Weblog 1: Mon. Sept. 14, Technology Questions Continued

The question is: "In relation to technology, please describe what life is like for you after a typical school day." Well, I check my cell phone and return missed calls or text messages. Or I make new calls and/or text messages. Many nights, but not all, I check my email accounts and return emails. I somtimes use power school on line for my gradebook. I often watch TV and use Tivo to watch pre-recorded shows. I don't listen to much music - which is ironic since I'm a music teacher - but I don't have an Ipod. I'm not a fan of IMing or Facebooking - though I have done a little of both. I don't use the Internet nearly as much as most people I know. Also, though we have (I think) ALL gaming systems including the Wii, we're not addicted, and only play a couple of times a week. And one thing I really want to do is to hook up my camera so I can talk to my brother and sister-in-law on video because they live in Alaska.

The next question: "Indicate any uses of technology that you believe tend to be inappropriate or used excessively (by children in or out of school, but teachers in or out of school) or promoted excessively (by the media, the computer industry, schools) i.e. ones that should be restricted or regulated in key ways." Hmmm....well, I'm a little out of touch with this topic. I guess Facebook and My Space raise a lot of questions about how irresponsibly kids are using and being allowed to use the internet for their own or others' exploitation - I think that happens even on youtube to a degree.

The next question: "Let's imagine, humbly, that this course is definitely going to be the most meaningful and relevant educational technology course you've ever experiences, EVER. Drawing on your past experience in classrooms, and thinking uniquely, specifically and BIG, describe what we need to (1) DO (activities/projects), (2) STUDY (content topics and compelling issues/questions), (3) BE (interacting with each other) and (4) AVOID (in the previous three categories) in order for your visionary views of an ideal course to be mostly realized. WOW! You're really making me think here: I don't know all that much - just a drop in the bucket - about technology or how to use it. I'm fascinated by it - but I don't think my brain "gets it" easily or quickly. I find the possibilities endless - but overwhelming. To be honest, right now, what I REALLY want to learn personally is how to use my new music software "Alfred's Essentials of Music 2.0" as well as the Smart Board. HOWEVER, I don't have them yet. Otherwise, I would like to feel more aware of and comfortable with the 21st century technology that my students use so that I understand them more, communicate with them better and can be creative with my lessons BASED UPON WHAT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH instead of just what I already know and am settled in. As for interacting - I would vote for peer tutoring - partnering with someone who knows what the heck their doing. As for what to avoid, I can't think of anything right now. But I'll let you know if I do.