Green Group

My experiences with technology deeply affect my opinions on the application of technology in the classroom. My experiences as a student color my perceptions more than anything else. For instance, I find that PowerPoint being used to help organize my notes, and highlighting the points of things, is a very appropriate use of technology and greatly helps in my learning. However when an instructor uses PowerPoint as the lecture itself it is hard to follow and pay attention, merely because I could read exactly what he is saying. This is an inappropriate application of PowerPoint. Another example is that I learn really well on my own so I find that research projects which encourage using the internet to find reputable websites for research, referencing them, and writing a paper or making a presentation to be an effective application of technology. Both my technobiography and my post about technology integration both involve me using the internet as a tool for information. I believe that technology could also be used to encourage creativity in students. Like giving them a project involving pictures or other types of media.

I consider myself to be an average joe when it comes to computers. I didn't have access to the internet till about 10th grade. I learned how to use it fast but only after a period of computer stupidity. The fact that all students don't have the same amount of experience with computers is important to keep in mind as an educator. Everything should be user friendly.

Simply put I find that if the technology actually aids in the learning of the student, and isn't used as a crutch for the educator to lean on, then it is an appropriate application of technology. It should develop skills in the usage of technology, as well as aid in the learning of the subject matter.