Blog 1

Computers are an important part of the educational experience because it opens your eyes to places and experience you might not have the resources to see otherwise. I also believe that the internet is the fastest and easiest way to conduct research. Using computers and letting the students explore on their own will emphasize the lesson you are intending to teach. The critical concerns about computer use in classrooms are the children being so easily able to get off task. The will have the urge to do anything but what they are supposed to. I do agree with the issues brought up in chapter one, especially the point where it talks about the appropriateness of technology use. I also agree with the part that explains how computers can enhance assessment and evaluation of a child’s work and progress.
When I become a teacher I plan on using technology whenever I can. I hope to be working with young kids between the ages of 5-8 so the expanse at which I can use is limited. I will be able to incorporate computers by using visual models, playing games to enhance their understanding of the subject matter, and by teaching them early on about the proper uses of technology so they will have those skills the rest of their lives. I hope to learn how to gear the use of technology to young children.
When I graduate from Florida State (hopefully in May of 2011) I hope to move to a city and student teach for a summer. When the summer is over I plan on going back and getting my masters in a special area such as reading or educational leadership. After my masters program is complete I hope to move back to the town the I have lives in for much of my life and teach first or second graders, because I think they are the age that I will have the biggest impact and I have also found that they are the most behaved.