Session Five

What we are studying this week, and throughout this class, deeply affects how I am teaching. One of the most beneficial parts of the reading for me was the discussion of about 'technology natives' verses 'technology immigrants'. I had heard the terms before, but never considered myself as an immigrant. I, also, had never considered how that explains why it is, somewhat, a foreign concept for many in my generation to integrate technology into our teaching. Our own schooling experiences were mainly trips to the computer lab and word processing. As common as it is for us to use technology ourselves, it is not natural for us to include it in our lessons. This understanding has given me much to reflect on.

The reading, also, enlightened me to the necessity for proper professional development. My experience has been very limited to how to use certain technologies. It has not included how to effectively integrate it into my teaching.

I'm glad we got a chance to review different evaluation tools for software. I have been spoiled by a district wide technology department who handle everything for us from the technicians to the staff designated to search and implement software and hardware as they deem necessary. This has been a blessing and a curse. The evaluation tools we reviewed impressed upon me the considerations one should have when choosing suitable software for students. I now look at what my district has chosen through new lenses. It is important not to be blind to what I am exposing my students to.