Oh the world of technology. There are still many Americans who do not know or understand how to use the Internet, much less a computer. This is not true for our up and coming "Xbox Generation." Kids these days have endless opportunities in the world of technology, it is almost too much. This is why I believe it is imperative that teachers be informed and updated on how to use and handle technology. Not only will computers open up millions of available resources for one's use, but it also allows classroom preparation and organization with greater ease and conciseness. Understanding and having a firm knowledge base of technology allows gives teachers an even playing field to where teachers can know what to look out for if kids are trying to bend the rules or use their phones during tests. There are some drawbacks with technology in a classroom setting. Because of the raised interest level in playing on computers, having computers creates an opportunity for skilled users to take over the computer, leaving other students at a disadvantage. There is also the threat of hacking or computer crashes with leave important information at a very vulnerable level. Computers do help better prepare students for the work-base world and environment seeing as many jobs today require a basic level of knowledge for application.
In my classroom, I would hope to use computers for research or for additional help on homework. I do hope to become an English teacher, but computers can give me a boosting advantage. I can download articles and project them, or news/movie clips. Computers within a classroom give immediate connection to breaking news and also help in writing papers (citation, etc). I also think that learning how to type helps increase mental facilities. It can strengthen memory and will always make one a stronger applicant for jobs and/or college. PowerPoint is also a very helpful tool when teaching. It is organized and simple enough for students to use in group projects. I certainly hope to obtain a firmer grasp on many of these concepts and more in this class.
One cool tihng I read about today was Apple's new iPad. It is a new computer-type gizmo I think. You can get a data plan through AT&T which allows you to surf the web, but it has many standard applications found on iPod, iTouch, and Mac computers. It looks like one of the next biggest things hitting the techno world and seems pretty snazzy to me. :)
That's all for today, signing out :D
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