Blog Post 1

My Tech Past-

          My educational background experience with computer technology was very average, as far as my understanding of programs. I've always used the computer to write papers on Microsoft Word and I have created presentations using Microsoft Power Point. I know the bare minimum of each program, but I'm able to navigate and find answers on my own. I took a class called "Byts and Bytes" in middle school and it was an introductory course into computer programs and surfing the internet for answers. Most of what I know today about computer programs, derived from that class and I still hold onto that knowledge today. Technology and computers are intriguing to me and I know the significance, as well as importance of understanding how to use it, especially in the world of education. I believe Computers are a vital component to be used in the classroom and I've seen the support it provides to learning through my own experiences. For example, Mavis Beacon taught me how to type quick and accurately and that program has played a major role in my career as a college student today. Technology is fast and easily accessible, and when used to benefit students, it is a gift to teachers, students, and the classroom lessons, as a whole.

Tech for Teachers - 

          If I were to begin teaching tomorrow, I would use email, such as Hotmail or Gmail as a technology tool to communicate with my students and their parents. Although, email does not seem to be the most affective tech tool to use of all the programs such as blogger, wiki, blackboard, etc, email is however easy to use and a much faster way than calling each parent individually with news. Through emailing, a teacher is able to send quick messages to several parents at a time and let them know updates or upcoming events in the school. Most parents already have an email, either because of work or for personal use, which would mean they are mostly familiar with their email accounts to begin with. Also, through emails a parent can respond privately and talk about any concerns they might have for their child and the teacher will often be able to respond within the next few days. I believe email is an affective communication tech tool to use and is also very convenient for teachers, parents and students alike. In addition to using emails to communicate, I also clearly understand using Facebook as a means of communication. Many parents and younger students have Facebook accounts today and because it is so frequently accessed and used daily, any messages sent out by a teacher that is received on Facebook will have a good chance of being seen that same day. Overall, I would prefer email because of its simplicity, however, I see Facebook as a very great way to communicate briefly and accurately. Both are valuable and both are great communication tools.