August 29, 2013
Chapter 1: Becoming an e- Teacher
Focus Question: What six key issues should a teacher consider when looking to integrate technology?
The six key issues are using technology in teaching, motivating factors, barriers to technology use, ideas for technology use, teaching methods, and students and technologies.
The first issue deals with how teachers respond to changes in technology. I find myself a late majority user, due to the fact I do not know much about the computer and require more time to adjust to new developments. As teachers, we should decide where we are in the technological world, so we will be able to help our students and other teachers increase in the technological innovation curve. Students become bored during lectures and in the long run, drop out or skip classes; to make learner more exciting, we can incorporate presentations and wireless devices for projects to stimulate their brains and keep them awake! There are also financial and mental barriers to integrating technology; families do not have enough to own a computer at home, and teachers and students may not fully understand how to use certain online programs. The philosophy of technology should be to entertain the needs of students and teachers and provide learning tools to make these changes easier and accessible.
Tech Tool: Ultraportable Laptop Computers
As a college student, I am familiar with going online for everything I need. Ultraportable computers, or notebook computers, act as a filing cabinet where I can store information. It weighs two to eight pounds and is light to carry. It has a lasting battery life for when I need to run multiple applications at a fast speed, and it has an easy- to- read screen! This computer seems like it would make my life easier and I would be able to access different programs more frequently. I would not mind buying it, but only for the right price.
Summary and Connection
Chapter 1 touched on information I have learned in the past. Although, I never knew technology was such an issue when it came to teaching. There are many barriers to technology and families that can not afford computers so I hope we are able to expand our resources and work on helping them. With the right training and focus, technology can be used for the better and make learning more advanced, but understandable. I hope to use this class and the information I learn as a stepping stone to becoming more technologically prepared for my future.
Resources
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
