Week+1+-+Jan+11th

=Thoughts & Reflections... =


 * Having joined the course a week late, I missed this introductory class, however, below are my musings about technology and this course....

As mentioned on my introductory page, I am not a technology person. However, my backward ideas and opinions were challenged and toppled on their heads during my first practicum placement. I was blown away by how prominent cell phones and iPods were in the high school classroom. I was even more blown away by the fact that students were allowed to use these devices during quiet work time. And what surprised me even more was that they were actually being productive while listening to and using these devices!!

It was at that point I realized three very important things:

1) I was more ancient than I thought 2) Technology is an integral part of students' lives now 3) In order to be a great teacher, I was going to have to come to terms with all of this not-so-new-any-longer stuff

The other important lesson I learned during my practicum was how much easier technology made it to create dynamic and educational lessons that appealed to all learners. Initially I had all sorts of wonderful ideas incorporating PowerPoint presentations, interactive maps, videos from the CBC archives, YouTube videos, online quizzes, etc., but the classroom I was in was equipped with a blackboard and overhead projector. The lack of technology made it very difficult for me to create engaging and creative lessons. This experience again only served to reinforce the realization that I needed to become technologically savvy as soon as possible.

So, I enter this course with an open mind, ready to finally make friends with technology. Although I have only attended 1 class (as I switched into the course a week late), I have already learned so much, and I am eagerly looking forward to the weeks ahead!

=Reading #1 - "Understanding the Digital Generation" - Ian Jukes =

I was surprised to read that this generation is actually now wired differently than previous generations because of the "digital bombardment." Although, it makes a lot of sense. It is too bad the educational system is so resistant to change and has as of yet refused to recognize this shift.