My Beliefs

My beliefs about technology in the classroom. I believe technology is very beneficial in the classroom when used correctly. I think that technology can spark an interest. It can be used as another way of teaching. And it can be fun.
I don't think that you should just use it as a time filler, like adding a YouTube video just because you need a few more minutes on your lesson. If the video sheds more light on the subject and adds to your lesson then great, but don't use it just to use it.
One of my favorite things I have learned this semester is about making vidcasts. I think that those would be a great tool for the students to know how to make. They can be fun and entertaining but most of all educational.
Technology is only going to get better, and by knowing how and the appropraite ways to use it in a classroom, can only make you a better teacher.

Lessons Learned

Honestly after reading and watching the videos the main thing that stuck out to me was how much technology there is out there. And the fact that I probably don't utilize it in a way that is really beneficial to me. The video in titled "Did you know" was fascinating to me. I had no clue on most of the information in the video. The reading and the videos really got me thinking about what is next? How are we going to be using technology in our everyday lives and how am I going to make sure I am making it beneficial to use.
I also started thinking about a school here in Utah that was using Ipod touches for there school work. How long before that becomes the norm?
Technology is a great resource that we have, but by having as much as we do are we still learning all that we should? I find myself saying oh I can just google that, or look that up later. But when I do that am I retaining the information?
As a teacher I am going to need to find away to include technology in my class in a way that the students are engaged. I want the students to not only know they can find an answer by googling it, I want them to remember the answer for themselves. That is going to be a fine line to have to find. For students to learn to use technology to benefit them but not to use it as a crutch they will consistently need.

Strengths & Weaknesses

After reading through the NET Standards and doing the UNI surveys, I realised I have a lot to learn. My strengths mainly were that I know how to use technology. I use the internet, and other devices daily and feel confident in teaching others the basics.
I feel that my weaknesses fell in the categories of knowing more in depth content and understanding the ethical, social, legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology according to the NET Standards. Looking toward the future, I would like to learn more about how to make sure I am making the best possible ethical choices for my students. I want to be able to teach my students to use the content on the internet legally.
By going here I found a tutorial about copy right. This tutorial will help me learn about copyright and be able to pass this on to my students. It will also further my professional growth because I will then be more aware about the laws. When I am creating a project I can legally use material. Ikeepsafe is another website I found with tutorials about internet safety that will teach my how to use the internet safely in my class.