The History of Technology in Education

Love this view of how technology has adapted throughout the years.

Even though this was made in 2011, and technology has come even farther, it is still a great resource to see the development of educational technology in the classroom.

This makes me think about the information that the class was taught a few weeks ago in class. It just amazes me how much technology changes in such a short period of time. This class never ceases to amaze me in how many different ways that there are to incorporate technology into the classroom.

The video only focuses on a few of the basic technological advances that have happened in the last decade or so. I love that there are so many other ways to use technology to a teacher's advantage. I do not necessarily like nor agree with the simplistic views that most teachers have about technology in the classroom. When I use technology in the classroom, I plan to use it in creative, inspiring, effective, and new ways. This will not only keep the interest of all of the students that I teach, but will also possibly inspire the other educators around me.

For the Love of Blogging

So...let me get this straight...you want me to not only have a personal blog based on Educational Technology, but also to have two more "teacher" and "student" blogs? Really....? I can honestly say that I love to blog, but I do not understand how this is going to be particularly helpful to my teaching career. I love that we can use pictures and videos in our blog, but I kind of thought that this was common knowledge. I don't mean to hate on anyone that does not completely understand technology. Blogging is easy for me. But...I do understand that it isn't the same way for many other people. All I'm asking is that we learn new concepts in class and do work outside of class. Everyone learns differently and at different paces, so I know that I may be going over the top. The class is meant for learning, so please...LEARN!

Do I have to...really?

As Educational Technology has started to progress, I have honestly heard nothing but complaints from the students that are taking the class. I see the class as an opportunity to learn how the field of education is growing technologically and expanding the knowledge and application of technology in the classroom. I do not know why so many students are "upset" with this positive change into the modern world that we undoubtedly are living in now. I truly think that these students do not want to learn how to use technology in the classroom because they never learned it themselves! Now...don't get upset...but I think that this is the most pathetic and idiotic excuse ever for not wanting to learn how to use and apply modern technological ideas in the classroom. Whether or not people understand technology, there are still so many great advantages to its use within modern classroom settings. So...honestly fellow students...grow up. Learn...or at least pay attention...during this opportunistic experience. After all...Educational Technology may surprise you.

God loves my Weakness

I constantly go through my life wanting to be perfect for the people around me to see. I have come to realize that not only do I NEVER succeed, but, in the process, I also completely wear myself out. I have always thought that this is a completely normal way to live…that is until very recently. A couple of nights ago I decided to spend some time reading the devotional, Jesus Calling, by the amazing Christian missionary, journalist, and author Sarah Young. Now, before I lose almost all of you to the wind, let me say that I do know that, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am called to be in constant communion with God every day…but…like I said, I have been way too busy for waaayyyy too long. Anyways, I went on to spend over thirty minutes reflecting on and over one specific and exhilarating: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (HCSB). It hit me right in the gut! How clueless could I possibly be…?! Of course I am weak…that’s why I couldn’t conquer my imperfect life…only God uses my weaknesses to give me strength! Bottom line is that instead of trying to be perfectly strong on my own, I simply need to be perfectly weak in the arms of Christ alone. I have learned that weakness is something more than what the world wants to see in our lives as people of God. You see, only when we are weak can we have the strength of God to turn us from the world that is anything but perfect.

Note Taking 101

For over a century students have sat in a class and furiously scribbled notes using a pencil...or pen...and paper. Much to many teacher's dismay, students are slowly starting to take notes using the "beauty of technology". Now...don't get me wrong...I personally love using my computer in class to take notes. It's much more efficient and makes for neater and more organized study sessions when finals do come around. Eh...but as I look around from the back corner of the classroom I can't help but notice how so many students are using their technology for everything except for note taking. As I returned to CCU this year I was told by many of my professors that computers were no longer allowed in the classroom setting. I guess there has been research conducted that proves computerized note taking to be much less effective to actually learning the material than the Old Fashioned "scribble method". At first I was upset at this new revelation within the educational community...that is until I realized that I am one of a handful of students who only use my computer for taking notes. Am I disappointed or upset?...nah. You see...students pay for a college degree to learn how they are going to spend the rest of their short lives. Personally, I want to be fully prepared for the career that I have chosen as an educator. So...I promise my professors right now that I will be that one lone student who not only listens to you as you teach...and sometimes ramble and rant on and on and on...but I will also take sufficient notes to remember this specific information even after the final is over with and completed. You have my word.