Tech Teach Today and Tomorrow

When I think about my own information consumption over the years, I can’t say that it’s a positive one. Like most people I’ve become addicted to that little device in my hands. Often times taking away from quality time that I could be spending with my loved ones. If I’m not on my phone, then my computer is probably open. Funny what the world we live in is like now.  Even before reading The Information Diet, I had started to implement change into the amount of technology I’m using and what I’m using it for. I used to only rely on one media source for my news, the news I was raised seeing my dad watch. Now I bop around between at least 3 news outlets. I have started using the screen time function on my iPhone. I’ve deleted Facebook but still have Instagram. I have started deleting people I follow if I find they cause me to feel some jealousy about their wonderful lifestyles or if they don’t make me feel some type of joy. I’m more aware of the amount of time I sp...

Creativity… the first thing that comes to my mind are artists. I have never thought of myself as creative and have always been jealous of those around me that I have viewed as having a creative spirit. Learning about students as designers has helped to shift my thinking. We all have creativity within us we just need to be given the opportunity to show our creative side and become used to showing it. I can’t help but feel frustrated when I think about my time in the classroom. How so many lessons and projects that I did with my 1 st graders were modeled step by step showing them how it was supposed to be done. Slowly one by one each assignment looking the same and being displayed in the hallway. They learned the content and the activities were cute. All looking just as they should! Look at what my students “created."  Now don't get me wrong, there are basic skills and concepts that need to be taught to kindergarten and first grade students before givi...

One thing I have learned through this course is just because a technology tool looks awesome and has all the bells and whistles, it doesn’t mean that it is the right tool for the job. We had a chance to try out Osmo which is supposedly a “groundbreaking technology that bridges the real and digital realms.” I was curious and excited to get to give it a try. I’ve seen the commercials and as a teacher and a parent I have wanted to find ways to get my students excited about learning some of their concepts. Give them something new, something they haven’t tried before. Well boy was I disappointed in Osmo-Word. Below you will see my groups analysis of this tool. It goes to show that it’s important to take the time to become familiar with a tool. Don’t try to make it work in your lessons or classroom because it looks cool and you just have to have the next best thing. Decide what the outcome for your students are and then from there decide what the best tool for...