Tech Wizard or Granny?

“Teaching in the Internet age means we must teach tomorrow’s skills today.” –Jennifer Fleming

As an emerging teacher amidst the ever evolving and increasing use of technology how do I integrate it into my own classroom? How do I use it to my advantage and as a way to motivate students?  We recently had a very knowledgeable speaker come to our classroom and share some trending and helpful technology tools.  On a scale of wizard to grandma I am somewhere in between in regards to my technology smarts.  The presentation was eye opening and I found myself excited to use some of the tools she shared in my future classroom.  I was excited to learn about ways to use technology both as a professional and to encourage my students to use as well.   For example, through twitter it is possible to network with educators all across the country and world, and be kept up to date with news and innovative ideas and experiences other classrooms are trying.  I think overall that is what most excites me about technology.  It is this brand new aspect that is being added to the classroom with limitless possibilities.  Teachers are using technology in their classroom management, to aid in organization, and to motivate students learning and participation.

I am particularly interested and excited about the idea of kid blogging.  It is highly motivating for students to know that not only is their work viewable by fellow classmates, teachers, and parents, but everyone in the world.  Kids will be excited about using computers, ipads, etc, and more likely to produce high quality work when they know that anyone on the internet can view what they wrote.  It is especially neat because both their parents, and other students’ parents can then leave comments on their work, making them feel valued as writers. The student blog she shared with us appeared to be a very successful overall experience and I am anxious to see how I can incorporate one into my future classroom.  Blogging not only is fun for them but helps them develop their digital literacy.

After her presentation I also decided that if I teach upper grades it will be required they have a google account.  The capabilities to work on a project or paper or chart with another person while working at different computers is genius.  An entire class could be contributing to the same chart or piece of work if necessary. You can use the google resources to site your sources with the click of a button.  No more spending hours on ebib! I think that you could do some really cool things with this. 

Overall the limitless possibilities of technology amaze and excite me.  Sometimes I convince myself I am already a wiz, however things are progressing and it is important that I continue to explore and keep up with emerging technology because I believe they can have some very positive impacts on our classrooms.