Tech AutoBiography

My first experience with technology that I remember is when I was in kindergarten. I was at Jefferson elementary school in 2004 and at this time, the library and computer lab were in a detached mobile building off the backside of the school. I remember walking in and seeing all these very colorful computers. It was the apple iMac color computers. I remember thinking they were the neatest thing I had ever seen. We were only able to use them for the preprogrammed reasons that the school had allowed. I do not really remember what it was, but I remember going out to the computer lab once a week and hoping I would get a pink one.

I feel I am in this weird age range where I remember what is both before and after the rise of technology. I remember having overhead projectors and televisions on carts side by side with smartboards and laptops. Technology has been used in so many different ways and different versions as it has progressed. I also have memories of doing educational games with objects we could find instead of having resources like Kahoot to create review games. Writing has become so much easier for me as laptops have been more and more accepted inside the classroom. I have never been the best speller and having access to spell check has helped me be a better speller as an adult. Teachers have seemed to utilize technology the same as time has passed and technology has progressed. Studying has also been changed as technology has progressed. Access to programs like Quizlet have really helped me get better at studying for exams and finals.

For me, I am in the middle of my feelings about technology in the classroom. I have experienced and seen so many useful tools used that I know have strong benefits to students including social interaction, engagement, active learning and integrating different types of learning. However, I have seen technology be a barrier to teaching as well. Teachers who struggle to utilize technology can lose the interest of students if students have to wait for the technology to begin to work. I have also seen it be a major distraction for students and teachers alike. Students have full access to the internet (aside from the blocking that schools districts place to protect the students) and they often stray from their tasks at hand. I feel that I have a strong barrier to technology, and I am hoping this class will help me practice and find better ways to integrate technology in the classroom that is the most beneficial to students.

I hope to see technology become one of the most useful tools a student and teacher can use. I want to give students fun, new and creative ways to learn. I want the students to feel engaged and actively learning through a way that they want to do. I am hoping that the technology integration will continue to get better and more useful, especially in a special education setting. Students with disabilities have access to a whole different type of technology that benefits them in more ways. From speech devices to programs designed to help them learn better and tools that can help them interact with their fellow students.