A New and Improved Classroom

PowerPoint, Movie Maker, Clickers, Google Earth, Websites, and much, much more! All of these different  types of software are being implemented into the classroom as of the past couple of years. This weeks in my Technology in the Classroom class we were asked to create a lesson plan in which a specific objective would be taught, while using technology in ways we hadn't in the past. This was an extremely fun assignment as I was challenged to think both creatively and productively. What types of technology should be implemented into my futuristic classroom that would assist in the learning process? My idea was somewhat brilliant, I thought! ;) After brainstorming for a short time about what technology I should implement I came to the conclusion that I wanted to assign a project that appealed to them and that would be beneficial to their education. My students will create a movie trailer using Windows Movie Maker or Apple's iMovie based off a novel they are assigned. The students would not only get to use technology that they may not be familiar with, but they will gain a better understanding of their assigned novel as the assess important characters, themes, and plots.
It was really good to get feedback from my fellow peers and professors on my proposed assignment. People seemed to like the idea a lot. It was great to hear from other perspectives what possible issues I could have with it. For instance, the question was proposed in reference to how much time I would allot for this project to be completed, as it would be impossible to finish it within one class period. Hearing other peoples perspectives was extremely helpful to me. 
I am very thankful to have the opportunity of being in Technology in the Classroom because so far I have learned a lot. I am learning to use software that I wouldn't normally learn, and I am being challenged to think about my future as an educator. I think that assignments like this one is practical and fun!

A Journey into a New World

A technologically challenged, middle collegiate level student seems to be a rarity in our day of age, but allow me to tell you that we do exist. I was never a great student in high school, nor have I become one in college. Though my study habits have increased in both existance and time, technology has become more incorporated in my daily life than I ever thought possible. Whether I am writing a paper, using PowerPoint, or online classroom, my technological requirements seem to increase, while my understanding of the technology indefinitely decreases.

However, this will not be the case for the next generation of students. A recent article has made it apparent that California has made it a lay that every textbook and workbook will be mandated to have online availability starting in the year of 2020, as iPads will be incorporated into every classroom in the state. The environment of the classroom will change drastically as there will no longer be worksheets or textbook readings. Homework will be completed on the iPad as well as any research, experiments, and textual reading. Things will become faster, easier to access, and more practical in the sense of cheaper book fees as book replacements as a result of damage will no longer be relevant.

 I think that this drastic change in classroom is a good idea, but definitely will have some glitches that will need to be worked out. How will the state be sure that cheating will not take place? How will the students learn as well seeing as the reading material is no longer “hands on”? What kinds of things will need to be programmed to ensure that students are staying on task and not web-surfing during class? How does the state plan to fund an iPad for each student?

These are only a few questions that come to my mind and I am sure other people have even more. It will be interesting to motor the progress in the next eight or nine years. All I have to say is, good luck CA!