Blog Post #2

The only time I have used MS Word as a student was to write essays or papers. I have never been asked to use it in any other way and up until college I had been using Microsoft Works to type up all my essays and papers. My teachers would use MS Word to create a syllabus for their class, but other than that they mainly used PowerPoint.    

Honestly, I have never given much thought to copy right when looking at videos or power points my teachers have shown me, but now that I have learned a bit more about it I am pretty positive some of my teachers were using copyrighted products. I do not believe they were trying to steal someone’s work on purpose, many of them probably were unsure of the proper way to recognize sources. Now that I have a good knowledge of copy right and fair use, I do not think I will have an issue with them in the future. As a teacher, I would purposely add in a source that would need to be cited and intentionally show the class a power point containing references to those sources. Hopefully, the class would want to ask questions pertaining to the slide with the references on them and I could inform them about the importance of copyright and fair use. After showing the students and explaining to them about copyright, I would assign a small power point project where the objectives would include finding images on google and to reference the source from with they came from, regardless if they are fair share. I believe the best way to prevent copy right and fair share issues from occurring is to address them before using technology in the class room. Then once the students have a decent understanding of the concept, then allow them to reference the sources they find on their own.

Safety of the students would be my first concern as a teacher, with that being said, I would want to address Student Privacy, Acceptable use, and Cyber-bullying before starting the school year. On the first day of class I would send home a letter with the students to give to their parents that would inform them of the technology our class would be using throughout the year and the expectations of the students when using technology. I would require the parents to sign the letter indicating if they understand and are ok with their child using these technologies and acknowledging these expectations and have the students return the letter by the end of the week. After receiving all the letter back having been signed by a parent or legal guardian I would then discuss how to treat technology and internet safety. I would give a mini quiz on the discussion and expect my students to answer the majority of the questions correctly. After all students take and pass the quiz, then we will begin to use technology in the classroom by taking baby steps.

   

Blog Post #1

I think a huge part that influences teachers are the ISTE standards, especially teachers that have been in the profession for many years and have not become accustomed to all the new advanced technologies. Teachers that have recently began their teaching careers may have other influences involving their personal goals or student teacher relationships. Students are inclined to use technology as a means of quick and easy communication between themselves and their teachers to receive assignments or announcements. Also, technology is a cool and fun way for students to learn as well as teaching them how to operate and maneuver technological programs. Teachers and students can both have influences to use technology that correspond with one another. For example, if a student is out sick or on family vacation this student can stay up to date with class through email with his or her teacher.   

The first ISTE standard is one that I think is a great standard. The fact that the teacher uses technology as well as involves the students in a standard class room setting shows a range in expertise. Primarily, it is crucial that students receive face time with an actual teacher. Face-to-face contact allows students to interact and be involved with what they are learning. Having the experience to use and explore technology with other classmates as well as face-to-face contact with a teacher is a great concept. The 3^rd ISTE standard seems daunting, this is because I am currently not very familiar with technologies. Hopefully, this course will allow me to feel much more comfortable with my knowledge on technological programs.

Digital native is a broad term. From now until the end of time, each generation will be growing within a “digital” society where they will have knowledge of various technologies. I grew up when these new technologies were commonly known throughout society but in my experience, I never cared to figure them out. Because I never was intrigued by technology, it hindered my understanding of it and therefore I have heard of many technologies but do not really know what they are. When I was in school as a digital native there was a computer lab with big bulky tan computers that we would hardly ever visit, looking back this is probably because the majority of my teachers were uncomfortable with technology. As a result, there was never any difference between how I used technology and how the teacher did. When I started high school, teachers began to use more technologies such as smartboards and so I would progress in my understanding of technology depending on if it was needed. I anticipate a dramatic increase in technology and it terrifies me that I will not be able to teach students anything that requires technology. When I teach, it will be a learning experience for me as well as my students in regards to technology.  

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Beginning Blog

       Many of my experiences with technology have been forced experiences. Through out my schooling the use of technology has increased drastically so, even if I was uncomfortable with the new way of doing things, I still had to participate. I can do the basics such as typing up papers on word and using my phone to call,text,and take photos, but I have never felt the need to become involved in social media or discover new technology.  
       I would love to learn how I can be more involved with technology and use it in a way that I understand. I am tired of remaining clueless about how to use and operate basic technology that every one in my generation uses on a daily basis. Personally, I am not a huge fan of social media, but I hope that this class can teach me more about modern technology so that maybe I can feel more comfortable with it in the future.
       I have learned that I work better when I am alone where I have much time to think about things and figure out the tasks and problems on my own. I tend to be a bit bossy when I work in groups because I like to have things done a certain way, this is also because I have a lot of cool ideas but I am afraid that no one will like them so when I work alone I can use any idea that I want. The subjects that I excel in are literature, mythology, and history because the do not require ample memorization of facts, instead they leave room for discussion and interpretation.