What I hope to get out of this course

I was first introduced to a computer in my first grade classroom. This device has enabled me to create almost anything I can think about with less effort than using any other tools. I have used it to do homework, projects, crafts, presentations, edit pictures, and even create databases to record information. All of this has helped me see that computers are devices that can be manipulated to fit our needs. The key for this is to understand how it works and how we can use it.

The computer was the first educational technology device I used. After it, I was introduced to more tools like projectors, tablets, laptops, and smart boards. All of these have also helped me with school and personal projects. Although I have some experience with technology, I hope that this class helps me expand my knowledge. I would like to know more about other tools that will enable me to enrich the activates I plan for my students. Today’s world is evolving at an accelerated pace. Technology is all around us and we need to start feeling comfortable with it. That is why I hope to learn everything I can about technological trends implemented in other classrooms. I would also like to learn about a software that will help me as a teacher to keep track of my student's progress.
Another thing I would like to learn about is how to utilize a smart board in the classroom. I think that this tool is very beneficial to the teacher and the students. It can be helpful to expand the children's curriculum by exploring topics that might interest them. For example, when learning about cultures there might be some children who will learn better by watching a video or looking at maps, pictures, and many other things that can be accomplished with the smart board. These are some of my expectations and what I hope to get out of this course. This is the first class I am taking about how to implement technology in the classroom. I am feeling very excited and eager to learn everything I can.

Other resources:

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•            The Ten Biggest Trends in Ed Tech http://thejournal.com/articles/2013/12/13/the-10-biggest-trends-in-ed-tech.aspx?m=2

(This website will give you a good introductory report about current educational technologies used in US classrooms).

• NMC Horizon Project Short List http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2013-horizon-k12-shortlist.pdf

(This list of projects may resemble the list of trends mentioned in the previous link but it explains each of them more broadly).

•        Smart Board-Elementary Educatiion http://youtu.be/lCfmJCSAG70

(This video shows the implementation of the smart board in an elementary classroom. Children are able to interact, engage, and learn using this technological tool).