Tech Task # 1

Hi my name is Holly O’Dea. I am from a small town called Griffith in Australia. I usually attend the Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, Australia, but I’m currently on exchange for a semester at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.                       I have one older brother studying engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne, Aust.                                                                                                                                              This is my 3rd year of study in Primary Teaching or as they call it in Canada Elementary.  After this semester I head home with only have 1 more year to go until i’m out making a great classroom and some money.

When I’m home my hobbies are, Horse riding, I compete in Showjumping, Teach riding and also play Netball. A game that is not known at all in Canada. Its sort of like basketball with dribbling and no contact.

I am not very adventurous when it comes to techonolgy but I’ll have a go as long as there is plenty of time for me to explore and follow the right steps.

I took a computers subject in my 1st year of study at University were we learnt to use a variety of tools (that i have forgotten about now), how to use powerpoint and how to load them as web pages. Appart from using computers for basic daily activities, a more recent learning experience with computers and programs for me, was last semester. I took a ‘Multilieracies’ subject that incorporated the use of computers, the internet and a few sound and image programs to create ‘photo stories’. We used digital cameras to take photos and download them to create a slide show of images on our computer. We then chose a music concept that students at a particular age and grade need to learn and put sound effects, music, voice over and text or speech buubbles to our images. The end product was an educational movie to teach the music concept and get meaning from the visuals.

I think it is very important to incorporate the use of computers for all ages and in all curriculum areas. Children that dont have the experience with computers from early onset are at a distinct disadvantage to their experienced peers and often lack the confidence to experiement with it. As they get older just dealing with technology in society can be harder when they dont have the basic computer skills or confidence to figure their way through things. However I think technology has its limitations for younger students because they need more teacher – student interaction to develop social skills, behaviour and literacy. I thinks its necessary to make sure the use of computers is structured and controled to avoid any inappropriate use or exposure and make it fun and productive. 

Technology should be used for an educational purpose. This doesnt mean it has to be boring. Learning new skills and using a variety of programs and games should always be fun and productive. Its probably a good idea to show students the popular websites such as Youtube, Facebook and Myspace so they know what its about and understand there is some dangers in using them.  I dont think these websites have alot of educational relevance and shouldnt be used during school time. Students will probably view them at home so giving them some knowledge and information can help build trust between the teacher and students.  

The popular websites and prevelance of mobile phones has probably increased students use of technology and may provide more technology friendly students but in terms of student achievement i think its more important and appropriate to focus on using a variety of computer programs, such as power point, word docs, maths games and research websites to learn new skills. 

From this class I want to learn how I can increase the use of technology in a classrooms everyday practices. I also want to gain the confidence to use and find new programs and new technology so that my students are always up to date with society.