Technology 101

When I think back to my high school experience, I was fortunate to have truly engaging teachers from which to learn. They all had a command of their subject matter and a deft touch concerning classroom management. Information was delivered through 45 minute lectures, and students later regurgitated back essential information on assessments. I enjoyed the lecture style and relying on the teacher as my source for information. My teachers had significant influence on my wanting to become a teacher. They provided a model of how teachers could be successful in the classroom. This model has translated to my own teaching style, logically not far removed from those early influences.
As I fast forward to 2009, I wonder how many of my teachers would be successful in today's classroom, and in doing so, I should also question how successful I am in the classroom. Obviously we adapt to the environment that we are in, and I am sure my teachers would have adapted their styles to meet the needs of today's students. I am excited to begin this metamorphosis through the MEIT program to help further evolve my own teaching style. I am not a fan of cliches, but it might be difficult to teach this old dog some new tricks. I have had trouble integrating technology in my classroom because of my fledgling knowledge of technology itself. It seemingly takes me longer to prepare a lesson using technology than any other human on the planet. The culmination of my efforts utilizing technology has usually yielded poor results with student learning, and in turn, made me hesitant to continue trying new ways to deliver information.
But now I have the vehicle to change my past failures with technology and successfully utilize new tools to meet the needs of my students. I have been impressed with the technology that has been introduced so far in the program. My current school has also given me the opportunity to learn more about technology through a class that meets twice a month. The combination of both programs will certainly raise my technology IQ, and show me ways to constantly improve my teaching style.
The social bookmarking site delicious has certainly caught my eye. The LMC director at my school is constantly sending bookmarks to me pertaining to my subject area. I like how one can search and build resources through shared experiences, rather than relying solely on self to find materials. This online collaboration tool can only help with building useful materials to be utilized in my classroom.
Online collaboration has me thinking about utilizing google docs in my classroom to create a paperless environment. I would love to be able to track student changes as they edit their work, hopefully providing them with an environment to really develop their writing skills. The old method of submitting papers once only to have them returned covered in criticism spewed forth from the evil red pen, has proven effective only in filling the recycle bin in my room. Students currently look at their papers only for the grade without giving any real thought to how they can improve their writing. I hope that Google Docs will provide an outlet for real growth in student writing abilities.
If I am any good at what I do in the classroom, I need to provide the best method of delivery for information to my students. I have not forgotten the model that my teachers have provided for me to follow, and I want to continue to improve what they taught me about being a successful teacher.