As a student I did not have much experience with technology. I am from Goffstown, NH, and we really didn't use much technology in elementary school or middle school. We occasionally went to the library, but we never really learned how to research. In high school, we had only three mobile carts with laptops in them, so we never got to use them. Half of them didn't even work.
I did get more time on computers in high school. Although, we never learned how to research properly. We just could not use Wikipedia. I was never taught how to know if a resource was credible or anything like that. I suppose we were lucky enough to have a library with computers and mobile carts, but I feel that the school could have taught us more how to use them. We never got into deep websites, only Google mostly. I think that if we did learn how to blog or use different websites other than Google to search information, then maybe we would be more technology inclined.
I did take a class in high school called CADD. I don't remember what it stands for, but it was basically just learning how to use a computer program to build things online. For example, we built locker organizers and cars on the computer. That was the most confusing class of my life. That was the first time i ever got deep into technology.
I am planning on teaching kindergarten or first grade. I would like my students to be into technology because that is what the world is about these days. I hope that I am lucky enough to work in a school that has technology available. I feel that technology, such as computers or iPads, could have benefits. There are a lot of games children can play online or on apps that will help them with their math, reading, spelling, and so on. I observed in a Bedford elementary school in a kindergarten classroom, and those students had an iPad cart that was available to them. All the children did enjoy using them. At first I thought these students are too young to be playing with these and how could this help them. I thought that because growing up, I did not have any of that. But, after seeing them use the apps and games for learning, i realized that it helps the students. I hope I can bring that into my future classroom so my students can learn from many different ways, such as, technology and me.
In high school I always struggled with researching properly too, some teachers that were not familiar with a lap top or computer was no help. It was frustrating at times. I think thats great you were able to take a class on how to use a computer program. It was be very beneficial for students that are not familiar with computers yet to take a class like that. I would love to teach kindergarten or first grade too! I felt the same way about thinking students are so young they shouldn't have an iPad in class but then i realized when i was that young we didn't have any of that stuff. So students are now lucky enough to have that, and hopefully the school will be fortunate enough to provide the technology to have in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought that taking that computer class would be beneficial, but it was not entirely because I never used what I learned again. But I can't wait to teach first grade or kindergarten! That is such a great age because they are filled with curiosity. If I could have them use technology in my classroom I would, but I'm sure by the time we are teaching there is going to be something more than an iPad. It is interesting to see how technology is developing over time, and as teachers we are going to have to keep up with it!
DeleteHey Taylor, nice story! I really liked how you included your research strategies and what not, because much like you, I had little knowledge of reliable, and reputable sources or even how to find them on the internet. I also really liked how you included the age in which you would like to teach and how you would like to use technology, specifically ipads, in your classroom. I nanny a first grade girl, and she absolutely loves playing on her ipad! She loves to draw, color, play games, and even do math problems, so I think your idea has great potential :)
ReplyDeleteYes I would love to teach first grade or kindergarten! But, I feel that it will be hard to incorporate iPads in classrooms of that early age because they are just learning to read and write. But, I think that I can find a fun way to teach how to spell vocab words and everything!
DeleteIsn't it funny how younger children seem to have a knack for technology? It's amazing how much they can learn from something as small as an app or a game on an iPad. I definitely see your original thought of how you didn't think they could really learn anything from them. I still sometimes believe that children don't learn as much when using technology but I think it's because I didn't grow up using technology the way students do now. In reality, they do learn much more than we actually think.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how children just pick up technology just like that. Maybe we think it is amazing how fast they pick it up because we did not get technology at that young age. But, if they learn how to use technology at an early age, it will help them in the long run! They will end up being technology wizes by the time they hit high school. I am definitely planning on using technology in my classroom,
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