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.

My name is Rachelle Kvamme and I’m from Weyburn, Saskatchewan. I am the stereotypic small town girl (minus the cowboy boots and country music thing). Being from the southeast corner of the province I believe it has given me a unique perspective of the world around me. My family has taught me to be grateful for everything in life. Although I am especially grateful for my education, ECMP 355 and internship this fall are the only things standing between me and my BEd! I’ve enjoyed my years at the university, but I’m excited to finally be finished in December. Maybe then I will be able to get back to a few things that I have, in the past, enjoyed.

I can’t wait until I can actually pick up a book and read for enjoyment instead of for class requirements. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to lose yourself in a good book. While I’ve been lagging in my reading, I have been able to keep up with my passion for music. I attend as many concerts as humanly possible all over the prairie provinces. With friends and family members  I travel to venues big and small to see artists from many different genres. When I do find spare time I love to play guitar or watch a good movie.

I have had a number of experiences with technology in the classroom, but they have all been fairly monotonous compared to children’s experiences now. I remember completing a test to get a “computer liscence” in grade three. In grade six we quickly learned how to copy and paste. (We did not, however, learn that handing in this  ”report” with multiple sizes of coloured font with our names on it was plagiarism). By junior high and highschool my experiences were limited to researching online and using word processor.

After finishing my pre-internship this spring my views on technology have completely changed. The students were far more knowledgable about computer technology than me. They had codenames and passwords that they were responsible for remembering. They were creating podcasts, contributing to the class website, and finishing webquests all in grades 3 and 4! Instead of simply having them publish their writing using word processor I realized that there were several options for the students to use this technology to enhance their learning. I learned that I just have to be open to new ideas and get creative!

Because of my limited experiences with technology, I hope to be able to learn about the many different ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. I know it’s a broad expectation, but it is a starting point for me. I would like to know what’s “out there” and what’s appropriate for day to day life in the classroom in regards to the ever changing world of technology.