Post #9

Blogger.com is a website where entries are written in chronological order and are displayed in reverse chronological order. Although some individuals keep blogs for personal reasons, such as online diaries, I believe they hold greater importance in a classroom. A blog forms a connection between each student and gives them to opportunity to discuss the learning material, skills and new ideas outside of the classroom. It also helps the instructor keep track of each individual student and know where they are coming from and the direction they may be heading in.

Before taking Intro to Education Technology, I had never made my own blog and made entries on a regular basis. Throughout the semester, I found this to be a very useful and beneficial web-based tool. Not only was it a convenient for me to write down my thoughts, opinions, and new ideas, but I was able to keep it in an organized fashion and could easily refer back to a specific blog entry if I needed to. I also enjoyed reading other student's blogs because if I missed something in the reading, chances are I would pick it up by reading it in their blog. I found the other student's blogs appealing because they usually consisted of new ideas and projects that I had never thought of. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. This was probably my favorite part of our blogs because I enjoy receiving feedback from my classmates. I will most likely use this website as a way for my students to communicate with each other and me outside of the classroom.

The next technology-related skill I would like to learn would be learning how to use the Mac Apple computers. I currently do not have one and probably won't in the next several years but they are becoming increasingly popular. It is my prediction that in the next decade, when I am a teacher, they will be common among school computer labs and libraries so it will be beneficial for me to at least learn the basics of how they work.

My main goal as a teacher is for my students to be comfortable while using the internet. I want them to be able to use the web as a beneficial resource. Additionally, I want them to be able to successfully complete and submit web-based assignments. I understand that everyone of my students may not have access to a computer to learn these skills and that there are only a limited use of computers in school. That is why I will do everyday practices and worksheets with my students. Additionally, I will do demonstrations for the class and have them try to repeat what I do. I think that if we practice basic computer skills on a daily basis, they will become familiar and comfortable with the web in a short time.