This is my first blog ever and I have been asked to address my personal relationship with technology.
Technology has become an integral part of my life as it is of most people in the United States. I use my iPhone to text my children, husband, extended family, and friends. I also use it to research information, to access Google Maps so that I can find my destination, and my students use it to record themselves when we are conducting Performance Assessments.My use of technology extends into my office where I Skype with my students, access emails, and plan my lessons.
Gradually over the years, our dependence on and utilization of technology has expanded. I can still remember buying our first Apple computer and using the encyclopedia on it to help my daughters do research for their school reports. I can also remember when I first realized the dangers of online communication, as my 14 year old filled out an online profile stating she was 18 years old.
Now I use technology in my classroom everyday. I work in a 'smart' classroom which allows me to access the Internet and in turn project the world on a screen in an instant. It is hard for me to imagine what it was like before I could simply look information up online and immediately project a visual image which displayed the world for my students. However, I am not naive. I often encounter challenges with new applications or tools and when that I happens I seek out the expertise of our IT experts. At JCC we have a strong team of experts who willing assist and instruct faculty and students. This has been a key factor in my successful implementation of technology to manage and instruct.
Personally I see myself as intermediate on the technology proficiency scale. I am willing to experiment with technology and see the advantages to integrating it into our curriculum. However I strongly believe that there is a balance between traditional teaching strategies and the use of technology to teach Modern Languages.
My goal is to identify the applications of technology that are most useful in teaching languages.
Our students deserve to be prepared for the 21st century work force and that will include both language and teachnology skills.
Hi Theresa! I enjoyed your post. It reminded me how much I rely on my GPS to get me to my destination & to get home (I love that go home button on my GPS!) You hit the nail on the head with your description of the classroom holy grail. I think as educators that is what we are always seeking. We strive to improve and seek out better strategies. I'm looking forward to learning with you and our classmates this semester.
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