Reflection #12

While doing Field work, I have noticed that a lot of the teachers are still communicating with students through grades on hard copies, and take home notes. It would be so great to see more technology being used, especially from teachers that have been teaching for a while. Not only do the teachers need the update with technology, but so do also the students and parents. There are so many great and effective ways to communicate through technology. There is powerschool, individualized websites, email, and many others. It is also a lot more fun for the students to be introduced to all the technology.

This weekend my husband and I watched LDS conference on the internet, because we were somewhere that didn't have television or cable. It was so great and convenient to be able to still take part in that. The internet is a great source of technology that needs to be used more for teaching tools, and communicating, and discovering. IT seems as though students would get so much more involved in the lessons if they had a chance to do a webquest or research in class. I love the idea of the laptop station for each classroom. It gives every student a chance to use their own computer and have that experience with technology. It seems as though everything is going to start being on computers versus hard copies, so it's great prectice for these younger children.

While teaching our lessons this last week, we did a webquest with our class, and they loved it because it was so interactive and different from what they are use to. Webquests are great for students to get heavily involved in their work, and can explore what they please and learn what is available to them. It is also a fun idea to make one as a class, I think it would get everyone so exciting and they will be learning so much and not even know it. I know as I have done our webquest for class I have learned a ton of stuff but it's been in fun interactive and interesting way. After making one as a class, it's great way to agree as a grade level to have each class make one, and then share them and have each class explore the others. So instead of having just one webquest, each class then has three or four to use for lessons. It's a great way to collaborate with other teachers and classes. While preparing our lessons we also used the internet and sources like UEN for ideas, which was a big help, and helped us make sure we were staying within the curriculum for the students. It was also helpful for the teacher because instead of teaching pointless stuff to the class, we taught stuff they actually need to know.

When I become a teacher I hope to be able to use all the great technology that is out there, it may take some extra money and time to get it, but it's so worth it. Students deserve to learn with technology and now days it's just something they need to know or atleast be introduced to. There are too many great fun and amazing technologies out there that teachers and students aren't using.