My Beliefs

I believe that technology is an important aspect in the classroom. Since students today are born into a technological world they seem to catch onto programs and concepts easier. So while it may seem like it is more efficient to have students complete assignments on a computer, I don't want my students to rely on this totally. People still have to know how to write legibly and only practicing with a pencil/pan can do that. I have seen many students and past peers who had bad handwriting and if they don't improve then they will have trouble in society and will completely rely on a computer. I know that I want to help my students feel like handwriting is a valuable skill to have.

While in the field I was able to see technology used in the classroom. I really liked how the teacher balanced the two. She had students write in their journals their ideas, quick writes and rough drafts of stories and/or projects. And then for their final she had them use the computer to type it up and print. I felt like that was a good approach. The other part of technology that she used was a Smart Board. She had created flip charts that would help teach a concept and allow the children to participate when she made it interactive. The Smart Board would be a nice addition to any classroom and I would love to learn how to use that program.

So I know that technology in the classroom has its positive and negative points, and I know that technological advances are happening all the time and as a teacher I can do my best to prepare and be able to show my students that while technology is important that we can't forget the other methods of learning that is important. For example, while the internet is a good place for research that books and encyclopedias are a good place to search. So it will be interesting to see what the future brings.