Chapter 1: Becoming an e-Teacher

Focus Question:

     What six key issues should a teacher consider when looking to integrate technology?

          1.  Using technology in teaching
          2.  Motivating factors
          3.  Barriers to technology use
          4.  Ideas for technology use
          5.  Teaching methods
          6.  Students and technologies

Tech Tool Link: 7 Things You Should Know About...(EDUCAUSE)

     I found the link to be only slightly visually pleasing.  It is very straight forward, which makes it easy to navigate.  The 7 questions are listed in a way that makes them stand out.  The website itself provides many article links, such as 7 Things You Should Know About Navigating New Learning Ecosystem, that seem informative.  There is also a search bar that allows the searcher to pinpoint an article that he or she may be searching for specifically.  Overall, though, the fact that the website lacks pictures causes a want for that which is lacking.

Summary and Connection

     Chapter 1 covers quite a bit of material, which is expected.  In today's world, people are surrounded by technology starting at such a young age.  Generation M seems quite apparent and they will be the leaders of tomorrow.  The information processing machine, commonly called the computer, can be found in nearly every person's home.  As technology advances and is used by more people and at a younger age, teachers need to be able to have an adaptable teaching style.  According to the text, "Technology lets you change teaching and learning in enriching and productive ways: by differentiating instruction to offer students many learning experiences, by motivating disengaged individuals, by creating group and cooperative learning situations, by allowing information from multiple sources, and by letting students visit places to see what cannot be seen without electronic systems."  With technology, our ability to teach in new, innovative ways grows.  Technology enhances the ability to teach academic material while engaging students in learning in new and exciting ways.  
     I plan to incorporate technology into my own classroom in a way that allows for friendly interaction outside of the classroom.  I want to inspire students to appreciate the "old way" of learning along with the new ways of learning.

Resources

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.