‘17 Things’ Lite Edition was an enlightening experience during which time I learned how to better utilize technology in the classroom. I was also introduced to sites that will be perfect to use in my personal life and artistic practice. Because I just graduated with a Masters of Fine Art in media a year ago, I feel very comfortable using the Internet as a teaching tool. However, the influx of technological tools are constant and infinite, so ’17 Things’ served an accessible and fun means to catch up with the latest and the greatest amidst the world wide web. And it is wide. The only challenge I experienced through this process was the aptitude of each tool, and I feel as though I only scratched the surface. I look forward to spending more time exploring these sites and taking advantage of the progressive and communicative features in my classroom and beyond.
I am a firm believer that staying current with technology makes me a better teacher, and in turn, I can better relate to my students. I really enjoy using class websites to better reach my students through a format they are already familiar with, including blogs, online art galleries, social networking… the Internet! That said, I do not think it is a vital part of teaching. I know there are many excellent teachers who do not use technology very often in the classroom. I am also an advocate of keeping ‘books alive’ so exclusively using the Internet to research and present subject content is a dangerous step in the wrong direction. More importantly, providing a variety of learning experiences will make for well rounded students. In fact, using various interfaces (on a screen or not) to share and process knowledge will be a well received trait in the working world and in everyday life for our young learners.
I am a firm believer that staying current with technology makes me a better teacher, and in turn, I can better relate to my students. I really enjoy using class websites to better reach my students through a format they are already familiar with, including blogs, online art galleries, social networking… the Internet! That said, I do not think it is a vital part of teaching. I know there are many excellent teachers who do not use technology very often in the classroom. I am also an advocate of keeping ‘books alive’ so exclusively using the Internet to research and present subject content is a dangerous step in the wrong direction. More importantly, providing a variety of learning experiences will make for well rounded students. In fact, using various interfaces (on a screen or not) to share and process knowledge will be a well received trait in the working world and in everyday life for our young learners. On a more personal level, one unexpected takeaway is that I was finally able to start up a Wiki for a family cookbook in honor of my grandmother, who was an AMAZING cook. I am confident in the longevity of wiki-spaces since this host site has been around for so long, and my family members will not be too intimated by its familiar and simple interface.
In one sentence, I would describe this learning experience as a fun and accessible means to stay in touch with the latest Internet teaching tools. In one word I think ’17 Things’ Lite Edition is PROGRESSIVE. Thank you for the opportunity, I look forward to exploring each resource further on my own time!
