Our first class

This evening, we had our first "Computers in the Classroom" class. We discussed a number of exciting and important topics ranging from new technologies that can be found in the classroom and how to use these technologies effectively. I am excited to begin this course. I know that I will benefit greatly from it and be able to make my teaching more interactive and exciting.

Much of what we discussed centered around how we must teach children how to learn, find and obtain information. We should not simply be the resource for all information and expect students to memorize it. Rather we should give them the tools and skills that they need to accurately search for and find factual information. We also discussed how children need to strengthen skills such as group collaboration and responsibility to prepare them for their future vocations. 

Although a highly technological classroom does scare me in a way, I think that it is the future of all classrooms. It is vital however, that technology be used in an appropriate manner: not overused but used as a tool for interaction and discovery. Our world thrives on technology today and children are using technology more than ever. As teachers, we can use this technology to help them learn. It is important that we maintain traditional ways of educating as well. Books, community building through face to face interaction, physical activity and art are just a few things that we need to examine by stepping away from the busyness of technology and remember a time when life was simpler.

We also discussed a number of helpful websites which we will examine in later classes. There are so many sites that offer lesson plans, classroom ideas, sites to engage learners and sites to help teachers create lessons and other classroom material. With all of the new demands put on teachers, this is one area that I am thankful to have. I am thankful for the collaboration of ideas and creations such as lesson plans. This not only makes my job easier, but provides for a richer, more thought-out lesson plan for students.