This summer I signed up to take an online technology course called "Tech-Infused Teacher". Personally, I like to think of myself as a pretty savvy technology instructor. I use technology daily in my second grade classroom, and I am always trying to look for new technology sites or ideas for my students to use. Currently, my district offers a Smart Board for each teacher, a computer lab, a few classroom desktops, and one-to-one computing for the students. I am very lucky because my students have many opportunities to use technology throughout the day. I signed up for this summer course for quite a few reasons.
First, I have not taken any college courses recently and I felt like I needed to get back into the classroom setting (as a student). I graduated from college in 2008, and I finished my Master's in 2011. I have taken professional development and attended many summer workshops throughout this time, but I still feel like I am missing out on something. I miss learning new things, and discovering new concepts. Most of all I miss the change.
Second, technology has always interested me and I always feel like I want to do more. Every year I try to add new things to my classroom because I like to change things for myself and my students. Sometimes I start the year with new ideas, and other times I add something in towards the middle of the year. Next school year, I am hoping to come back with lots of new ideas.
Third, I'd like to provide my students with new ideas surrounding technology. Kids love technology whether its video-games or tablets or computers or phones. They love it all! I have found that children are much more technology savvy than I think sometimes. I worry that they might not know how to do something or that they may be "too little", but I am always pleasantly surprised with their capabilities.
I hoping this course can help me feel confident in my technology teaching tools. I also hope to leave this class with lots of new ideas for my classroom, and maybe even my own personal use! I am looking forward to working with everyone this summer!
