I have had several Aha! moments this semester. One was to really grasp the idea of just using technology for the sake of saying that you are using technology. I am not sure if I every really thought about it before. This occured to me when I was research articles and reading through discussions on the reluctance of teachers to use technology. In some cases the resistance my come from past experiences with technology and to what extent they were asked to use it. The workshop approach just simnply not enough. Teachers want hands-on, pracitcal experiences. They want to talk to other teachers in simiilar situations (teaching an overflowing classroom of students, extra duties, etc) and see how the technology is working out for them. Is it REALLY making their lives easier or are they using technology for the sake of saying they are using the technology? If it has positively contributed to their lives that will allow other educators to have a different perspective from the beginning.
Just because my experience with technology has been, for the most part, positive, I cannot assume that it will be the same for everyone else. I need to stop saying "this is SO easy" or "you're going to love this" when discussing the use of technology. I have found that others are much more willing to ask for help if I take a different approach. Letting them know that it works for me and maybe it can do the same for them takes the pressure of failure out of the picture.
I enjoyed the class and the opportunity to not only look at available technologies, but also to reflect on current practices and chances to improve upon what is already being used.
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