Chapter 1 IWBs

Interactive Whiteboards are a wonderful tool...when used for their purpose. I have experienced MANY teachers who simply use it as a regular whiteboard. And only one teacher who has used it for more, but not at its full potential. In Chapter 1, it discusses that there is little to no difference in test scores in school using Interactive Whiteboards, and those which do not. I believe this could very well be due to the fact that teachers that have the interactive boards do not know how to use them. To be honest, I am not surprised. You give a huge piece of technology to a teacher because the teacher is to teach this technofile generation; but the generation that is teaching them are technophobes. Teachers need to better understand how to use this technology for it to be beneficial, which makes me grateful to take this class because I would be one of them!

Picasa Slideshow and Google Presentation Scavenger Hunts

This was probably my favorite project so far! I really enjoyed going outside, taking pictures, and doing something technology free (no offense), and then coming and learning to edit and post my photos. It is such a simply tool to use for a simple task, and maybe that is why it has been my favorite. I like doing something I can do!

Mid-Course Reflection

Although we are past mid-course, I will still reflect on my experience with the class so far. I have really enjoyed learning how to use technology and apply technology to teaching. I have always been the type to know enough to simply get by, but it is nice knowing the potential that these programs have and the potential I have to use them in a classroom. It really does make me excited to get creative when teaching and be a better teacher than I would with paper and pencil!