporating these into our classrooms as instructional tools may be of benefit to our students learning environment.  On the flip side I do think we should limit how much time is spent in doing so.  I still feel that the physical aspects of learning such as how to write, read a book, do hands on experiments etc. are still very important.  Technology is changing our lives so we need to stay on top of the inevitable. 

Reflection #4

Are you more comfortable composing documents online than longhand?

I guess I'm a little of both.  I like to write my ideas down maybe even a rough draft.  This makes me more comfortable to start composing my final draft on the computer. 

Have you turned your "remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a technology device?

I have only stored phone numbers on my iPhone, but other than that I haven't stored anything anywhere else.  Is there a good computer program that will store everything for you??  I am unable to keep up with birthdays and such!  I probably don't use my iPhone to its full potential!

Do you go to meetings with your laptop or PDA?

At my previous school I did because they issued us a laptop.  I have switched jobs this year so I don't have my laptop anymore :( I need to get a new laptop!  Any suggestions on what kind!?

Are you constantly connected? Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? Is your cell phone always with you?

Yes!  I just got mu iPhone last year and now I don't know how I lived without it!  It really is sad sometimes to think we are SOO attached to our smart phones!  Two years ago I didn't even know what an APP was!! Today I feel lost, naked and confused when I don't have it with me. 

How many different activities can you effectively engage in at one time?

Maybe three if my kids aren't distracting me.  I guess it would be safe to say two, successfully!

Do you play video or computer games?

I used to play some computer games, now I am way too busy so I don't have the time.

I fall under the Digital literate/Generation X catagory

I was born between 1965-1983

I feel comfortable using most technology, but still don't know all there is to know.

I like to multitask, although I'm not sure I'm good at it :)