Chapter 8 Reflection

I really enjoyed the content of this chapter. For a teacher who is computer savvy, and also for those who are not so savvy, there was a multitude of information in this chapter. It first introduced technology, which most of us are familiar with, and its many uses. It talked about CD-ROM's and DVD's which have much information and different approaches to teaching than alot of us are used to.

I am one of the latter(one who is not so savvy) teachers and was extremely appreciative of the detail that this chapter gave. In the second part of the chapter it discussed use of the Internet and the many types of "virtual teaching" possibilities that are available for us to use. It discussed virtual labs, assistive instructional packages, digital cameras and microscopes(how awesome!!). I would love to be able to teach a lesson in Biology using a digital microscope. This would ensure that each student would be seeing and discussing the same thing .

I find it very helpful to know that this type of resource is out there. I have known about computers for a long time but I guess I never realized just how much technology is available to everyone and all the ways it can assist us in our classroom. It is very encouraging to see all that is available to us as teachers in using modern technology. It also discussed several websites where there was global participation. I was never able to talk to students in a different town, let alone a different state our country about a topic in science. What wonderful learning opportunities are avavilable for students today.

This chapter also talked about teaching the students how to do a power point and make a presentation more interesting using technology. It also memtioned the importance of learning how to organinze and store data using technology, something that will only aid the students in the future as we are all aware. I especially liked how this text took the time to offer suggestions and other resources available for those classrooms that don't have the benefit of multiple computers. This is something that is all too true in many areas of the US. There are so many districts that have no money for computers at all.

Finally it talked about the protocol, safety and standards for the classroom regarding the internet. With all of the on-line preditors and inappropriate material that is out there, we need to ensure that our students are recieving the highest qualty education, and that includes internet safety and precautions.