At the beginning of EDUC 422, I imaged technology integration to be about the basic information of why items such as computers or iPads should be used in schools today. I never had imaged learning about the endless possibilities of different tools available for both teachers and students. The different applications available on Google are what I found to be the most beneficial. With simply having a Gmail account I can access so many different programs that will assist me in my teaching career, for example, this Blogger. It is amazing to think that some of these tools have been around for years and I had never heard of them. If I had known something as simple as the features of Google docs existed during my college experience I would have saved a huge amount time and effort. I also found tonight’s lesson on FERPA, CIPA, and COPPA to be very interesting. During college I worked in my schools record office so I had a very good understanding of the importance of FERPA. Information about it was posted everywhere on the college portal. However, I had never considered that it is just as important during elementary, middle, and high school grades. I hope to lead by example so others are able to understand the importance of student privacy.
This class taught me so much more than I could have ever expected to learn in a few short weeks about classroom technology integration. I now understand the importance of using different tools because it can assist in the learning process of how one understands something. It also helps gain interest and keeps everyone motivated. I believe that technology needs to play a big part in students learning experiences because it is everywhere in the world and we use it daily. I have always known that I want to incorporate technology into my classroom. However, I now have discovered and become familiar with tools that I know will work great in the future.
