Blog Post #11

 The first graders are really lucky that they are given an oppurtunity to have computers in their classroom that allow them to learn about technology and be able to blog and use other networks. I think computers should be in the classroom for every student, because I think technology fascinates children and keeps them interested. Going to computer class in elementary school was always something I looked forward to doing, because it was something different then staring at a chalkboard all day. Children are so fortunate to have technology like they do these days. It's such a dramatic difference within the past few years of what technology has brought to the classroom. I never thought there would be a touch screen interactive board that replaced the chalkboard. Those weren't around when I was in school and that was only a couple of years ago. I can't wait to see what technology brings to the classroom by the time I am a teacher!

Mrs. Cassidy's skype interview gave some great advice about how to "get to know technology." Like we have learned through many other videos we have watched, they all say "technology isn't going anywhere, it's here to stay". Technology is different than it was five years ago, and teachers need to learn how to use technology to help develop the use of technology in their classroom. I don't think teachers realize how much can be done through technology to help their students in the classroom. She gave some great advice, that we need to find what fits for us to get started being involved in technology. If you like to watch videos than get a youtube account and start searching videos that your interested in. If you like photography than start using flicker. If you like to read, then maybe blogging is good for you to keep you interested. After you get a good idea of what's going on with these websites, you can then start to play around with the websites to help you learn. It's not going to mess up your computer or hurt anything to just try and figure it out yourself. Twitter is also very useful for people to use to stay connected all over the world. I still have a hard time getting used to twitter, but I am starting to learn how to use it a little better and grasp the whole concept of twitter. There was recently a episode of Grey's Anatomy that was all about using twitter and how tweeting in the operating room helped save someones life, because they were constantly updating the tweet of what was going on, then fellow doctors would give advice and ideas of what to do. I think that's what really opened up my eyes to the use of twitter.