I can admit that I am pretty “tech-savvy.” I own my own
business where I am mostly internet based. I started my own Facebook business page
and have networked enough to get over 1000 likes. I have also created an Instagram,
poshmark, and gmail account. I have experimented with other websites and apps
but have found these three to be the most beneficial to me. I am constantly on
my cell phone messaging customers and keeping them updated. When I do fairs and
farmer markets I make my contacts through facebook groups, which I am in more
than one hundred of.
I do not use social media for my own personal use. I play a
few games on my smart phone and will text my friends but that is about the most
social media I use for personal reasons. I was shocked when I read that most 8-
to 18-year-olds are using some type of digital or electronic technology almost every
waking hour outside of school.
One goal I have is to put this time that kids are on their
devices to good use. I would like to find and introduce apps that kids can
download at home that can help expand on what we learn in class. I do not want
these to feel like home work. I want them to feel like any other game.
Another goal I have is learning not to overuse the power of
technology. With technology you can create a technology-based learning environment
outside of the classroom. After class the teacher can continue to give notes,
start discussions, and continue to communicate with students. I think it is
important for both teachers and students to have relaxation time out side of
work. There will always be that moment when you feel like you have to check
your email one more time but you have to realize that there is always tomorrow
and a lesson or question can wait. I also do not want to overdo homework. Just
because I can continue a lesson outside of school does not mean I should.
Homework should be an extension of the lesson not a continuation, technology
should not change this. Adding from that, I would like to learn technology
effectively in all ways, inside and outside the classroom for students and
teachers.
I would also like to learn new ways to show my students the
importance of technology that is not digital or electronic. I want my students
to appreciate a hard copy of a book as much as I do. I want them to like
writing and know the importance of having good hand writing. I also want them
to walk into a library and not head directly to the computer and ipads.
My personal goal for right now is to develop a digital
identity as an educator. I do not have a personal digital identity now and I
feel that I should start creating one. I would like to create a strong
multimedia resume with great examples of different uses of technology I can use
for my future students.
I love that your personal goal is to develop a digital identity as an educator. I think that is very important because with so many different portals to learn from its hard to find which ones are the best match for you. As well as how to use them correctly. Technology is a luxury and a privilege that can be easily abused.
ReplyDeleteYou brought up a number of points that resonated with me. You mentioned that one of your goals is to put the time students spend using digital/electronic technology to good use. I love that idea. Instead of working against the growing trend of a digital world, you are striving to become a part of it and take advantage of what it has to offer. On the flip side you also noted that technology can lead to "overdoing it" and providing students with too much. I think that's an important balance that I need to learn (and so do a lot of educators). There is a balance between incorporating technology to further a lesson, topic, unit, etc. and there is using technology to overload information. The last thing you mentioned that struck me was that you want your students to understand and appreciate non-digital technology. I too love physical books, I find I have a much easier time comprehending what I'm reading when it is not on a computer screen. I think it's important to have an appreciation for all technology and not to force obsolescence on those technologies that are still useful.
ReplyDeleteBeing that I work in a school, I know how much children are using their cellphones for the internet, social media, and personal use, and I find it crazy. I remember I did not get my first cellphone until 8th grade, and even then it was just for emergencies. Now children have cellphones as early as first grade and in my opinion it seems many parents do not supervise what their children are doing on these phones. Evidence to how the use of media has changed since even we were younger, which was not too long ago. My favorite part of your post is how you would like to find and introduce apps that kids can download at home that can help expand on what they learn in class. I totally agree with you, and would also like to do that as well.
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