Practice

Classroom Observation

Today you observed students learning with technology. What did you learn from your observations? How did the students respond to the technology? Describe how your teaching might be influenced. 

Interactive Boards

What potential do you see for interactive boards? What do you like most about interactive boards? Describe any problems you envision if you used this tool in the classroom?

Describe your simulation

How do we make the impossible possible?

While the 21st century promises new tools and new ideas, there are many people who do not believe we can change education with technology. There is a threat to the potential of the 21st century tools rooted in the conservative nature of the public education institution. As many experts in the field of education technology know,  some school systems work against the use of technology through policy. In-service teachers and pre-service teachers often note, "it sounds good but I could never do that in my school". On September 23, Will Richardson challenged educators to change the way technology is viewed. Students left the lecture inspired but also frustrated because they either work in settings where the mindset of teachers does not favor technology or they observe environments that do not promote technology integration. Given this conflict, how do we prepare teachers to effectively use technology in environments that are not conducive to technology integration?

I first started using technology in the classroom when I taught in Nashville, NC. I taught math and had used calculators but that was the extent of integrating technology. This was due to the lack of resources and tools available in my school. When computers became available, I began to use them to help me teach students who could not speak English. I worked with them independently as I typed notes and explanations to problems on one side of the computer screen while the students could read the other side of the screen in Spanish.

Describe your experience using technology and how you have experienced technology as a student.