My Beliefs

I can see where the next generation is heading as far as technology is concerned. I grew up without owning a computer. I didn't take my first keyboard class until 9th grade--using a TYPEWRITER!! I used a typewrite all through high school and when I graduated I got a job at DHI in Provo and I learned how to use word perfect. It was AWESOME!!!

I've seen a change in technology even since my oldest son was born. We bought him a few CD's so that he could play games on the computer. Now, our children can download anything off the internet. My youngest son has no fear when it comes to computers. He is in first grade and I still remember when he came home from school a few months ago to show me that he could copy and paste pictures of flamingos. He had just learned it that day in computers.

I know that technology is a must and I'm willing to put in the effort. I think web quests are so much fun to use in the classroom. I believe that classroom websites are a must and I LOVE digital stories. I loved putting it together.

My belief is this--We have been blessed to live in a world where anything is possible. I think we need to look at advancements as exciting and get on board and stay on board so that our future students aren't BORED. HA HA. WOW!! It must be late. :)

Lessons Learned

I think the most important thing I learned was that technology enables learning. It engages students in a way that teacher instruction cannot. It is also intellectually challenging for students to use technology.

In science, students are able to visualize and model their way through experiments. The article says that students stay on-task during these types of lesson because they aren't bored.

I learned during field that students learn in different ways. So, technology will benefit students that have different learning styles. The article states that it enhances the student/teacher relationship as well.

Thanks for encouraging me to have a Spirit of Discovery this semester. I've really made an effort to work hard. I appreciate your time.

Strengths and Weaknesses

When I took the UNI Survey and NET Standards, I realized that I am low because I am not currently designing authentic learning activities for students yet--other than the projects from your class. I am also in the apprentice stages when running projectors for power point presentations. And, I was able to learn a little bit about the document camera while on field, but I'm new at that as well. I am a pre-novice when it comes to smart boards.

My strength however, is the ability to work hard and be willing to learn. I want to be a teacher that uses technology so I am going to keep working at it. I am pretty good at power point, word and other programs. I enjoy using the computer.

I have a list that I have kept from Dr. Hudgins, Computer Technology in Education class. I have watched many tutorials and have read websites that she has suggested.

Brain Pop, Citation Machine, Table Talk, Internet Safety, Smartboard, etc. I've looked at a lot of websites that will help me in my future classroom.

Field Experience

I had a great time during my field experience. I was fortunate to be in a very good classroom with disciplined students and a great mentor teacher.

The students loved the digital story. We showed it at the beginning of our 5th and final lesson. They didn't make a peep during the story. I could tell that they were really enjoying it and putting together all they had learned from the unit.

Our teacher liked the digital story as well. She is a 2nd year teacher and recently graduated from UVU so she appreciated the time and effort that it took to put together.

In the time that we were there, she did not use a lot of technology. She did use her document camera during math time. It worked really well so that she could have the students follow what she was doing. She also used her document camera when reading a story so that the class could see the pictures while she read it. The other time that she used a digital story was for the 5th grade program. The 5th grade team put together a story about the soldiers who have fought for our country in the past century. It was very moving.

Now What--I do want to change a bit of our digital story. When we finished our unit, I noticed some holes, but haven't had time to make the necessary changes. I will try to get it done before the final showing.

Overall, a VERY good experience. So, I won't be in class tomorrow. I will work on the PDP at home like you suggested. See you a week from tomorrow. :)