Looking Back and Ahead

As I look back at my first day of class, it is funny to think of how much I have learned from then to now. I have learned so much from this class and I truly feel that I am more prepared to teach 21^st century learners. Before I took this class, I simply thought that integrating technology in the classroom would mean bringing in IPads or laptops. However, I have learned that there is so much more to it. There are so many new and creative ways to employ tech into education that will allow students to grow in the 21^st century. For example, I believe that the Tick Tack Toe project will be very helpful for me when I am trying to create unique and fun lesson plans for my future students. I have the tools to create assignments that employ Smore, Blabberize, Popplet, Wordle, interactive images, and much more that will make my class interesting.

            I also think that the Trends in Ed Tech presentations were very helpful and will be useful when I am a student teacher and educator. These presentations were a great way to demonstrate new ways to integrate tech into the classroom that will be interesting and educational for the students. I am also very happy to say that this class will not only help my future students, but me as well. I now know how to make my own professional website, blog, and how to use Twitter to my advantage.  All of the assignments, lessons, and presentations have and will aid in my professional educator career.

            My opinion of technology in education really has changed. I now believe that it is extremely important for students to be submersed in a classroom that employs technology and popular tech tools. Students need to know how to use technology in their daily lives for it is so prevalent in today’s society. As I look ahead and into my career, I know that I will provide my students with the gift of technology, so both my students and I can become successful and effective 21^st century citizens. 

Digital Tattoo/ Data-mine

This weeks digital tattoo lesson really opened my eyes to how our information is “tattooed” on the digital world. Throughout my life I have seen many displays of digital tattoos while browsing social media, however I never knew that they could be defined as tattoos. For instance, I have seen many exhibitions of tribute on Facebook once somebody passes away or displays of love on all forms of social media such as statuses and pictures. It was fascinating to consider that these simple displays of pride, love, religion, status, etc. are essentially tattooed onto you as it is a presentation of yourself that will stick with you forever.

            This idea correlates with the data-mine activity as well. Our online presence is not temporary. Our digital tattoos become our digital image that says something about ourselves. The stranger data-mine activity truly showed how you do not even need to physically meet a person to know very personal information about them. Thus, we must be concerned about what we are throwing out into the Internet for all to see. We want to have a positive digital image that shows we are good, marketable, and significant people. There are so many sites that allow anyone to access your information, thus we must be careful. After participating in the activity, it was scary to see how much information is out there on people, therefore it is important to use the Internet wisely. I really enjoyed this lesson for it carried an important message along with it; our digital tattoos are our digital image, so lets make it a positive one!