Introduction/Expectations for the Course

The reason I have this blog is to post my thoughts as I learn ways to use technology in TPTE 486. Currently, I am a senior and will begin my Graduate courses this Summer, as well as begin my Internship this Fall in Roane County. The area I have been admitted to is Elementary, K-6. I am so excited to be teaching children one day and cannot wait to get started.

I am currently in Elementary Education 351, which is my field experience so I am in a school once a week observing. Obviously, technology is everywhere in the school. Each classroom has Macs in the back of the classroom where they practice math problems and take reading tests. The teacher uses a Smartboard for almost every lesson. The school website is very well designed, as well as each classroom website. Just from being in the school for a few hours, it is easy to see how important it is that I understand how to use technology to the best of my ability. I have grown up with computers, however there is much more I can learn.

I have many expectations for this course. Although I was a bit nervous about taking TPTE 486 because I'm not the best with computers, I am so glad it is required. You cannot expect to become a successful teacher without knowing how to create Wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. I plan on being confident in my knowledge of technology once this course if finished.

I expect to know ways I can incorporate technology into my classroom without it being a distraction. I want to know how to use a Smartboard and how to create videos for my students. Depending on the age I teach, I would like to be able to incorporate a Wiki page and have my students contribute to it. The classroom website will be very important, especially for parents, so I want to have a professional but creative website with a blog that parents can comment on.

By the end of this course, I know I will have the tools I need to have a successful experience with technology in my classroom. It will take a lot of work on my part and commitment, but I am willing to do the work and am excited to learn more.