Technology in the classroom

As I continue to move further along my path to becoming a teacher I am starting to see the importance of understanding the ins and outs of computers and the different programs that are being used in the education world. My computer skills have always been rather low and I thought that as a teacher I would be able to get by with limited use of the computer. I figured the only time I would need a computer would be for recording grades or giving presentations, but I am slowly realizing the effectiveness of technology in the classroom and how much better my teaching skills can be with the help of a computer and the Internet. I am amazed at the different programs and features that are available to us that allow for a more involved and proactive learning environment. Long gone are the days of reading a textbook and answering the questions at the end of the chapter like many of us had to do in school. Today’s students are completing assignments that are much more thought provoking and engaging than answering true or false questions from a book. They are creating web pages with detailed information about a certain subject, they are using social networks to talk with people from a different part of the world about a certain topic, they are creating elaborate presentations with the help of PowerPoint and prezi and in doing these things they are not only improving their knowledge on a certain subject but they are also developing real skills that will greatly help them when they become adults. In my opinion today’s students are receiving a far better education and much of that has to do with the rise in the use of technology in the classroom. Today thanks to the internet kids have unlimited access to information about anything at their fingertips. My sons who we adopted from Samoa had not been exposed much to computers and the Internet but they are quickly learning and before long will be passing me up and teaching me how to use a computer. Nonetheless I will continue to look to improve my skills as a teacher by using the resources available to us. As a Social Studies teacher I plan on having my students give many presentations and one of the best ways to do that is with powerpoint or prezi. I also would like to see my students create documentaries about a specific event or person and with today's technology they should be able to create and edit these films without too much difficulty. I am excited to start and look forward to using various teaching methods to help my students improve their skill and knowledge.