home

media type="custom" key="23485454"

media type="custom" key="23485358" My first reaction to this video was fear. It is discerning to think that America is no longer the superpower that we once thought. We are falling victim to China and India and their forward thinking culture and superior education. As a child my dad would always remind me “if all the people in China lined up single file and we wouldn’t live to see the end of the line in our lifetime.” I don’t know the true validity of this statement, but I do understand the point that he was trying to make. American really needs to make some changes in the way we view technology and education, we are no longer the progressive and revolutionary world power. Finally, I would just like to note that since this video was produced, a year ago, this information is already outdated- A truly extraordinary concept.

My Views on Technology:
I have always been surrounded by technology, as earlier as I can remember, a great example of the generation I have grown up in. I was engrossed with television and movies at an early age and began using computers in Kindergarten. My father made me memorize the letters on the keyboard before I began school. I only remember using the computer of entertainment purposes through games like Oregon Trail. It wasn't until later in Elementary school that I can recall using the computer educationally when taking "Accelerated Reader Tests", Map Tests, STAR Tests, etc. In early middle school we began using the computer for publishing, research, and a wider variety of reasons. I was always in involved in the school news so I was familiar with broadcast technology as well, cameras, video cameras, and various editing software.

I have had a cell phone since I was in the 5th grade; I think this was pretty rare for the time. It is not unusual for children in Kindergarten to have a cell phone. However, in 5th grade I was the only one of my friends with a cell phone. My mother, being the over bearing protective type, wanted to be able to communicate with me at all times. Since then I’ve had my cell phone attached to my hip, so to speak. At home, I can’t remember not having a computer. I spent free time as a child on “Kids AOL”; “You Got Mail” is a familiar phrase of my childhood. I have been very fortunate to have the latest technology, afforded to me by my parents. I’ve had an iPhone since the day it came out, and have been in line the first day any new apple product is available.

The generation that I will be teaching will be even more comfortable and knowledge than my generation was. Technology is changing every second, and it is crucial that we keep up with theses changes as teachers and implement technology instruction in our curriculum. I think that children in pre-k need to begin using computer; elementary students need typing instruction, word processing, and various software instruction. I plan to use several different types of technology in my classroom, there are endless amount of resources to help plan instruction. I am most excited about utilizing the smart board. My students will use computers, iPads & iPods, daily in their center work. I would also like to have my students use the computer for educational research as early as possible.

While I plan to implement technology in the classroom, I believe it is an unfair policy to assign students homework that require use of a computer or internet access unless you allow them time use the library, computer lab, etc. Due to various social economic backgrounds students are not afforded equal access to technology. As teachers in the 21st century it is important to incorporate technology into our demanding curriculum. Many students are taught proper digital etiquette at home, therefore we must also teach these children how to good digital citizens.