Technology in the Classroom: A Professional Blogfolio

Wow! I watched this video by Dean Shareski and it was eye-opening for me as a future educator. This video demonstrates the importance of changes with the times! And it’s happening right here in Saskatchewan! It was neat to see the kids using palm pilots, laptops, and cell phones in the classroom. (Some of which I wouldn’t even know how to switch on…)

It is one thing to have the technology in the school, but another to have students actively engaged. In my experience, too many times teachers use different types of technology while students are sitting patiently waiting for a chance to experience it first hand. During my pre-internship it was brought to my attention that I was guilty of this. I was using the overhead projector to show the students how to get to a particular site while the laptops were closed sitting in front of the students. (Ooops…) I do understand the importance of demonstration during lessons, but I also recognize that I was taunting my students while I was busy having all the fun!

One thought that kept running through my head as I watched this video was, “Does every school have these types of technology?” The obvious answer is NO! In an ideal world each school would have the same exact educational opportunities, but we have not reached that point yet. I believe we must do the best we can with what is available. Do what works for you as a teacher! Technology is a way for students to engage in the material, but we must remember it is not the only way.