"Assignment #1: Technology Literacy"

1). I feel like I should know a lot more about technology then I do. I sometimes feel like an "old soul" or somewhat "old fashion" when it comes to technology. I do have a computer and I am able to get on to check my email, do research, or do my homework. I am sure there is some more that I can do, but at the moment that is what is coming to mind. In this day and age one sees more and more lap tops in lecture classes for taking notes, but not me. I still like my technology of a notebook and a pen. I do realize how important technology is, and how it really needs to be incorporated more into our classrooms than it already is. At times that thought scares me, as I feel like my future students will be so farther advanced than I could ever be. Instead of freaking myself out too much, I know that I need to just take one thing at a time and learn what I can. I do want to be able to incorporate technology in my classroom as I see it is crucial in the student's learning. I know that during this semester I want to overcome my fear of technology, and be able to learn as much as I can. I find the SMART Board absolutely fascinating, so I definitely want to learn how to use this technology better so that hopefully I will be able to include it into my classroom.

2). Technology is very, very, very important in one's education and learning. I think that as technology becomes more advanced one should learn it, embrace it, and finally incorporate it. There are many different types of technology, and each one is able to aid a student or the class differently. Everyone learns differently some learn through hearing, seeing, or doing. Depending on what the technology is each student should be able to benefit. This is one reason I am really wanting to learn how to use the SMART Board, because it includes all three of the aspects of how one learns. Technology can give one's students the opportunity to better understand about the world around them without even leaving the comfort of their classroom. I must say that I like the sound of that!

3). Now for the NETS standards and how to achieve these with 5th graders:

#1: Produce a media-rich digital story about a significant local event based on first-person interviews. Students could keep an online journal about different current events, interviews, different prompts, and free writes throughout a few months. Then in the end they will have to type out a story using some of the ideas from their journal entries.

#5: Identify and investigate a global issue and generate possible solutions using digital tolls and resources. According to the current events going on at the time, the students will need to look up three during the week and write a summary of what had happened. At the end of the week, students can share with one another what they found. As a class we can locate on a map (maybe by using the SMART Board) to see where different current events and issues are taking place.

#9: Debate the effect of existing and emerging technologies on individuals, society, and the global community. Students will need to choose some kind of technology. They will then have to do research on what it was like years ago. They will get the opportunity to see how it has changed, and see if there are any new developments. Then they can make further changes to the particular item to show how they think it will change. The students will also need to think of any advantages/disadvantages of the changes from the past, present, and to the future.