My Updated Technology Autobiography

I started this quest for knowledge about technology two weeks ago and I can honestly say it has been an experience. I found out that I am considered a "digital immigrant" but now I think that I am a well informed "digital immigrant." My use of technology once centered upon using the computer to surf the web, check email and do occasional research. Of course, I have a cell phone and iPod but you could say that I am one of those people who still use 'new things in old ways'.

Now that I have completed this course about the different technologies and how they can be used in the classroom (and outside the classroom too!), I feel much more bolder about using them (blogs, podcasts, wikis, digital stories, flickr) and venturing out on my own to explore the other technology tools that exist (twitter, teachertube, etc.). I really enjoyed reading the textbook assigned for this class too. I think that the author, Richardson, had a writing style that was very engaging and simple in format. He never talked over my head. The book always gave real life examples of how each of the technology tools were being used in the classroom. Therefore, it can be done!

Having taken this course and using the textbook to help facilitate my learning, I now feel much more confident about walking in the classroom and using these tools as an aid to communicate and teach chemistry. The best part of my learning was having the hands on activities as opposed to just reading about it in a book. I am a big advocate of hands-on learning and I will definitely allow my students to get the hands-on opportunity in using technology tools that will help facilitate their learning. I was certainly apprehensive about what to expect on my first day of teaching since I have not been in a high school classroom in almost 20 years. Now, I think I have a much better idea of what the digital natives are doing!