Blog Post 1: Technology Strengths and Weaknesses

As an educator I feel it is imperative for students to use technology in the classroom. Technology should be used as an aid to promote student learning as well as a tool for educators when developing or appraising their lessons and teaching styles.

Of the five International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE 2008) Standards, the first speaks to the importance of using technology to “facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity” (p. 1). Overall, I believe that I am strong in this area, as the use of technology in the classroom to get my students engaged in and excited about their learning is one of my passions. I like using such tools as Google Drive and online interactive lessons to facilitate my students’ learning. I understand how to make digital assessments and assignments for diverse learners (ISTE 2008). I have used online quizzes and polling software in the past and am familiar with assessing students using technology and am comfortable assessing my teaching by reviewing student data. I am proficient in the use of many types of technology including those used to communicate with my students, their parents, and my colleagues (ISTE 2008). Through a previous class I have created a website using Google Sites and am ready to use that tool, as well as many others, in communicating with my students and their parents.

While I am proficient in the use of technology in the classroom, there is always more to learn. I would like to find ways to encourage my students to use technology responsibly both at school and at home (ISTE 2008). In an effort to teach my students the importance of this responsibility, I will demonstrate efficacy while online, respecting copyright and the feelings of all people whom I interact with on a social and professional level.

I would like to learn new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. Although I have used technology in the classroom quite a bit, there is always more that can be learned either through professional development or classes such as this one. I would like to learn more about techniques I could use to engage my students and learn more about emerging technology that I could make use of in the future. Technology, because it is used in the world at large, will continue to be used in the classroom. As technology evolves I would like to learn how to teach in new ways, so that I can connect with my students and professional peers and make learning engaging and exciting.

ISTE standards found at: http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-teachers