People who are struggling to learn about all the new innovations in technology are considered "technology immigrants". I did not grow up with the benefit of the latest gadgets, cell phones, laptops, desktops, i-phones, i-pads sending e-mails and all of the other new do-hickeys'. As a matter of fact, I was around when they produced the first computer. It was about the size of a room. When the first cell phones (bag phones) became available, I was well into my thirty's. Being a technology immigrant means I am playing catch up. My generation was totally not included in this new era of technology. But I am an LEARNER from that generation who is actively pursuing information that will allow me to be utilize all available resources. Don't want to compete or dominate, just want to participate.
LET THE FUN BEGIN!
WELCOME!
Please come with me on a journey to improve my technology
skills. I can assure you that all of your prayers encouragement and support on this trip is welcomed.
Summer is just getting started and I find myself hard at work. This summer I am taking two e-learning courses: "Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching and Universal Design," and "Wikis and Blogs and Podcast and Skype."
Please come with me on a journey to improve my technology
skills. I can assure you that all of your prayers encouragement and support on this trip is welcomed.
Summer is just getting started and I find myself hard at work. This summer I am taking two e-learning courses: "Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching and Universal Design," and "Wikis and Blogs and Podcast and Skype."
I must admit, I feel a little afraid. Please don't tell anyone. Shh! In one of my sessions, I find myself constantly reading the material over and over. The instructor has opened all of the requirements for the class and it includes all of the reading. Although, I am allowed to browse, I am not tempted to post ahead of time. Nor does it cause me to loose focus on the week at hand. Reading ahead actually helps me to understand the direction the information is leading and helps me to connect the pieces for the week we are working on. Actually, the conversations of the post are very informative and people are posting four and five times a day. I am so excited about what these sessions have to offer. I am checking for new post throughout the day everyday. People are chatting constantly, because they feel comfortable on this site. Not one person has posted in a session that was not open. Therefore, it is my belief that the chances of me increasing my knowledge base in this session is greatly enhanced. On the other hand, I am uncomfortable with new information that I have not manipulated in my own way. Not knowing what is expected can be overwhelming for me.
As it stands, according to several surveys, (taken in another e-learning class)I am a very reflective learner. That means that I require time to think about new information . New information must be process and understanding must occur before I am able to utilize it.
As educators, we have all had learners who would get the answer correct, but it would take forever. In my opinion, the learning style that we have as children could still exist as adults. Therefore, on behalf of all learners who are like me, teachers please, Differentiate! Differentiate! Differentiate!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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About Me
- TEACH4FUN-TEACH4FUN
- I have a fascination with instruction and curriculum. My hobby is creating and adding curricular support to assist teachers. My background is Elementary/Special Education grades 1-9. I have taught children from each end of the learning spectrum as it relates to ability. It is my belief that there is always a way to differentiate information that will make it consumable for the intended learner.
My first cell phone was also the bag phone and although, I am only in my late thirties, I also find myself playing catch up. I have found that the best way to learn technology is to play around with it. That goes for your computer, your websites, your cell phone, your ipod, whatever!!! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology can be intimidating. However, I have also found that the more I do it myself the more I learn. After the birth of my nephew, my sister said to me, "You can hold him, he won't break." Technology is much the same way. Even if it is frustrating at times, I have never broken anything by just messing around with it until I figured it out. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteSuzie, I agree that playing with technology will help. For me, finding time to do that when it is not at the top of my priority list is challenging.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any particular plans to use technology with special needs students?
Nice blog!