Technology and Access Issues

I am not sure I believe there is such a thing as students who don't have access to technology outside the classroom. There are public libraries, libraries in schools, and after school tutoring in school with computer access. I do however, see that students who are lazy and avoid spending time in libraries or with tutors to work on computers do exist. That is their choice though.

As a teacher I will technology in the class quite often. My presentations to students will utilize power point, videos, and photographs of reliant material. My students will also be required to write papers and create their own digital works of art and information. If a few students do not have computer access at home I will still use computers in the class and with assignments. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get what they need technologically if they put forth even minimal effort.

I also think that teachers who shy away from technology are doing their students a disservice. Technology is everywhere and as teachers it is our responsibility to prepare student to succeed wherever they go. In order to be successful today and in the future students need to be technologically savvy.

Power Point Presentations

I would have to say the best thing during the presentations was Hayley's slide explaining the don't of Improve. I am not sure exactly why it stuck to me as the best but it did. I thinking maybe because she gave good examples of what can go wrong. Also a lot of times I tend to explain things as what is the right way to do things, and forget to give examples of bad. That slide was a good reminder for me and was entertaining. I also really enjoyed the use of humor in Zach's presentation.

I believe the least engaging thing I saw was an over use of reading notes. That is also what I would say some people need to improve on.

I think I did a cruddy job of presenting. I spoke to quickly and didn't make my subject very exciting. If I were to actually present this in a class I would go a lot slower and ask a lot more questions of students to help reinforce the information.

I enjoy using power point because it is very visual and helpful for people with auditory issues. I also enjoy that I can write a vary sparse outline which students can copy down as notes. I think one of the big cons is that people tend to really over use words on them. A good thing is that pictures can speak a thousand words and you can get some great pictures on a power point.

dont read notes know your material
good to use engaging media
enthusiasm for material really shows
ask questions to make it engagning
use the audience as examples