Use of Technology

Tech Paper

In today's world, we have more technology at our fingertips than anyone could've dreamed of just decades ago. When the first boom of new technology came along, it was mainly just students who were using it, with most teachers reluctant to give up their old ways. In some cases, the 'old way' may be better, but in today's world, if you don't stay at least somewhat current with the advances in technology you will get left far behind. When I was going through college to earn my degree in education, I used the overhead projector, which now is seen as obsolete in many places. Now it's all about the interactive whiteboard and computer with a projector. Today, the students who once lead the way in using the new technology have now become the teachers; and their love for using technology has only grown and taken root in their classrooms.

The article that I found is called, "My Favorite "New" teaching tool," from Educationworld.com. Several tech and teacher teams were asked: What is your favorite new (or newly discovered) teaching tool. The answers ranged from free online file sharing sites, to social networking sites, to devices that once were thought to be restricted to only personal use. One teacher, Janice Friesen shared that her favorite tool was her Flip Video Camera. These mini video cameras are small and simple to use, and can easily make a great addition to the classroom. Their uses are endless; the footage taken with them could be used as benchmarks of child behavior, or even as a great end of the year memory movie. Friesen had to say, "These cameras are not too expensive...they're easy to use; and they create quality video that's pretty easy to edit."

Another teacher, Mary Kreul, mentioned how she uses the social networking site Twitter.com. Kreul said, "I've used Twitter...to connect with teachers around the world...especially with those teachers who work with elementary-aged students." Another website that Kreul talks about using is TweetDeck, which has the same premise as Tweeter, but the user has the ability to separate the messages by tabs to make it easier to follow different topics. This website even allows the teacher to take part in group discussions with other teachers on a wide range of topics. "...participating in this professional learning community has encouraged me to expand my teaching ideas, strategies and philosophy." Kreul talked about Drop Box, which is a free online sharing site where the user can post and save documents that can be accessed from anywhere. Students and teachers alike could take advantage of this site; "I can work from any laptop, desktop, or portable device...pull up a file; work on it; and then save it back using Drop Box." Students could also use this site when working on an in class assignment. If the periods ends and they