Chapter 8 Reflection

Technology, Tools and Resources

This chapter is definitely a useful tool for future teachers. I think that technology offers an endless amount of opportunities to enhance student learning. I believe that incorporating technology into the classroom can only benefit and strengthen any lesson. Also, teachers that are implementing new ideas in technology are setting themselves apart and becoming a valuable resource for schools.

I was pleasantly amazed at how many ways technology can be utilized in the classroom. I was somewhat overwhelmed. This chapter thoroughly covered many ideas and even gave examples on how to apply certain ideas in a real case scenario. I especially appreciated the section on the one computer classroom and computer learning stations. I also found the example of the school policy on Internet use to be very practical and helpful.

I found the listed websites throughout the chapter to be very resourceful and entertaining. Although some web pages were not found, I was able to find a similar one on the main page. One such address was http: //spaceplace.nasa.gov.en.educator/posters. On this page, .pdf files of posters and lithographs, as well as postcards and bookmarks are free to download. The graphics are really neat!

Also, the website www.exploratorium.edu had online exhibits that were amazing. I searched this web page and found a useful tool for my science lessons, titled "The Science of Gardening". I clicked on a link, titled "Secret Lives of Flowers", and was amazed at the quality and realness of the images. A slide show unfolded the inside of a flower, magnified to reveal one single pollen piece. My favorite flower, the rose, suddenly became this vast network of hidden compartments. It is the first time that I ever admired this flower for more than its delicate petals.

I had so much fun looking at the websites listed throughout the chapter; I could only imagine how much fun a student would have exploring the same web pages. The last paragraph is titled, "Take the Plunge." It leaves teachers with the idea to be "curious, yet critical" and read widely to keep up with advances in educational technology. I certainly will dip my feet in first, but in time will take the plunge as I gain more confidence as a teacher at the forefront of a society immersed in new ideas and possibilities.