Technology in the Classroom

Michelle was right again... When she first suggested that we take a one-credit course on technology in the classroom through the Graduate School I was not very enthusiastic. I was so looking forward to my first semester without classes since beginning my graduate studies four years ago. I thought that I would finally be free: free to choose my own books, make my own schedule; free to not give in-class presentations and not write 70+ pages come the end of the semester. However, after three weeks in the technology class, I am pleased to report that it has been very rewarding.

As most people know, I am computer elliteraete. When my friend, Mahan, told me that he "tweeted" with his "Twitter" account, I asked him where he had gotten his hands on a twittermachine, thinking that only the stars had access to such advanced technology. This is a true story. Michelle and Mahan don't let me forget it! Now, however, I have an "RSS" feed to Mahan's Twitter account set up on this blog! (Only three weeks ago I didn't know what an "RSS" feed was. I also was unaware of the workings of the following items: blogs, wikis, Turningpoint Technology, zipper files, blasting software, Camtasia, Merlot, Blackboard, etc.)

I owe the existence of this blog to the class that we are enrolled in. I have been making more effective Powerpoints for my grammar class and I have been really thinking about ways to integrate technology into my classroom.

Just yesterday in class the teacher explained about a cool, free software called Jing that can capture images from your computer screen while you use it! Excited to try this out (and not really having a reason to use it) I made a Jing video of how to navigate my blog. (I know...it's REAL difficult!)

Click HERE to see the video.

Michelle and I are really very excited at the prospect of teaching at a school that will allow us to experiment with new technology in the classroom. And while I hate to say it, I must admit that Michelle was right and taking this class has turned out to be fun and useful.