Blog Post 1

1.) My Teach Past:
I first learned how to use a computer in my 3rd grade class by using the program type to learn. I then practiced my typing skills by playing other computer games such as the Oregon Trail. I hadn't had much experience typing up papers until I entered middle school, however I was familiar with the Word program from using it in elementary school. It was during middle school that technology started to become more integrated within the classroom. By my freshman year of high school, smart boards were being used in every class room and announcements were being posted on television screens in the main hall ways. Smart boards were a great addition to the classrooms because they made it easy for students to interact with the teachers notes. Also, notes that are written on a smart boards can be saved to the computer that the board is hooked up to. This made it easy for teachers to print out their slides. Once I had graduated high school I had mastered using Microsoft Word as well as creating slides on Microsoft Powerpoint. I was also comfortable using search engines for finding articles and creating bibliographies.



2.) Teach for Teachers:
If I were to begin teaching tomorrow I would use e-mails and blogs in order to communicate with students, parents and peers. I have never used a blog before this class, but I think it is a great way to make assignments available for anyone to access. With a blog, parents have the ability to see when homework assignments are due and make sure that their child has the assignment finished. Also, if a student were to miss class, the teacher can post the daily agenda and worksheets on the blog so the student would know what they missed. Blogs are helpful for discussion as well because when a question or comment is posted, then anyone can see what was posted. E-mail is better used for confidentiality reasons. It is a fast, direct way to contact individuals if the topic is private or not meant to be shared with everyone. You can send e-mails to a large group of people in order to inform them of assignments and other important information that may require a private response from each recipient. E-mail is also a great way for teachers to privately contact parents about struggling children. Phone calls often stress parents out and lead them to believe their child is in more trouble than they actually are. 

EDST 220 Driving Questions

1. WHY should teachers use technology to communicate with students, parents and peers?
2. WHICH technology tools have the greatest potential to improve communication between teachers and others?
3. HOW do these Tools improve communication?