Final Reflection

Throughout the semester in 306 I have learned how relevant technology is to our lives and the lives of my future students. I am still somewhat resistant to new technology but through this class I have learned how much technology is used in our lives and will be an active part of learning when I become a teacher.  I have learned a lot about online technology.  I have learned to make a blog, twitter, flickr, diggo, and Google doc account.  I have learned NOT to forget to write down all of these online sites and my passwords and user names.  I can see myself using blogs and the Google docs programs for classroom, parent, and school integration.  I like how google docs allows several people to come together to collaborate on one project from different places.  I had a hard time getting used to and into the diggo and twitter sites.  I think they could be useful if I played around with them more but I just didn't spend enough time working with them.  I found the diggo site confusing.  My thoughts have changed somewhat towards using technology in the classroom but I am still resistant towards using all technology.  I really liked learning about the smart board and Google Earth and I am super excited to incorporate those into my classroom.  My advice for future technology situations is to at least give it a chance.  I don't always have to enjoy it or use it but I should at least experiment with it and try it once.  Change scares me but the more familiar I get with change the more comfortable and confident I feel about it. 

Google Earth

I love Google Earth!!! I think the 3-D interaction is amazing and a great learning tool to see the world.  Google Earth is a great way to view different places throughout the world that may be difficult to see otherwise.  I think the timeline tool is a great way to see landmarks throughout the world that have changed over time like the Milltown dam or a great way to see the changing seas drying up.