1. Can technology improve the quality of education? Why or why not in your opinion?

I think that technology definitely can improve the quality of education. The major impact it will have is addressing the different styles of learning. Each and every student learns differently and by integrating different ways to inform and engage students, education will be improved.

2. Why has technology consistently failed to impact education?

Technology has consistently failed to impact education because of the teachers using it. Many teachers learn about technology is specific workshops and classes but find it difficult to implement into their own classroom. Often when teachers try to use what they have learned in the classroom, it is for practice and if something goes wrong they go back to their old, comfortable ways of teaching.

3. Compare and contrast “product” and “idea” technologies. How would you use technology in the classroom?

Product technologies are hardware and software. The physical materials a teacher would use the in the classroom such as books, computers, overhead projector and slides. Idea technologies are made possible through the use of products. An example of an idea technology is a simulation. You can not create a simulation without specific technology tools, products.

4. How did the high school you attended use technology in the classroom?

In my high school teachers relied mostly on the black board and overhead projector for teaching lessons. Once and awhile they would bring in a television and we would watch movies. Once and awhile we could use computers to look up information but mostly if we were to type a paper it would have to be done outside of the classroom.

5. Describe the teaching traits of a teacher whom you believe to be effectively using technology. Where would you place that teacher on the continuum of technology adoption? Explain your decision.

I believe that my teacher Kim does a great job using technology in her teaching. She has an updated website where students can check the syllabus, read over student examples, get class notes and contact her. She also brings technology into the classroom through interactive lessons using power points on the computer, ELMO, and video recordings. We were also required to use technology in our homework assignments. We had to create two power points and a virtual field trip. Both activities were fun and engaging.

I think that Kim is very high on the continuum of technology adoption. Even though she may not understand everything there is to know about technology, she effectively implements the information she does understand.

6. Do you have a vision related to the use of educational technology in your own future classroom? Do you have a plan? What do you want your future students to accomplish with educational technology?

I think that it is very important to teach your students, no matter what age, the importance of technology. In today’s society understanding technology is vital. I plan on making a conscious effort to involve technology in my classroom in a number of levels. I want to use technology in my teaching and also have the students use it in their learning. What I mean by that is I want the students to research information with computers, use interactive computer programs, listen to audio recordings, watch video recordings and create projects using technology.

7. What do you think is thoughtful use of technology in schools? What does it look like? What does it mean to integrate technology? How might you organize the use of different tools you learned from this course and apply them into your teaching? Use examples to illustrate your ideas.

Thoughtful use of technology is not simply using the products and expecting the students to “get the point.” Instead teachers must be constantly engaged in the learning process. In order for students to learn what they are expected to learn from the lesson, the lessons must be monitored, adapted and changed.

Teachers who use technology in this thoughtful way are taking a step back and letting their students take the lead. They facilitate and do not lecture, but are always there to help when needed.

Integrating technology is using it in the classroom constantly for a variety of purposes; Teaching specific subjects, creating a classroom community and making lessons.

I will use all of the programs we have used in the class later in life; WS_FTP, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power Point, Puzzle Maker and Composer.