First Ever Blog Post

This is quite historic, for this marks the first time that I will be creating a blog post for all to read. Hopefully I do not disappoint. Maybe I will add a random GIF to ratchet up the fun level of the post.


(GIF was found at the following link: https://www.tenor.co/view/kingofthehill-sweetmusic-bobby-bobbyhill-joejack-gif-3699661)

That seems appropriate. So as I was saying, this is the first time that I have created a blog post, and it was done in response to an assignment given to us by our ICT prof. Basically, we are supposed to reflect back on a weekly basis about what had been covered that week in the ICT course and to make a post about what we had learned or planned on using in the future. Now, I'm not usually one to make posts of any the random thoughts circulating in my ol' brain bucket; it has never really been a strong suit of mine to spell out my thoughts into a status or post. However, for the sake of the grade and of the changing times in which tech of all sorts is increasingly prevalent, I feel like I will try to have some fun with it and push my boundaries to give it an honest shot. There really is no time better then now to begin getting some practice in the area of utilizing the existing technology (in this case, by creating a blog). Getting better with all types of tech will only benefit me in the long run, since I plan on getting good enough with the new tech that now exists to make use of it in a classroom in the future, without making a fool of myself in front of a room of teenagers who will scoff when I make any small mistake. I know this will be the case, since I was once that teenager who scoffed at the teacher when they weren't able to properly open up a YouTube video or whatever other tech they tried to use.

So why is it so important to be fluent in technology in today's 21st century classroom? Well, according to Alan November and his video "Education Myths and Opportunities: Technology in the Classroom", we need to embrace technology; to engage students in a social platform or global conversation with others across the web, and to give them more purpose in their classroom that will translate to them being more prepared for the workforce later in life. The best part about the new technology that exists is the opportunity that it can provide, (i.e. every student is able to have a voice that they can use to say what they feel, where they are able to make a contribution to the learning process for the class as a whole). Students should be able to find things that they are passionate about, and to share that with others. Hopefully it will create in them the urge to be lifelong learners, and will at the very least keep them more interested while in the classroom learning whatever it is that they need to know. With the internet now, the outside world is closer than ever, since it is simply so accessible to everyone. It would be such an educational faux pas not to embrace the opportunity which exists to use the internet and other technologies for a classroom. A good teacher should be drawing on the many perspectives that exist in their classroom, and in the global classroom of the world wide web. However, a very strong point that Alan November makes is the need to develop critical thinking in students; to make them aware that simply seeing something posted on the internet doesn't mean that it is correct and the only perspective that exists.

As an educator, the real task is learning how to use technology effectively, in a way that will actually provide more benefits for the students. Using the flashy tools is fun and all, but if it detracts from any actual learning from occurring, then what's the point? Using apps that students can get on their smartphones where they are able to poll their results or answer admit slips for the teacher is a great way to have every student contribute at the same time, as well as with Google Docs which can have multiple users on the same page at the same time. These are examples of good technology (since students are able to contribute in real time and provide insight for the teacher about what they know and are learning), while having students going and finding information that they will just copy and paste and not retain probably isn't as good of a use of tech. It is inevitable that technology will continue to have a more prevalent role in the classroom, so moving forward, I hope to embrace it and learn how to make ICT and communication technology a useful and beneficial part of a classroom. Also, I feel like I'll need to help create digital citizens of my students, so they can become lifelong learners and purveyors of the world wide web. Hopefully I can teach them something too.

And hopefully you enjoyed the ramblings of a first year Ed student who has never made a blog before. Until next time, Mr. Sidoryk... er Sidorium.. is signing off.