CH. 6 & 11 Reading Response

1. Based on the information in chapter 6 of "Teaching and Learning with Technology" I would prefer to teach in a classroom that has more digital technologies for a number of reasons. First is that I still get to choose when to use technology. It is not as if by having an abundance of technological devices makes it mandatory for me to use them all everyday. In fact, the amount of technology just gives me more options to work with when planning lessons. In my opinion more options is definitely a good thing. I can use a USB flash drive to store power points that I create at home and bring them into my class. The book states that a USB is "inexpensive" and "can offer massive storage relatively inexpensively". Mini-laptops (or netbooks) are also a form of digital technology that I would like to take advantage of when teaching. The book states that "the lower price and convenient size of these computers have found them an audience in education". I can see why mini-laptops are widely valued in education. With a classroom that has this digital technology students can follow along on the internet and even research topics themselves. With all the great technology available today I feel that it would find a great place in my classroom. 

2. The audio devices I chose are a audiocassette (traditional) and Internet audio (emerging). Students can use audiocassettes in a number of ways. The two main assignments I would have students use them for is either to record themselves speaking on a certain topic or recording an interview that they are doing. Both of these will allow students to hear how they sound and will also allow me to review the material as much as needed for grading. Internet audio is also very useful. This allows you to "download and store only what you need rather than having to buy a full CD". Also I can find audio clips that may not be available on CD. For example, as a history teacher I could bring up audio clips of presidential speeches for the students to hear. 

The visual devices I chose are VHS format tapes (traditional) and digital video cameras (emerging). VHS tapes are "relatively inexpensive and are still a staple of many school media centers". With VHS tapes I can record educational television shows such as documentaries or presidential debates and show them to my class. This will allow the students to get a great look at what I am teaching and I can show them at my convenience with a VHS tape. With the digital video camera I can split students up into groups and have them record a skit. The recording can then be "manipulated, edited, and enhanced". Not only would this get students to use there creativity, but it would also allow me to review their skit as many times as I need when grading. I would definitely like to take advantage of both of these technologies in my classroom.

All About Me

Major: AYA Integrated Social Studies                         

1. I want my friends to describe me as: Fun and interesting                                                                    
2. Memorable learning experience: Mr. Lukasko's class senior year of High School
3. My favorite subject at school and why: History because it is the easiest and most interesting to me
4. Accomplishment I most cherish: Attending College
5. My work habits can best be described as: Getting things done fairly early                                                                                                                       
6. Three words that describe me best: Fun, nice, and knowledgable 
7. People may be surprised to know: That I live right by Lake Erie                                                                                                                        
8. What I hope to be doing in ten years: Have a successful teaching career
9. What I do in my spare time: Sports, workout, video games, and hangout with friends                                                                       
10. Things I can do without: Water, sleep, and friends                             
11. My all-time favorite movie: Warrior                                                                                                                                                            
12. BG’s best kept secret: Zona Mexicana                                              
13. Three things always found in my refrigerator: Arnold Palmer                
14. Person I would like to meet: Forrest Griffin

15. What are your general expectations about this class? That it will be beneficial in helping me improve my technological knowledge
16. How comfortable are you using Windows? How comfortable are you using Macs? I am fairly comfortable on both 
17. Which application(s) do you use the most? Word
18. Which application(s) do you want to learn how to use? Powerpoint specifics
19. Is there anything I need to know about you? No
20. What is your attitude about using technology? I am welcoming towards learning more.