Ed. Tech Timeline

The Road of Educational Technology!

   Educational technology has faced many hurdles over the years! I think many of these hurdles have to do with money. A lot of schools simply cannot afford these technological advancements. Also, I think some parents or even some schools may be opposed to the increase in technology-based learning. Some people prefer traditional learning styles and they may think those are better. Although, I believe that the people who are completely opposed to technology-based learning do not fully understand the benefits of it or what it has to offer.

   

   I believe teachers can try to prevent these hurdles by trying to raise money for their schools! If it is important enough to the teachers than I think the teachers should help out! Some teachers may say this is not their responsibility, and they are correct in the sense that budgeting and the money for the school's resources does not fall directly on their shoulders. However, teachers who truly care about their students' education will go the extra mile to help them in any possible way! I know as a future teacher I would do anything in my power to assist my students in their learning process. Another way teachers can help is by staying updated on the current educational technology opportunities! Teachers should also make it a point to educate the parents, and even the other staff members if necessary on these advancements.

 
 


    Personally, in order to get past these hurdles I will definitely make sure the parents understand why I am using the technology in the classroom. I will make sure that they understand how it will be beneficial to their child, too! I will also always try to find new ways to teach using technology and help students learn using technology. It is important to change things up when teaching, and it will help the students tremendously! I am so excited to put these practices to use when I have my own classroom someday!
Thanks for tuning in to my blog this week!
Be sure to check out my timeline on Educational Technology!

Google Vs. Microsoft

    After doing similar assignments on both Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and Google Docs and Slides, I found that I like Microsoft a lot better. I found it was very easy to do all the tasks on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint that I had to complete. The only issue I had was with PowerPoint when I had to change the design and/or background for each individual slide. This was not as user-friendly, and I had to google it to figure out a way to do it.

     When I used Google Docs and Slides, I noticed that it took me a lot longer to find certain things because unlike with Microsoft, the icons don't just jump right out at you. Some of the things I had to google to even find out where they were located. Also, Google Docs was very limited with their fonts, so they did not have the font we were required to use. The other issue I had was specifically with Google Slides because it was very difficult to add sound to it because there is not a direct way to add sound.

     I think Microsoft Word has more pros than Google because it is just a lot easier to use, and it has so many more options. I was surprised at how limited the Google products were when it came to certain things such as the fonts and even the transitions and animations. The only thing I thought was easier to do with Google Slides than Microsoft PowerPoint was to change the color of the individual slides. This was very simple to do with Google Slides!
 
     In my opinion, it would make more sense for my students to use Microsoft Powerpoint because I just think it is much easier to navigate and understand. Also, Microsoft has a lot more pictures to demonstrate what the icons do, and I noticed that in Google it is pretty much all words/phrases. The pictures would definitely help younger students who are unable to read well! Also, Microsoft would allow them to be more creative in their projects because there is just so much more variety on Microsoft than on Google.

Students & Internet Searching

    It is very important to take precautions when students are using the internet because the internet is full of unfiltered items. It is important to educate the students on the importance of being safe and responsible when using the internet.

    If I had my own students searching the internet the first thing I would do is search the topic on my own first so I would be familiar with what would come up. It is important as a teacher to preview anything that you will be exposing your students to. When we were actually going to do the internet searching as a class, I would make sure I could see all of their computer screens at all times. The next thing I would do is make sure we were all searching for the same thing. I wouldn't let them come up with their own search topics. I would tell them exactly what to type in and where to go from there. I would make sure they wouldn't click on any of the links without permission from an adult.

Follow this link to a video on safe internet searching! https://youtu.be/pqGlhNDx7_k

    I would present internet searching as a positive thing because it can be very useful for educational purposes as well as in every day life. However, I would make it known that internet searching isn't a game and needs to be taken seriously. I would make sure they knew the consequences and risks it could have if it were to be used inappropriately.

    I know a lot of schools block many websites to make internet searching safer for students. Also, many schools make it a point to educate their teachers and other staff about safe internet practices. One solution for safe internet searching would be for schools to install the "safe search app" on iPads or tablets. Also, it is important for schools to enable the safe search option on Google on their computers.There are many other safe internet search practices that schools use to make sure kids are protected. The following website consists of many different examples of these search techniques: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr073.shtml. Check out this informational article for more information on internet searching!

The Beginning of my Blogging Journey

     To be completely honest, I just chose a random blog site from the recommended list on canvas. However, if I had to choose a blog website without any recommendations or prior knowledge I would start out by using google to get familiar with different ones. I would check out different websites and see which one I liked best before just picking the first one I came across. I would consider criteria such as user friendliness and accessibility.

     I wasn't too excited about blogging initially, but as I began to learn more about how it can be used I warmed up to the idea of it. Specifically, I never really thought about blogging being used for an educational purpose such as this one. I have never been fond of other people reading what I have to say, so the idea of it seemed foreign to me. Although, I am very open-minded in my life, and I want to continue that with this blog in order to get the most out of it.

     This blog can be beneficial in more ways than one. It gives me a chance to express myself in a setting that is unfamiliar to me. Also, it gives me a chance to hear the opinions of others and how they relate to my own opinions. This blog can teach me a lot and expand my horizons on different topics. I think this blog will be beneficial to my educational journey as well as my life.