the pencil story

I thought that this story was very creative and entertaining, but it got its point across as well. It is funny to think that computers have been available in schools for a significant time now without much use. It is silly to think of computers as only being useful in computer class, yet that's what it was like even when I was in middle school. We never used computers outside of computer class. Even in high school, I didn't see computers used very much in the classroom. I would use them to word process my papers, but that was all. I think it's great that computers seem to be finally breaking onto the scene and being used more. The pencil story was a great illustration of what has been happening (and is still happening) with computers rarely being used, especially among teachers who are resistant to change.

actually using technology in education

I had my first subbing experiences last week, and it went really well. I was able to sub for a wonderful 4th grade classroom two days in a row, and then I worked as a one-on-one aide for a second grader. When I was in the second grade room I saw a Smartboard for the very first time. It is incredible! The teacher utilized the smartboard a lot in his classroom- it was a huge illustration for me of how technology can be used in a classroom!
Also, I'm glad I learned more about Microsoft Word in the last class. I've been using it for a long time, but basically just to word process. I was glad for the refresher on making tables because I had to use that feature for one of my classes in this last week!

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Heather Hatch and I am getting my master's in childhood inclusive education. My BA is from Roberts Wesleyan College in cross-cultural ministry. I spent the last three years at different jobs and figuring out what I wanted to do before deciding to teach. My most recent job was as a head teacher for one year olds, which I loved, but it was time to move on. Now I will be subbing while taking classes here full-time.
I'm glad that this class seems like it will be fun. When I heard the course name, I was thinking it might be kind of boring...