Past:
Throughout elementary school, computers were introduced to me in other subjects, such as learning how to use Word, search for articles online, or use an online encyclopedia for science, history, or english classes. I also had a typing class in a year of upper elementary school. I was also ocassionally allowed to play computer games that enhanced my learning. In highschool my knowledge of computers was expanded through learning about specfic search engines, how to make graphs and spreadsheats, as well as how to make power points.
Present:
Since I hope to be a kindergarten teacher, I will most likely use technology somewhat less than if I were teaching an upper elementary class. However, my students will be introduced to computers in my classroom. I think that allowing children to first use computers for playing educational games is a way not only to educate them about computers, but it also gives them a positive attitude toward the usage of technology, and encourages them to learn more about it as they grow. Children can also be introduced to simply uses of a computer, such as learning to type their name, and a few cite words into a word program.
Future:
I anticiapte the most difficult part of using technology in my classroom to be keeping updated with the changes in technology. Technology is developing at a very fast rate, and although I will be using simple forms if technology, I will have to find the time to keep updated on the newest versions technology so that my students will not be behind on the current uses of computers.
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Tara - Your point about giving the kids something fun to do with computers is valid...as I said in class, it's a good idea to employ the "one for you, one for them" approach to tasks that can quickly become mundane (and "learning" to use the computer can often feel that way!). Finding TIME for "game playing" is the bigger challenge. You will have to closely evaluate potentials and make sure they are worth the students' time (and yours).
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