Thoughtful+Analysis

==I have learned so much this semester in my Media and Technology in Education class. It has probably been one of the most useful classes I have taken at the University. I have learned how to use so many technology tools and resources that can be easily integrated into lessons. I have always been good with computers so I have always been interested in technology, but like many teachers there are a lot of things I didn't know how to do. I used to think being able to make a nice powerpoint was the best way to integrate technology into a lesson, but I was so wrong! There are so many programs and tools out there that can really enhance a lesson. I was able to learn how to use many of these tools and I was able to pick up on how to use them very quickly. I've learned with proper instruction, many of these resources are very easy to use once you know what you are doing. == ==Ideally I would like to be able to use all of the tools we learned about in my classroom in the future. I have already made great use out of Google Docs in some of my other classes. I used it a lot for group projects so that all the group members can work on different parts at the same time, and still be able to edit everyone's work. I will certainly share this tool with my students because they could use it for note taking or for projects as well. Google Docs was probably the most useful tool to me that we learned about. I also really enjoyed learning how to use Survey Monkey and Poll Everywhere. I think they are both very practical and fun! Surveys and polls are a really great way to get to know your students and now I have a quick and easy way to make them. I know I will give a survey at the beginning of each year to learn more about my students. Another tool that I thought was really cool was the video conference. I had never been a part of something like that and it was really neat to watch. I think the video conference is a great alternative to traditional teaching and would be a fun way to switch things up. The students all really seemed to enjoy it! Magpi also offers a range a programs and I'm sure a couple of them would fit into my future curriculum. I recognize that video conferencing cannot be worked into every lesson but it would be really great to try to fit one in every now and then. I am hoping to integrate as much technology into my classroom as possible, especially with all the knowledge and tools I have now! == ==I believe that technology is going to play a huge role in the future of education. Technology already plays a huge role in the world today. Children are being introduced to it at such a young age. Since children are now growing up with technology it only makes sense that technology would be used in the classroom. As I've learned through this class that there is some much out there that can really enrich a lesson, it only makes sense to bring these tools into the classroom. Even the early childhood classrooms are starting to use technology where ever they can. I think this is a great thing if they are being used in the right manner and if the teachers are being properly trained on how to use them. I do not think technology use should be the focus of every lesson or that technology should completely replace traditional teaching but I do think it will become more and more popular in classrooms if used correctly. Technology does have the ability to appeal to all types of learners, and it will be something the students are comfortable and familiar with. I do think it is very important for teachers to try to stay up to date on new technology and tools and to take every opportunity they have to learn about them. As I said I am hoping I get the chance to use a lot of technology in my future classroom. Taking this class was a good way to introduce all of these resources and to open my eyes to the world of technology in education! ==