Tech reflection

I think the greatest thing about taking a education tech course is that it actually gets you thinking about technology! Sometimes I get so caught up in just getting curriculum to my kids using the basic resources that are given to me OR just doing it the way I always have because it is what has become easy. To be honest, before I took a tech course, I did not think too much about how important it really is for students to be interacting with technology in school. I suppose if I were to be asked why, I would say that many of them use technology so much at home and it is not always easy to incorporate in the classroom. I have come to find, however, that it is important. While much of my time using technology is for fun, I also use technology for business and my own education. As technology is becoming more and more prominent in our lives, it is vital to learn how to use it in this way (business/education) at a young age. The more fluent students become in using technology and even tech etiquette, the more prepared they will be when they are immersed into the "real world." Since starting my course, I have tried to increase technology use where I can. I have been using my smart board with my students more and incorporating our class Surface and iPad more with the kids. Whenever we are able to have small groups, I try to have the iPad be one of the activities so that students can practice using it. I would like to put more apps on it for students to use, but finding time in our structured day is a challenge. I plan on stressing technology use in our take home projects we assign, such as our quarterly book reports. I would like to see my students use PowerPoint or Prezi for their presentations. It is a work in progress, but I am glad that the course has got me thinking on how I can help my kiddos be successful with technology in their future!