The image on the left describes how I feel about technology. I see both its pros and its cons, but I don't feel super strongly either way. One thing's for sure though, it definitely makes me think. The image on the right displays my thoughts about technology integration. In regards to the classroom, at this point I see technology mostly as a resource or tool -- a means to an end rather than the end itself. However, I'm open to changing my thoughts.
In my personal life I use technology to stay connected and in contact with friends and family through social media and cellphone use. I also use it to stay up-to-date on weather, news, and various local events that may be happening. In my professional life I use it to access information about school, stay in contact with my teachers, mentors, and classmates, and to complete coursework. I'm very comfortable using technology on my own that I'm familiar with. I'm pretty tolerant when it comes to learning new technologies but if it's something that I don't catch on to easily I can get frustrated unless I have someone teaching me how to use it. When my tech tools 'misbehave' I'm pretty stubborn in the sense I'm going to find a solution or figure it out. Usually I have a list of strategies I'm already aware of to try and fix the issue. If none of those work, then I usually just google how to solve the problem. So far I've never needed to look beyond googling but if I needed to I would just call someone who might be able to help with the issue (for example: Apple Support if I'm dealing with Apple products). This quarter I hope to learn how to use some new technologies I'm not familiar with and integrate them into my tech toolbox. As I mentioned earlier, I often prefer learning new things when someone is teaching me. In addition to that, I'm hoping to gather some new ideas involving technology integration that I can take with me into my future classroom.
Hi Amber,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the image on the left because that is also how I feel about technology. I also like all the words you chose for your word art, as most of those I actually didn't think of. However, I thought of technology as a whole rather than the resource or tool you thought of.
Like you, I am willing to learn new technologies if I am being taught how. If put on my own I will more than likely get frustrated and give up easily, which I hate to admit have already done before. What are some of the strategies you use before going to google? I've always had good experiences when calling Apple Support... even if they tell me to turn it on and off again like I have done ten times before calling. It's also nice that we have our own tech savvy people in the JFK library that can help fix our broken computers (at the very least).
It was great to meet you, and look forward to hearing more of your thoughts this quarter. See you monday!
Faith,
DeleteIt was great meeting you too!
One of the strategies I use quite frequently is the one you mentioned of shutting my device on and off again. Or if it's a website, I'll exit and go back. With devices like my phone or computer if I have glitches/slowness/etc. I'll then go through my trash folders, photos, download, etc. and clear out any unnecessary items that might just be taking up space. Finally, I'll just shut the device down and let it sit for a few hours rather than just immediately restarting it like I normally do. Those are the main things I do before heading to Google!
Yes, calling supports has always been an interesting thing for me. Like you, I've had good experiences. Sometimes I just have to sit back and laugh when they tell me something I've already tried and then it works when I try it again for them!!
Thanks for the great question!
Clearing out the unnecessary items is a good idea, not something I have thought about. I probably have so many things that are unnecessary. I'm sure my computer would appreciate the good clean lol. I never let things sit for a few hours because I am impatient but if that helps a little more, then i'll have to try it out next time. Thanks for sharing !
DeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite word on your word cloud is "opportunity." Even if something is unknown and/ or intimidating or daunting, the word "opportunity" is such a pleasant word. It lends itself to mean that what others might see as a problem or obstacle, is instead a chance for you to discover and create. Nice job there!
Do you have much experience using technology for a variety of presentations? That is something I will also need to get tuned in on one way or another!
Matty,
DeleteThank you for kind comments! I was intentional in choosing the word because it carries such a positive connotation as you mentioned!
I don't think my experience with technology in giving presentations is very built-up. So far I've used two technologies in formal presentations: Powerpoint and Prezi, both of which I'm pretty comfortable using. Other technologies include projectors and document cameras but I haven't used much else. I'm sure we'll be learning more this quarter though!!
I really love that you have go to strategies help you figure it out. I am hoping to figure out more strategies that are helpful to myself in the near future throughout this term so I can be more effective in my own classroom when using tech resources.
ReplyDeleteI also really loved the word "permanent" in your word art. Technology really has become a permanent fixture in society. How do you feel about technology being such an important fixture in most people's daily lives?
See you Monday!
Amie,
DeleteWhat a thought-provoking question! I think that technology is a really great thing in many respects: It has revolutionized healthcare and travel, helps make performing various tasks much more efficient, and can help people be more connected to one another. However, I think it can become a detriment if people use it in place of actual physical/face-to-face connection or for dishonest or hurtful purposes. I also read a recent study that incoming preschoolers or kindergartners are lacking fine motor skills. This was attributed to the fact that children are spending more time on various devices rather than handling objects like crayons or building toys, things that require them to manipulate and use their hands/fingers in a variety of tasks. So I'd say that my view towards technology is more of a 'catch 22' kind of perspective. It can be both good and bad!
Hi Amber,
ReplyDeleteI may need to pick your brain a bit about those strategies that you use. I think my biggest fear with technology is being in the middle of a lesson and things going on the fritz. It has happened in the classroom I am in where the teacher is teaching and all of a sudden the image goes out of focus. It was probably the third week before she didn't have to call tech support anymore. I am hoping through this experience I will have a firm enough grasp on this stuff so that I won't have to worry about it too much.
Of course!! Feel free to ask if you ever need anything! It's such an interesting experience to hear about different schools because I don't think my school even has a tech support.
Delete