Reflections on Technology Integrations

My view of technology integration has changed. Before attending Tech Theory I thought of technology integration as more of learning how to use an overheard projector. I did not realize there is almost an endless list of ways you can use technology to keep your students engaged in so many new ways.

Things have certainly changed since I was a student in a K-12 school. When I was in high school, cellphones did not have the Internet on them and were never allowed in the building. Now students are allowed to BYOT to school. When my son's elementary school sent him letters announcing that students could bring in their own devices I never let my son participate. I completely misunderstood the purpose. I did not realize it was for educational purposes and did not see any value in him bringing his device to school, especially since it could be broken, lost or stolen. I will certainly keep that in mind as I become a teacher and make sure it is explained better to my students' parents.

I think the greatest challenge I will face integrating technology in the classroom is making sure parents are informed and that students did not abuse technology. The way I will overcome these obstacles is have clear rules about technology use in the classroom. I am a substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional and the greatest challenge I have is knowing what students are allowed to do as far as using technology in the classroom. Students will often ask to get on the computers or on their personal devices but I do not know the teacher or schools policy. When I am a teacher I will make sure any substitutes teachers I have in my class will be made aware of the rules governing technology in my room.

The course tasks I have done so far have been coming up with "BYOT Rules" and writing blog posts to discuss and reflect on using technology in the classroom. Both assignments have been helpful to not be afraid of technology in the classroom and start coming up with a plan for my own future classroom. I certainly plan on my classroom having a digital presence online. I have fallen back in love with blogging and I see myself incorporating it somehow in my classroom. I think it would be neat to have a private blog for my class where students can reflect on what we are learning in class and share their thoughts with each other and their parents.