Blog Journal #5

There are many ways today that a teacher can integrate technology, with the help of computers, televisions, smart boards, games, the internet, and so much more. It is no longer necessary to stand in front of the class and just simply lecture for an hour. The internet, for example, has an unlimited supply of games, interesting information, and interactive websites that students can see and it can help stimulate them so they comprehend the lesson more. In many schools today the computer of the teacher is hooked up to a television, overhead projector, or smart board in the front of the classroom to make it visible for the entire class. It is not necessary for every single student to have their own computer. In addition there are many movies and television shows that can help improve a lesson as well. Over the summer I took Teaching Diverse Populations and I had to evaluate a TV show that would help improve a lesson. Therefore I evaluated a children's show that is called Dora the Explorer, and after I watched a few episodes I saw how this could stimulate a child. From one episode alone the child gets reinforcements of memorization, counting, Spanish vocabulary, geography, chronological order, and much more.

The last class we did a project that we had to search the internet for a few specified topics. I learned that you have to carefully word what you search in order too get the exact information that you are looking for. In addition I learned of a few websites that will be very helpful to me when I begin teaching, such as yahooligans.com. Not only are search engines helpful to teachers, but there are websites where teachers post lesson plans online in order to help other teachers with their lessons. As a teacher you do not simply have to rely on the textbook provided by the school, but you can also use technology to add extra information to stimulate the children's minds.

Children today are growing up with technological advancements all around them. They have certain tools that we did not have when we were growing up. In order to help reach them on a personal level, so that you can help then understand a lesson you have to be up to date with the current technology. Children are stimulated by technology, computers, and television therefore that will help them to learn and stay interested. I had an experience with a teacher who simply photocopied worksheets and passed them out to the children in packets. The entire day the students had to complete the worksheet and then they graded it as a class. There was no stimulation, no integrating technology, or anything of that sort. The students dreaded going to class, and did not have any fun in the classroom. I realize that there is a time to work and a time for fun, but wouldn't it be awesome if your students loved your class and couldn't wait to come. If you entertain them with a variety of teaching techniques you will have their attention and cooperation.