Before I began this class, I never realized the endless possibilities that technology in the classroom created. I understood that PowerPoint files and doc cams could be useful within a classroom, but I had yet to grasp the potential of sites, blogs, movies, and interactive websites.
I now think about this every day. I believe that technology could be a wonderful tool. It has become a way of life, even to young children. When they are at home, they are using the television, the computer, cell phones, and gaming devices. Children focus better on a computer screen today than they do on a textbook. A teacher is doomed to fail if he/she refuses to accept and adapt to this.
Though I'm still uneasy about the dangers of including cell phones into the classroom, because I have yet to decided on the best method to manage distractions, I am thoroughly excited about the other options. I have grown to love PortaPortal, not just for the opportunity to share educational and fun sites with my students and parents, but for my own personal use, so that links can be accessed from any computer. Another great tool I am excited about is the use of blogs and websites. I imagine creating a blog within a classroom, and allowing children to become more involved, invested, engaged, and responsible for their learning. The same can be said of a class wiki site, where students can post an article on what they are learning.
The possibilities are endless!!
