As Albert Einstein said “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Technology is changing so fast that our students will most likely be going into jobs that will use technology that doesn’t even exist yet!

As teachers of our future generations we must ensure that we provide a learning environment that allows the most creative, productive, thought inspiring, innovative and dynamic learning to take place.

This ‘Did you know 2.0‘ video has some very interesting and thought provoking ideas about what students of today will be facing in the near future.

This video from Allanah King in New Zealand is an inspiring short video about what teachers can do using social software in their classroom. At the start of the video she states that her school was able to fund Apple laptops that sit in a trolley that can be wheeled around to various classrooms. This idea is fantastic! This would be perfect for schools that do not have the capability to create a computer lab – the computer lab would be able to come to the classroom! I feel this is something Australian schools should investigate. Her enthusiasm for using social software in her class is evident as she explains all the various activities that she does with her students. It is obvious that she has taken the new technology on board and has been able to create new learning activities that can be easily integrated into her classroom curriculum.

I look forward to taking some of her ideas and implementing them into my own classroom!

* here is the link to “Appleby Airwaves” podcasting webpage

* here is the link to Allanah’s edublog

I made a comment on aquiram’s post about technology use.  Check it out!

I know, I can hardly believe it myself – I’m finally in my third year of my teaching degree!  I know it’s a cliche, but it does seem like only yesterday I was making the decision to apply to the four-year degree way back in August 2005.  Now, I can say “I’m in third year!”   Which means, this time next year – OMG!!!  I will be in my last year!!!

Can you tell I am a bit excited?!!  Also, a bit scared.  I love going on prac but the thought of having my own classroom for a whole year just now seems a bit too early – hopefully this time next year I will feel different.

In response to Erin’s comments in regards to ICT in the classroom…

ICT in the classroom

reference:

Shelly, G. (2002). Integrating technology in the classroom: teachers discovering computers. Boston: USA.

The video posted by Matthew on his ‘learning conversations’ blog is interesting.  It raises some valid points that even I have had float past me now and again since starting this course.  Things like ‘what if I make a mistake in front of my students?’; by opening up the web to students it may encourage plagiarism (deliberately or not) – how do I deal with that? I enjoy technology and learning new ways but it is advancing so quickly that I feel myself floundering sometimes.

As Jo McLeay (2006, p.39) states “it is up to us as teachers to educate our students to be digitally literate citizens and fulfilled and decent human beings.” 

How does one incorporate all the good and wonderful things technology offers in the classroom but ensure that any negative effects stay out?  I am hoping that the answers to these will come as I continue my journey.

REFERENCES:

McLeay, J. (2006) Beautiful blogging. Teacher Learning Network; v.13 n.3 p.38-39; Spring 2006.  Retrieved from: http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/fullText;res=AEIPT;dn=156002

Just a comment on what Michelle has discussed….about how in today’s society technology is so embedded in our day-to-day functions that children may not believe what they see as they might expect it to be manipulated in some way.

I feel that having technology in the classroom is a great advance in working with the curriculum but as the teacher we must ensure that we encourage an open mind and creativity with our students.

Also, how crazy was the survey results about fictional characters and some people believe they are real!!!!!   crazy!!!!!!

my short explanation of the point of being a teacher….just a fun video

laurenmovie.mp4

For a real insight into on ‘being a teacher’ watch Jaime Escalante talk about his life as being a teacher.  To me, it is important to hear other teachers say that ‘you are going to make mistakes, accept that but make sure that you learn from your mistake’.

Jaime also talks about that to be a teacher you need to like kids, have respect, be passionate about what you teach, acknowledge the fact that you will have ups and downs ~ you just have to learn how to deal with it and most importantly don’t quit!

here is an interesting website that deserves further exploration…