Mark

Mark

Dear Dr. McGregor,

First I’d like to thank you for everything I have learned this semester. The assignments and projects you presented were terrific and will be an excellent resource to me as I move on to future teaching opportunities. The greatest thing I learned this semester was that regardless of how difficult it may seem or how many obstacles are in your way, there is always a way to get help and bring new excitement and effectiveness to my lessons through the use of technology. The biggest way I can think of to overcome the obstacles, such as budget concerns and teachers unwillingness to change, is to teach and share my knowledge with others. Once they see the ease of use and cost effectiveness, they will hopefully be more open to new experiences. I think these obstacles will continue to exist for teachers and for the use of technology, but as I have went through this class I have learned that I can find amazing solutions to make lessons more effective and meaningful through the use of technology. I have also learned that while I may not know everything about mobile devices and technology, the answers are usually just a few clicks away. I was most proud of my creativity through my projects. I usually don’t consider myself a very artsy or crafty person. Through the mobile device projects, I found I was able to create new ideas more effectively. This is truly what I’m most excited about as I move forward. I can’t wait to use what I learned to help teach my students. I also am intrigued by how I can teach my students to use the same technologies for their personal and educational uses. Teaching to me is all about inspiration. Technology allows for teachers or students that may have flat lined when it comes to motivation, to find new sources of excitement and energy. My major concerns about teaching and technology are student engagement and resources to bring technology to each student. The use of technology can really help in engaging all students. Today’s students thrive on new ideas and new technology. It’s up to us as teachers to give them the opportunity to experience technology. When using technology, it’s always a concern of money and resources. As a teacher I will use grants, fund raising, and technology opportunities to drum up funds and excitement for the implementation of more technology into the schools. I will definitely teach in the twenty-first century. My class is one that will include real life experiences through simulation, live field experience, projects. I plan to use technology in everyway possible that will lead to a more effective learning experience for my students. The worst thing we can do is stay still and accept what we know as an end. We must move forward always searching for the best and most effective way. We must also respect and grab each student’s individualities. It is our responsibility as teachers to do whatever is necessary to connect and teach each student. We must use every resource possible to meet their needs and wants. The difference I will make will be to have each of my students know that I am committed to them and their education. They will know that I will not put them in a box or a group. Their individual needs will be a priority and I will work with them to accomplish their goals. Technology will play a major role in my class and my students will benefit from being challenged to search for new solutions. We will never ask if we are done learning, but rather, what is next. This class has brought me a number of new skills and ideas that I cannot wait to use in my classes. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of resources that, while I may search endlessly through, I will never be finished.