Final Blog for Ed Tech

This semester seemed to fly by. I cant believe its already time to write my final blog. I really enjoyed this class and have acquired many new skills and ideas for effectively using technology in the classroom. It is amazing to me how many different ways technology can be used as an interactive educational tool.

I learned so many things throughout the course of the semester that I know I will use in my classroom one day. I especially liked learning about the Smartboard software and how to use it as a tool in the classroom. I love how it can be used either by the students or by the teacher to reinforce or introduce the content of a lesson. It not only provides information but it allows the user (either the teacher or the students) to manipulate and change what is shown on the screen. Interactive whiteboards are a great way to teach a unique yet effective lesson.

I also liked learning how to upload and edit video. I had never used any of the software that we utilized for the project.It was so interesting to see the progression from our initial video footage to the final product. I think there are so many ways that video can be used in the classroom as a fun way for students to relate what they have learned. I have many ideas for using video in the classroom including student-to-student interviews on subject material, student video book reviews, or even teacher produced videos as a way of teaching a lesson.

There were so many other things I learned in this class that I will take with me and use throughout my career. I have already thought of ways I can incorporate student blogs, teacher and student websites, and PowerPoint as a way of reaching and effectively teaching every student.

Before I took this class, I hadn't given much thought to the importance of using technology in the classroom. To be honest, the entire concept was a little scary to me. Now that I have had the opportunity to explore the many avenues of using technology in the classroom, I think it is absolutely necessary to the education of young people. As a society we are moving more and more toward dependence on technology and young people must be well prepared for this when they enter the workforce. This must start at a very early age. I am very grateful for what I have learned and plan to make technology a staple in my classroom.