Interest in Technology

Growing up we always had a computer in the house as well as game systems. Coming to ISU to study as an undergrad, I felt very comfortable using computers in general and was very excited to learn more programs and ways to use computers as a student. I took the Intro class of technology in the classroom my very first semester and that really opened my eyes to the things that were out there. At times I was frustrated since most of the programming we were using was on MACS and I hadn't really had any previous experience on a MAC.

Four years later, I am happy to say that I am comfortable with all kinds of computers and many technologies and programs. During my student teaching, I had the opportunity to teach in two districts on opposite sides of the technological spectrum. My first placement had a seemingly endless supply of resources in technology and I was able to teach with a projector/Elmo just about every day as well as flip cameras, video cameras, etc. My second placement was quite different. The only form of technology in the room was an older computer for the children to use. Every couple of weeks the teacher would put in a different program and that was it for technology.

Having seen both situations from a teaching perspective, it really sunk in to me the importance of technology within the classroom. At this point I feel comfortable enough to integrate technology throughout my lessons, but know that I definitely have room to learn. It seems like the more I learn, the more I see I need to learn, but I feel like I have a strong enough foundation in technology to continue building my knowledge of programs and strategies to enhance the use within my teaching. I look forward to this class and hope to continue building my comfort level and knowledge of technology while using it with students.