Blog #1

I think computers and new technologies are important parts of the educational experience because they are becoming widely used as standards and reforms are created and modified. Cognitive tools aid in learning problem solving, acquiring facts, and thinking critically. Using the computer as a cognitive tool will promote good processing skills and information management. There are critical concerns related to how teachers and students use computers. Obviously as a teacher I would need to have a "big picture" of computers and their uses. I should be familiar with the computer tools and know the functions of them as well as have the basic computer skills of any student in my classroom. Also, when something goes wrong I would need to know how to fix the problem and remain positive and knowledgeable. I agree with the issue raised in chapter one about teachers needing to know just as much, if not more, than their students about computer technology because we don't want role reversal to take over the classroom and the students to think they know more than the teacher.

In my classroom I will take a constructivist approach to using computers so as to engage my students and make them feel as though they are taking charge and learning along the way. Problem-based learning would also be an important part of my teaching because it lets the students work alone or with a group to construct their own learning, problem solve, and generate a solution. Both constructivism and problem-based learning help to give students higher-order thinking skills like predicting outcomes, and comparing and analyzing problems and solutions. One day I hope to use these skills in my own classroom to promote these abilities. In this class I hope to learn how to create an effective learning environment, incorporating these skills, in which my students will thrive. I also hope to learn how to properly use spreadsheets and other data analysis tools to teach my students.

I have changed my major many times over the course of my FSU career and I think I have finally settled on what I want to do with my life. It's amazing to type that.. I realize that the one thing I want to do the most with my life is help others. One day I hope to become a guidance counselor rather than a teacher because I want to work in a more one-on-one setting and really get to the root of the problem or predicament. I am excited for my future in education and I am truly looking forward to learning a lot from this class.