Week 1 Reflections

I am playing with multiple ways to post for ETEC 524. I posted my first draft of my educational philosophy in a separate post. Now, I am going to think about this week's readings. I connected with articles for this week. November's article with simple ideas to think about in regard to schools and technology. When I was a principal in 1994---I spend tons of money for technology that was used very little. I am sad to report the gaps in technology uses today in classrooms.  In my work I visit classrooms with lots of technology for teacher's use but little for students. Other classrooms have students using technology. November reported research that cannot report a connection between teach and higher achievement. I do not want to get on my soap box but at times, learning cannot  be reduced to a quantitative score to be measured. What about motivation--student agency--student satisfaction? Can you measure all these factors with a number? When you see students actively engaged in learning activities with technology---you know that is a connection and an impact. Educational blogging article really helped me to envision a classroom that has integrated technology with learning. Reading the students comments helped me realize that I have to work to get to that point in my teaching career!

In my work as college professor, I still have to take my class to a computer lab instead of having computers in my classroom for students use. My favorite point in November's article is the importance of collegiality---on my tech journey I have learned that working with peers helps me with technology use!

This semseter I hope to gain confidence with my teachnology use. Not to be afraid to try and fail and try agian. I also would like to find balance. How technology and print can intertwine and support student learning!