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| Photo by: Ruth Soppet |
My subject matter is physical education, class size ranging from 19-40 students, depending on the day of the week. There is limited time to actually teach the students how to use a tech tool or application, since it is essential for the student to be physically active during most of the 30 minutes that they are in the gym. However, through communication with the technologists and classroom teachers at school, it is possible to incorporate some aspects of technology, which the students have already learned, into the physical education class. Some of the technology tools which would have a place to enhance a student's participation might be, imovie, blabberize, glogster, popplet and wordle. YouTube is a tool which provides a visual reinforcement of skill concepts, movement ideas, and physical games.
If I were asked to teach a specific technology tool or application to students, I would have to know what that tool was and what level I would be instructing. As long as I have an opportunity to
learn and practice an aspect of technology, I would be comfortable sharing what I know with others. Looking back, I would have enjoyed more hands on opportunities to explore "the how" of using specific tools, programs or applications that could be used in the elementary level classroom with students.
Personally, I do feel more comfortable using technology. Having had limited experience with some aspects of technology use, I found there were a number of times where more time was spent learning how to use the tool, application etc. compared to the creation of the project itself. That was frustrating. I found the creative end of the technology process interesting, and wish more time had been available to experiment with different tools of technology in class. Much of what I learned during the course pertained to my own personal development of using technology, which now, at this point, will help me in integrating tech into some of my lessons.
I am amazed by the vast amount of information available to people via the internet and social media. It is important that educators evaluate information carefully and teach students how to do the same. In regards to the use of social media, privacy matters remain a strong concern. As an American, I have the right to privacy and it should be respected. As an individual, it is normal and ethical for me to decide what, in social media, should be made available to others,"the outside world", and what information should be deemed private or unpublished. For whatever the reason, be it simply because one does not feel the information needs to be shared or whether it is important in protecting oneself and or family, the individual should choose what he or she wants to share. As the journey of social media continues to evolve, I hope we will all make use of it in positive ways, encouraging students and others to use it as well, cautiously.
