Chapter 2

Chapter 2

In Tech tool 2.1 I love how the author starts off with "three future teachers discussing technology." It was refreshing to see one of the teachers share my same thoughts on technology in the classroom. Like Max, I believe that technology is a bit tricky. Teachers sometimes rely fully on computers and software to teach their students. True, technology is there to make the teacher's job a bit easier and the student's learning experience better, but whatever happened to the good old days? I say this because once, in my World History course, my professor wasted valuable class time trying to get the projector to work when she could have just used other resources, like the book, or her brain, in the meantime.

"Computer technologies are transforming every aspect of our society", especially in the education field. Web 2.0 tools and knowledge are very beneficial in education. Web 2.0 technologies like blogs, wikis, social networking and social media come in handy on a daily. Communication between the student and teacher have been made very simple procedures by these tools. E-mail and instant messaging are instant ways communication can occur.

Tech tools 2.1 fascinates me as well. The fact that apps for teaching and learning are starting to become more accessible is a great thing. I love how they have apps for each subject and all of them are interactive and hands on. For example: I love that Canvas is an app on my phone. Since I always have my phone with me every second of the day, it's nothing for me to scroll through to stay on top of my assignments, grades and messages from my professors.

In conclusion, this chapter further explains the endless possibilities of technology in education. How it helps shapes the learning experience of the student and help mold the teaching methods of the teacher. It showed different ways to communicate, learn and use technology in education.

RESOURCES:
 "Best Apps for Teaching & Learning 2013." Best Apps for Teaching & Learning 2013. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2015.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

 ""The Cool Things You Can Do With Canvas"" YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2015.

Chapter 1

First, I want to explore more on the term digital childhood. I was a bit aware that children were interested in technology. I have nieces and nephews and they all love television. However, the thing that surprised me was that Maloy stated "By 2010, over half of U.S children under age 5 were using some type of electronic learning toy and watching nearly four hours of television every day" (pg.3). It's hard to believe that children, as young as 2 years old, would be able to understand the concept of an electronic device. This makes me realize how smart children really are and it shows how times have indeed changed. My parents are older and did not have the luxury of technology when they were coming up and now my nieces & nephews are teaching them how to browse the web and operate the DVD player.

Second, before reading this section, I personally thought that teachers should not have social media accounts. I felt that allowing students to interact with you outside of the classroom felt a bit too personal and it invades your privacy. However, the text made good points as to how social media (Facebook, Twitter, ect), comes in handy when you're an educator. Not only does it help build your social identity, but it helps you improve on your method of teaching and explore other options on how to engage with a student. Plus, giving the student an opportunity to follow you on social media might have a positive influence on the student and it would reflect in their grades.  

Third, I found the strategies for learning  new technologies very helpful. I already had plans to learn along with my students but it seems as if it's suggesting we challenge ourselves to explore new material. I like the idea of creating new technology groups, expand technology categories and learning technologies while teaching academic content.

In the end, I feel as if Chapter 1 was a perfect introduction to this course. It's explaining to us how technology is such an important source in education and different ways to use it as a teacher.

RESOURCES:
 Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc. 
  
 Queally, J.. (2013, Oct. 28 ). In Digital childhood. Retrieved Jan. 16, 2015, from http://www.commondreams.org/news/2013/10/28/screens-screens-screens-worrying-childhood-impact-digital-revolution

R.S Teachers USE Social Media to encourage online learning. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhu4jJ7Y-eU