Lessons Learned

  Through the articles and movies it was clear how much technology has changed the classroom learning experience even just within the last few years.  As teachers we are going to be responsible for keeping up on the latest and greatest technological advances. These are things our students could possibly be more knowledgeable on than we are because of the generational changes in society.  I don't see anything wrong with allowing our students to teach us on occasion. Admitting to a student you don't know the answer or how to do something lets your students know you are still human and value their opinions and strengths.      I also learned that many students now are basing their self esteem on their status on social networking sites.  Not only is this an issue for students and parents, but it can affect their confidence in their school work.  Issues can arise, especially in older grades, by addictions to internet sites, games, and social sites.  As teachers it would probably be affective to educate our students on the affects of the internet from a young age to try to prevent ill affects later.
     I learned that no matter what, our generation of teachers is going to be required to use technology in all its sources.  It is better to be prepared than to be behind.  Introducing our students to good technology can give them a good taste of this great resource before it can turn sour.

My Beliefs

     It was really interesting to read the article entitled The New WWW.  Last semester I was able to take a class called Positive Psychology.  Much of the class was spent discussing Dr. Seligmans research on happiness, as was discussed in the article.  The internet provides many sources for the good but also for the bad.  As the article suggests, it is not as easy of a world as the web makes it out to be.  Promoting self esteem and happiness through material means is going to reduce happiness rather than increase positive emotions and feelings of contentment.  The internet is a prime source of taking this route, with the ads, commercials, social networking sites, pornography, and one click buying.  Kids can loose control of reality if they spend to much time in front of the screen.
     Besides the www, technology in general has become a must for children in todays world. From cell phones to ipods to video recording devices and everything in between, student expect to become proficient and have their own devices.  These devices are expensive and become a status symbol for children.  However, they are part of our society now and they must be used and addressed in the classroom. 
     I believe that there needs to be a balance between active and effective technology use and use of traditional means of communication and work time.  There are benefits of both forms of work and neither should be dominate over the other.  Because of our societies focus on technology, it is important we address it and use it, because our students will have to use it outside of the classroom.  Part of our job as teachers is to prepare our students for life in the real world, and with technology such a huge part of life, we must educate our students in all areas of technology.

Strengths and Weaknesses

   It was easy to find my weaknesses in the NET Standards.  Although I feel that I have a high functioning knowledge of technology and use it regularly I am definitely am not up to date on the legal uses of internet and technology uses in schools.  There seems to be a fine line between what is allowable in the classroom and what is not.  Not only that but also what would be appropriate for different technology use in different age groups.      I used Creative Commons to study some of the legalities of creating my own digital media for use in the classroom and how to identify copyrights on websites.  The site netsafeutah.org also provides information on appropriate activities, teaching children safety, and recognizing dangers and risks.
     Technology is essential in today's classrooms but we need to make sure that we as teachers are up to date on the legal and safety issues of the internet. Always keeping up on education would help me to use my strengths to make my weaknesses stronger.  I would like to create a workshop on internet benefits and strengths. I want to make sure that there is a balance of good technology and traditional learning.  Because student's have different strengths and weaknesses related to learning we have to exercise and practice all options of teaching.