I guess I should start by saying, "I'm not a blogger". I can pretty much turn on a computer, and run all the general programs that I need on a day to day basis. That really means that I can work Microsoft word, and that is about it. You should have seen me when I was trying to figure out the SPSS program for statistics. Now that was something to see. I was so unsure of myself. I did muddle my way through, as I do in most cases where computers are concerned.
I wouldn't say that I am computer illiterate. I can identify all the computer components. I can define RAM in the most general terms. I can even change settings on the desk top and retrieve data. I don't do well with Excel. I do great with power point. In fact, power point is my favorite program second to word processing. For the most part, I stick to what I know and try not to worry about the rest.
Now, get me into the classroom, and I'm a little bit better. I can pretty much find my way around an active board with very little trouble. In fact, it is the only thing that I do use when I'm communicating ideas to my students. I use all the bells and whistles that come along with the active board. I love that I no longer have to go out and buy a dry erase graphic organizer. I can simply use one on the active board that I can save or erase with a press of a pin or click of the mouse.
I also love to get my students engaged. They know about as much or more than I do about the active board. I encourage this because it allows them to be independent learners. I like being able to give them an assignment, telling them to go to it, and not having to hold their hand all of the time. That is why I also train them how to operate a desktop computer from day one. By mid year, my students can log on to the computer, search for information, and locate a specific web address. They can also type up a short paper, and design their own power point.
Some feel that technology in the classroom is a detriment to the instruction of children. Personally, I feel it is up to the teacher to make sure that the students are able to articulate what they are learning when they use technology. technology is a critical tool for a classroom in all grade levels. It
helps teachers to streamline and expedite the instructional process.
Technology also engages students at a more abstract level. Students
learn to think critically, and to become problem solvers.
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