Final Thoughts

So I was thinking since this is my last blog that I would reflect on all the things I have learned in this class. At the beginning of class I thought of myself as a pretty well-versed individual when it comes to technology but there were so many things I didn't know I was missing! I have always liked technology but navigating through new technologies is some times a little difficult. It was really great to learn all these new tools. Before this class I had never blogged, heard a podcast, used a Smart board or clicker, made a template or a video. I love that I know how to do ALL of that now. I am so glad that I may be able to use these tools in my future classroom because I think the students will enjoy them as much as I do. Learning with technology is a fun way to educate the future generations and I'm looking forward to using the many things I learned to do just that. To add to the list of things I have never done before is creating a website. The website I'm working on will be a e-portfolio and I'm curious to learn how to create one since I haven't yet. So I guess my final thoughts are of excitement and anticipation for the future integration of technology and my classroom, I wonder what technology will come next...

Week 11

This week we got to take a look at the Smartboard lessons everyone created. I thought they were really exciting! I loved making my smartboard lessons and was amazed to see all the new and different lessons my classmates came up with. I knew when I was doing my lessons that I wasn't even scratching the surface of the smartboard capabilities but I was shocked to see all the interactive tools I missed. I'm really hoping that the school I am employed in has a smartboard because I'm eager to use it!! I also liked the jeopardy! game we played this week on copyright laws. I didn't realize how strict these laws truly are but as future teachers it is important to be aware of the parameters of copyright laws.

Week 10

This week we continued to learn about the interactive whiteboard capabilities. Our assignment is to create 6 activities on the smartboard that could be used in the classroom. I'm really excited with the different activities I created and am really interested to see what my fellow classmates have come up with. Although this is my first time with this particular software it is quickly becoming my favorite! We learned how to make forms last class as well which I found to be particularly helpful. I never realized that there was a way to create a template form in word. Now I am going to have a much easier time with my lesson plans because I have created it into its very own template. I will never have to worry about the spacing again -- I'm so happy! This is also an important tool for the classroom to create student forms which could be filled out on the computer (saving paper). All in all I really am enjoying the new tools we have been given.