Technology in the Classroom

Today, I was sick so my lesson was not as energetic as I would have liked it to be. I think that students really do have a better response when you integrate technology in the classroom. So far in my unit, I have shown many YouTube videos and played music, as well. I also use interactive power points. It seems like those were the lessons that the students liked best. My cooperating teacher told me that she never even thought to look on YouTube for material to use in her classroom. I've also had substitutes that were in the class comment on my use of technology and multi-media in the classroom. I feel like I have a little bit of an advantage because I am closer in age to my students and am exposed to the same types of media that they are.

I think one of my strengths as a teacher is my creativity. I like finding rap videos on YouTube and creating activities and games to enhance student learning. However, I do get frustrated when I have to use the technology in the classroom. Even though I find these awesome lesson ideas, I sometimes cannot figure out how to work the computer in my class. I'm not very good with compatibility and conversion either. For example, today I wanted to open a document from my jump drive, but it could not open. My teacher was the one who realized why; it was saved as a docx. and I was not able to bring up what I wanted to show the students. I also ran into problems when I tried showing a PowerPoint that I created on my personal computer (PowerPoint 2007). I was not able so show this presentation and I had to lecture instead, which was disappointing. One of the students made a comment to me about my lack of knowledge: "You are a college student! Shouldn't you know something about technology?" I have to admit, my face turned beat red and I was really embarrassed because he was right. We do get a course at Kent State in instructional technology; however, I feel like I've forgotten most of what I learned. I feel like that class should be taken later in the program or there should be another course required that is focused toward instructional technology. I recently searched online for seminars or courses that teachers can take to improve their knowledge of technology in the classroom. I found this great website that shows many different things teachers can do. It offers webinars, as well as courses in instructional technology.