Computers

=Computers=

I post the Department of Teacher Education's requirements for a laptop computer ([|COE-laptop-requirement.pdf]). Although I do not require my students to bring laptops with them to class, I feel that this document helps to support the use of a laptop in the classroom. Educational tools, such as a computer, can help students to learn according to their own needs. There have been times when during a class a concept has been mentioned, and I have been able to use this tool to search for some context of the term or idea. In the spring semester of 2010, students have been engaging in what some have termed inappropriate use of technology in the classroom. This has caused some changes in the policies of the elementary teacher education teams. As of date there has been no change in the college computer requirements.

I think about the uses of technology in the classroom, especially in the teacher education classroom. As I have said, I view computers as a tool, but also understand desires to have respect in the classroom. I feel that in the current setting of cell phones and emails that education is at a juncture point. How do we embrace the technology? Even now, as I work on this syllabus, I think about this concept of new technology. I am writing on a wikispace that allows for public access beyond what was once private to only my students. I did not give my students a paper copy of the syllabus, but instead had them access it through the course management software owned by the university. I have asked them to buy a book but provide additional reading through the electronic reserve of the library. In my office is a telephone, although I think it has been used once in the two years I have been in this office, due to Skype or cell phones.