Should we be happy with technology in our learning environments?

I was reading Ian Jukes's blog, The Committed Sardine (August 8 posting). Hmmm...it made me think about past & present forms of technology that I have been exposed to within the last three decades in a school setting. 

I remember:

• The copier(???) that we as students found joy in volunteering to cranked out copies.(NOW:multifunction electronic xeroxing machine). 
  
• The abacus we used to learn how to add & subtract.(NOW:cell phone, calculator or computer)
• The filmstrip projectors that we loved to turn. (NOW:LCD projector)
• The big beautiful handheld golden bell that rung to inform all of dismissal. (NOW:Intercom system)
• The record player that we loved to pack up. (NOW:computer, boombox, MP3 player, iPods)
• The $.30 vending machine that we had to pull the handle to guarantee your receipt of the snack. (NOW:digital push button machines)
• The classroom messenger job in place to relay messages to varies staff in the school. (NOW:email, texting, and/or video-conferencing).

Wow, what strives we have made! Checkout the clip below:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXStPqhLmIk&feature=player_embedded  

Please share...

1. Do we take technology in schools for granted?
   
2. Should we be happy that we have access to various forms of technology that enhance learning and classroom management? 
3. Are students happy with the level of technology use in your classroom, lab, or school?
4. Please make comparisons of the past & present which explain how the development of technology has improved current learning environments.
   

Digital Storytelling: What's the Big Deal?

There's is so much hype about digital storytelling.

Jason Ohler authored Digital Storytelling in the Classroom. Jason states, "The more digital the world becomes, the more your students will need you, not for more keystrokes and technical know-how, but for your guidance and wisdom". He gives twenty revelations in Chapter 1: Confessions of a Digital Storytelling Teacher. Revelation#20 clarifies the idea that teachers are not secondary to technology, although students need quality modeling that demonstrates the technology etiquette and innovative strategies for telling their stories (p.13). (http://www.jasonohler.com/conditions/index.cfm)

We have seen several tools to convey the digital stories such as, Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Photo Story, iMovie, Animoto, Voice Thread, Adobe PhotoShop, etc.

On an average, what do you see occurring in your learning environment: more focus on the storytelling or technology? In addition, why go digital when we have plenty of paper & pencils? If you have an instructional digital story worth sharing, please post it to this blog.

What's the BIG DEAL?

Summer Time: Learn or Leisure

Educators wait for the chance to stop the clock and regroup after a year full of non-stop teaching and learning. I recall as paraprofessional, teacher, and technology coordinator looking forward to this break, but I found myself still working and learning.

Well, what do I mean by work? Taking advantage of technology professional development workshops and institutes. I cannot begin to share the number of college course that I have completed during the summer sessions. I also worked and conducted summer enrichment programs, gifted and talent camps, and technology professional development courses for my district's staff.

One thing that I lived for is partnering with my fellow colleague to visit educational supply stores and discuss all of the new items, trends and cross-curricular educational strategies. I would shop till I dropped as I engulfed myself in preparing my classroom for the new school year.

Wow, I often wondered, was this normal? Should I be occupying my time with planning for another year, when I should be enjoying my summer break. I have always strived to become better in all that I do. Hmmm...I'm not sure, but I need to ask: Teachers, how are you using your summer break to become a stronger educator?

A penny for your thoughts.:)

TechTonya's Official Blog

Welcome!!!

This is my first official blog.

The purpose of this blog is to provide collaboration, networking, and insight on best practices and educational resources. Technology grows at a rapid past and I feel the obligation to share and to connect all interested parties on ways that will prepare our students to acquiring and be proficient on 21st Century Skills. This is a challenge that educators face and the quicker we enhance the skills and mind sets of our teachers and educational leaders, the better position our youth will be in.

Please, I urge you to join me on my quest!