This class, Teaching with Computers in Elementary and Secondary Schools, has made me more comfortable with using technology. At the beginning of this course I knew the basics: Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word. Now, after a semester of EDU314 I have learned a great deal.

            I learned about creating and publishing websites. Nvu was introduced first, and I struggled from the start. I couldn’t get the background color to work correctly and I had trouble inserting pictures. Luckily my peers were willing to help me through these frustrations. After using Nvu for a while I got the hang of it and became more comfortable using it and publishing my work. Then we switched to using Google Sites. I didn’t like Google at first either. It was much different than Nvu and I was unsure about a lot of the features. Once again I was thankful for the support of my peers. However, after using the Google Sites program for a while I became comfortable with it and actually grew to like it better than Nvu. Unlike Nvu, Google Sites automatically publishes your work and it also has many more options.  

            Another part of the class that I really enjoyed and that I think will help me greatly in my future was the projects that introduced new programs. As a future educator I feel that it is important to use technology to my advantage. I believe that I am much more able to do this because of this class and the programs introduced to me.

            I believe that I will use the puzzle maker program frequently in my future. Puzzles are a fun and easy way to review and revisit information for students. Now that I know how to use the puzzle maker I will save myself a lot of time while planning lessons.

            The WebQuest project seemed overwhelming to me at first, but after completing it I realized that it is a great teaching tool. The WebQuest requires a lot of time and effort to create but it can be used year after year and it is a fun and interactive way for students to learn. I believe that knowing how to create projects such as the WebQuest will be very helpful in my future as an educator.

            The program that I am the most excited about is Microsoft Publisher. I had never used or heard of this program before this class, and I used to struggle to create pamphlets and posters on Word. Now that I know how to use this program I can make attractive and informative pamphlets quickly and easily. This program will be helpful when sending information home to parents and guardians such as newsletters or informational pamphlets. I look forward to using and extending my knowledge of this program.

            I feel that this course is an important part of Block One for childhood education majors. Knowing how technology works and how to use it is very important for future educators. Technology should be taken advantage of whenever possible in the classroom, and this class gives future educators a good starting point for that.