It is bittersweet that I am taking Education 422. Bitter because I am not at all interested in learning about technology, but sweet in that I need this vital technological information in order to become a successful teacher. I am not quick in picking up new technologies, but I am trying to force myself to take more of an interest. An example of my reluctance to learn new technologies is the fact that I received an Ipod for Christmas a few years ago, and I still have not downloaded any songs to it! In fact I still listen to the radio 99% of the time. I do have technology anxiety but the more open I am to it, the more I pick up. I am actually surprising myself in this course, and I think it is due to the fact that I am trying to adopt a "can do" attitude.
I have a decent amount of experience when it comes to education. I have substitute taught for four different school districts in California and for one school district in Connecticut. I subbed K-8 and quickly learned middle school is not for me. I want to teach Kindergarten if possible. I am starting the part-time multiple subject program this Fall. I have to finish this class and Edu 350 before I can start.
I hope to gain confidence from this class. I am glad it is a requirement because I don't want my Kindergartners knowing more about technology than me! I am also glad we are using Macs because I have never really used one before. The Mac doesn't seem hard to use, just a different set up than a pc.
I have the same thoughts about using a Mac. I have wanted to spend the time learning one for years. Everyone I have spoken with that has tried a Mac has fallen in love with it and swears by them. This class gives me the time and the push I needed to start learning something new. I find that Google is one of the most effective tools when I get stuck and am not sure how to complete a particular task. I typically just type the issue I am having in to goggles search engine which typically results in a resolution.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if you'll be teaching Kinder, you probably don't need much technology for kids. (But you need technology knowledge and skills for your work.) As technology has become commonplace in classrooms and homes, psychologists research the effects on kids' cognitive development. A theory by a MIT professor posits that kids under 7 years should not use a computer in their learning. It's a theory that needs further investigation. But I really think we need to be critical about educational use of technology. R-J
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