Future Classroom

Technology is invading every aspect of our lives and will soon be a consistent part of the classroom. Luckily, there are many useful ways to utilize technology in class. With the use of programs such as Inspiration and PowerPoint, students are able to creatively express themselves and show what they know on a topic. With computers and iPads, students with disabilities are able to communicate more easily in the classroom. Being a future art teacher, I was highly skeptical on the possibility of using technology with future lessons.Taking Instructional Technology has opened my eyes to what technology is available for students and teachers. Written group work can be monitored through Google Docs; group presentations can be more colorful and organized through Inspiration. Review can become an interesting short video with Photo Peach or a fun game through PowerPoint. Other review games can be created through various available websites. Blogs can be a great way for students to keep up-to-date with different topics of interest but can also be a useful tool for teachers. For instance, I am currently following a few first-year teachers' blogs. This gives me, as a future teacher, insight on what should be expected. Also, I found that there is a large community of teacher bloggers who help each other with ideas from classroom management to new project ideas. Aside from staying connected, I can get students started on a project through Google Docs, get feed back from students or parents through the Google forms, and plan events easier with many different online tools. No longer being a skeptic, I look forward to my future classes and all of the new ways we can work with technology to make learning fun, inviting, and useful in the classroom.