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A Video All Teachers Should Watch

Best and Worst of Tech and Topics

It was great learning about all of the technology available out there. Since there is so much technology and what is available is ever changing, it is nice to have a class that helps us explore the useful ways to use technology. I enjoyed being exposed to all of the useful ideas that I can use in my classroom. This class has encouraged me to find my own PLN's and start building my own knowledge base.

What was not so enjoyable was the required work such as the website. The structure of the site and the required elements are stiff and lack personality. There are so many great ways to make a site, why are we confined to a layout that suggests a limited understanding of technology?

Does Technology Make Us Better or Worse Teachers?

It depends how we use it. Often times I think technology gives us the excuse to become lazier. It is possible for a teacher to think that a lesson needs less time because technology will make it better or we need to do less research because we can find the information on the internet. We must remember that technology is just a tool, it is was we do with it and how well we prepare that makes us better or worse teachers.

Improve a Lesson with Technology

Technology exists to make our lives easier. Otherwise what would be the incentive to invent and innovate? Technology is a large part of the real working world and our personal lives. Using technology in the classroom, where a teacher can model its effective use, will help students integrate proper tech use in their lives.

Value in Learning from Fiction

Students can learn a lot from both fictional and factual works. Most fiction holds some truths and can often can relate back to life situations. Why else would we read historical literature and then claim that we know more about a period in time, such as any Jane Austen book. We have a greater understanding about women's role in everyday life in 19th century England because of Austen's books.

Science Fiction not only has true aspects but also has fantasies, dreams, and futuristic visions that scientists have yet to discover. Computers and the internet were once a fantasy and have become a reality. I do not know this for a fact, but I would venture a guess to think that the idea of a computer in one form or anther was once written in a science fiction book. It was a fantasy that was brought to fruition by creative minds who first read about it in a work of fiction.

Portfolio Assessment

A portfolio is a great way to see a snap shot of what a person has accomplished. A portfolio can show a person's personality based on the quality, type, and amount of work. Assessing a portfolio gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect out a teaching candidate.