Day 13 in computers in the classroom

Sadly, today was the last class in this room :( . I have learned so much throughout this course and I feel so prepared to go into a classroom and be able to use a variety of technology, and allow my students to open their minds and be creative using these technologies. I am so excited to use thinkfinity. I think this website is the greatest thing created. I have already used it so many times and I plan on using it much more. I think the activities are genious and so much fun. I am so excited to engage my students by introducing blogging, podcasting, and wiki, giving them a variety of ways to learn and be assessed. I am also excited to use SmartBoard in the classroom. I am getting more and more familiar with it and I have a feeling it is going to be my best friend!

Day 12 in Computers in the Classroom

I had no idea how serious copyright was until today. I did not realize how many laws and rules are broken everyday not only in the classroom but out of the classroom. I thought it was outrageous how many restrictions are placed on media, images, literature and much more. I didnt realize that putting a picture of Mickey Mouse in a school yearbook could get you in so much trouble. After seeing the powerpoint, I will be more cautious as to what I use in my classroom and expose to my students. However, I admit that I probably won't follow copyright regulations entirely. They are way too strict and I think that you need a little more freedom. I do have to be careful about citing my work though, I often tend to forget to do that and now I realize how much trouble I could actually get in.
As for second life, maybe I just dont understand the whole virtual reality thing, but I didnt really think that it would benefit me. Maybe I just have to play around with it and explore. I also was unsure of what it meant to be in an island or in the orientation stage, but once I start using it more, hopefully I will understand it better.

Day 11 in Computers in the Classroom

I really enjoyed today's class. I thought it was really interesting to see how different schools use different technology in the classroom. I observed that some classrooms are primarily run on computer based technology, while others rely on old fashioned methods such as the chalk board and projector. In Greg's presentation, he mentioned that classrooms would have computers and SmartBoard in them, but teachers would only use the computer to take attendance and ignore the SmartBoard, preferring to use the overhead. Greg also made a good point in his presentation when he noted that technology is a great tool, if used properly. Many students and teacher "over use" it and starting to become anti-social. They rely too much on technology as a means of communication, becoming obsessed with this technological world. While I think it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom and use it to its fullest advantage, I also think that it is important not to abuse it and to not forget about the "pre-tech" period.
I also started to grasp google sketch up a little more, thanks to Kira. I think its going to take me a while to really get the hang of it, but once I do, I'm going to create the coolest learning environment, one that students will want to come to and learn!!