Technology+Reflections

=Technology Reflections =

SMARTBoard Project
I was really glad to gain more experience with the SMARTboard and the Notebook software in this class. It's something I've been nervous about utilizing in my student teaching and even in my future classroom simply because I didn't know how to work it. I am glad that I had the opportunity to learn to use the software to create many different interactive activities. I think that this will be a great resource to have in my future classroom simply based on the vast variety of activities and lessons that the SMARTboard has to offer.

Podcast
Previous to taking this class, I had been exposed to podcasts, but only in an entertainment setting. After doing our podcast critique and making a podcast of our own, I think this is an excellent resource for teachers. This gives teachers a way to still teach students who have been absent in class. Podcasts could also be recording in case of bad weather days or simply as accommodations for students with disabilities. I had no idea how simple creating a podcast actually was, but am now looking forward to having access to this technology in my own classroom.

Kidspiration Project
This was by far my favorite software that we were exposed to during this class. I love the potential that is in Kidspiration - from outlining a paper, to creating timelines, to working with fractions. In one week alone, I used Kidspiration in several different ways and addressed PASS Standards in 3 different subjects. I think teachers could use this technology in their classroom because it's so kid and user friendly and can be personalized with pictures and different colors so students can show their own personalities.

iMovie Project
Since I got my own MacBook before coming to college, I've been scared of using iMovie. I was glad that we would be learning to use this program and now I definitely know that I'll be able to use it in my future classroom. Adding backgrounds, transitions, and music to the movie is incredibly simple. I love the idea of having students make their own movies (with teacher supervision) and even using iMovie as an aide for students who might be visual and auditory learners.



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