Blog 2 Chapter 1 and 2

     When reading the first story of chapter one I noticed that I had similarities in both stories of Hilary and Anthony. I come from a line of teachers in my family and I also never thought that I would one day become a teacher. I was always more into sports than school when I was younger. I noticed all the different examples that were used when describing how technology was used and I was amazed. I don't think of Facebook and texting as technology, its was just a part of everyday life for me. I also noticed how they transformed their knowledge of technology to help them in the classroom, and I am hoping that I can do that. I believe it is important to do this in today's world because it seems like every child is being born with an Ipad in their hand. This is the new way of teaching and we all have to adapt to it. I remember going into my sisters school to visit and seeing almost every child with an Iphone, from the 5th graders all the way to the 1st graders. It was an amazing site to see, I remember I got my first phone when I was in 8th grade and it was a pre-paid brick. Now children of all ages know how to use Iphones, Ipads, and all different types of technology. I think this is very important because that is a tool that is going to help them as they progress as student and eventually into their career. Every company is using some sort of technology, so we all better become proficient at it.
   
     In the second part of the chapter it explains how teachers can use different types of technology while teaching. I saw how it was done in the first class that we had. Professor Chen had us all participate in a poll where we got to use our cell phones. It was amazing to see how much technology has progressed in such a short number of years. In the chapter it says that teachers can incorporate computer technology into three major parts of their professional work. Those parts being Classroom instruction, outside-the-classroom activities, and inside- and outside-the-classroom learning activities for students. When inside the classroom the teachers can use technology to present academic material and create interactive learning experiences for the student in the classroom. This was exactly what Professor Chen did when giving us the poll question. When using technology outside the classroom the teachers can manage their day to day administrative and professional responsibilities. I see this done in various schools. I know in my old high school a program is given to parents by the teachers and it shows their child's progression during the year. I think this is a great way to monitor each child, so you don't have to call a child's home when he/she misses a homework it will just show up on the program. When using technology inside and outside the classroom the teachers ask students to use technology in academic learning during class time as well as outside of school. These are all great and very effective ways to incorporate technology while teaching.

     We also learned about how teachers can use 21st century technologies to teach 21st century skills to students. It states that 21st century skills represent the knowledge and understanding that students need to live and work in today's digital age. If you want to be a successful 21st century teacher you have to incorporate 21st century digital and electronic resources into all aspects of teaching and learning. The last part of this chapter talks about digital identity. A digital identity is what teachers know and are able to do with technology that includes your technology skills and talents and the way you incorporate them in your teaching. I believe by the end of this class we will all have a huge digital identity.

My questions for this chapter are:
What is next as far as advancements of technology in the classroom?
How much of a digital identity do you have to have to be successful in the classroom?

In chapter two we learned that 21st century computer technologies are vital in the classroom today for teachers in order to successfully educate students about technology and other subject matter. There are different ways to incorporate 21st century computer technologies. Some examples are through interaction, engagement, and learning among teachers and students. Also we read about WEB 2.0 tools which are a new generation of technologies that can be used to create highly interactive, inquiry-based learning experiences at all grade levels.

     We have to become technology innovators as teachers, so we can show new and exciting things about technology to our students and piers. It is very important to include all students when using technology and making sure every child understands what is being taught. We want all students to feel like they are a critical part in the lesson. Technology supports both the instructional and administrative/professional work of teaching.

     In most schools the budget is an issue when it comes to technology. Computers, smart boards, and Ipads are not cheap. They cost a lot of money to buy and also to maintain. This might be a reason why only one in five teachers use technology frequently in class to support student learning. In the chapter a good point is brought up saying that many future teachers know how to operate computers, search the internet, create PowerPoints, and communicate electronically, but are less informed about how to use technology to transform teaching and learning in schools. That is another reason why this class is vital for our teaching career. The last part of this chapter show how students use technology in their daily lives and in schools. As teachers we all have to strive to become technology-using educators which is someone who confidently integrates computers and other digital and electronic resources to create highly interactive, inquiry based learning in schools. Its very important that we all become technology using educators students today are digital natives who have grown up with technology.

My two questions are:
How can we make technology a little more affordable to schools, so we can all have the same resources?
What are some ways to make technology accessible to schools with low budgets?

     Some things that changed in the in technology is how fast it is to access information off the internet. It can literally take less than a second to google something when on a computer. Also the size of the machines that we use. The phones are getting smaller and so are the laptops and Ipads. It is amazing how small and slim they can make a product and it work so proficiently. Technology is changing more and more each day and I am very happy that I get to come along for the ride. I cannot wait to see whats going to happen next.