What have I learned?

I believe EDU 554 has been the most advantageous class since I have started college! I have learned so many tips, tools, and techniques to incorporate technology into my class. And I can say that without a doubt, the students and I are loving it. My students love to use technology, and the fact that I embrace it seems to go a long way with them. While I was never afraid of technology before, I don't think I knew where to go to get what I needed or wanted. Now, I have an arsenal of tools at my disposal, and I am working my way through them as quickly as I can. I honestly cannnot express how much I have enjoyed this class.
My daily teaching practice has already changed as a result of my newfound knowledge, and I know it will only get better. I use my Mimio board at least three times a week, and I have already scheduled several more days to get my students into the computer lab. I think the students have newfound knowledge as well. By using a format with which they are familiar, and by incorporating more of what they enjoy, they seem to be more enthusiastic about learning. (Have you ever heard a kid get excited about doing research?? I have now!) I am so pleased with my progress in this class because I KNOW it will make me a better teacher!

Enhancing Technology in my Professional Setting

Encouragement is such an important part of any profession. Without it, we stagnate. I can work to encourage my professional colleagues to engage in ongoing development in terms of technology integration. One way I can do this is to host inservices in which I show colleagues some of the technology options out there and show how I have used them. Last year I hosted an inservice about creating your own personal web page, and this seemed to go over well. More than a dozen teachers were in attendance, and many commented how helpful the handouts I created were. If I could lead a few other inservices like this, it would be advantageous to many. In this way, I could also serve as a teacher leader.

In my middle school, there are not many teachers who are very tech-savvy. Many are nearing retirement age and many simply aren't interested in technology. However, as curriculum advances, students AND TEACHERS simply must be on board in order for everyone involved to stay competitive with schools around us.

A few of the tools that I have learned about in this class that I feel would be most advantageous to myself and my colleagues are creating web pages, web quests, and personal blogs. I have also learned about Voice Thread and Prezi, which I just love! It takes a PowerPoint presentation to the next level! I really look forward to incorporating more technology into my classroom, especially allowing students to use the tools to create projects. I can't wait!

Technology Concerns in My Classroom...

I do have some concerns about using various internet technologies in my classroom. One big concern is that my students know more than me! However, I have found that they love to teach me. There have been times when I have tried to work with a technology, been confused, and asked a student for help. Oftentimes, they are more than happy to reverse roles.
Another concern I have is that I don't have access to many of the technologies available. I teach in an economically depressed area, and my school is lacking in that area.
I do think that I have an open mind, and I think that's the key to helping alleviate my concerns. I cannot be afraid to seek help from any resource, and I cannot be discouraged that my school doesn't have the latest and greatest technologies. I can take what I have to work with and use it to my greatest advantage. I can still help my students learn to the fullest extent, simply by using what is available to me.