Technology Journey I
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Technology Journey
I
As a student for the past sixteen years, I have journeyed through the dynamic land of technology. The presence of computers, game compatible calculators, and video centered curriculum has evolved from scarcely used or accessible to predominant components of education. Personally, a digital camera, personal computer, and cell phone have found their way into my household. Feelings of frustration and awkwardness when first using these latest "gadgets" have been replaced with a great sense of dependability. I had recently completed third grade when I first encountered a Macintosh computer. I registred for a summer class at the local junior high intending to learn the basics: how to turn a computer on, use the mouse, access icons on the desk top, learn the meaning of the word "desktop", etc. Prior to this, the only experience I had with the foreign machine was watching it collect dust in the corner of the classroom. With the beginning of the computer class I remember feeling: Although I was somewhat worried I would not understand the concepts which were to be taught, I felt very mature that I would hopefully be able to operate a computer at nine years old. Indeed, I did successfully complete the course and the following Chirstmas my parents bout a computer. It was not until my last year of junior high that instructors not only began to require essays be computer processed, but supplemented their lessons with PowerPoint slides, computer lab sessions, and word processed handouts. I especially remember my high school Spanish class's frequent visits to the foreign langauage lab. with a CD Rom we would virtually explore Spain, record responses orally, and play interactive games to assist with building our vocabulary. I also took two semesters of keyboarding and believe without these courses I would be a very inefficient typist. Even though multimedia enriched curriculum yielded an exciting, stimulating learning environment, there were times I wish computers never came into existence. I remember many nights when I had a five-page essay due the following day and my printer would not function properly or my word processor did not sake my work. I would frantically go to school the next morning, praying my instructor would grant an extension. Aside from a few bumps along the way, I thoroughly enjoy the immediate service my PC, cell phone, and digital camera produce. I no longer use my home telephone, nor give out the number. It is so convenient to efficiently be reached at any hour, anywhere. These days I find myself spending more time on the Internet than watching television. I easily gain access to many of my classes' notes, readings, syllabi, and research materials. E-mailing and instant messaging allow a simple form of communication with my friends in other states. I rarely read newspapers or magazines, but instead learn of current events and show times via the Internet. I was recently given a digital camera and I'm amazed with the high quality and definition of the pictures. Not only am I able to instantly see the results, but I also print them with ease and comfort in my own home. The technology I use for school and at home is summarized as follows:
As a future educator, I believe it will be in the best interest of my students to supplement lessons with various technologies. As we know, children today are of the digital era- literate, knowledgeable, and comfortable with the latest technology. Educational multimedia such as KidPix, word processed assignments and handouts, along with computer graphics and visual diagrams to accompany lessons will allow today's students to express their unique style of learning. Although, I do believe a medium should be met in that children should not merely rely on a calculator to perform mathematical problems or depend on the spelling check feature within a computer. It is this middle ground that will prepare students for the high-tech future, but also enable them to grasp timeless knowledge. |