Monday, September 3, 2007

That thing you do.

I have always know that I wanted to be a teacher. The passion fills me. I make up lesson plans in my head. I adore red pens. Literature is my life. Teaching is how I am going to spend my days. As such, I entered the concrete pathways of Northwest University with anticipation and great excitement. I had heard through connections that the education program was fantastic and as I bought my school supplies, my heart lept at the chance that I was getting.

I moved into the dorms, carefully placing my overflowing boxes on the floor. I looked around, catching a glimpse of Lake Washington out my window. Everything seemed perfect. Roomate was friendly. Floor seemed amazing. There were next door neighbors to chat with. And then....

I had to go downstairs to get my computer hooked to the wireless internet. 2 hours later, frustrated and angry, I finally had access. On that day, I realized once again how much I truly hated technology. Not technology on the whole, but the fact that I didn't have any conceivable idea how to do anything.

Now I am writing a blog. On a computer. Using the internet. Being forced to use technology. But I think I am going to get the hang of this. During our first class, we were introduced to the Smart Board. I was instantly intrigued and began thinking of ways to use it while teaching. It was at that moment that I realized how much technology can benefit a classroom. Technology will impress students into learning. They will want to use clickers to answer questions about Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart or use the Smart Board as a game of Jeopardy about the themes, setting, and characters of Romeo and Juliet.

I am going to give technology a go. There will b e times when Iwill get frustrated and "hate" it once more, but in the end, I believe it will be worth it.

1 comment:

Prof. Sorenson said...

Not only will you be a good teacher you are a great story teller. I hope the activities and projects that you do for this class will give you confidence to use technology with your students.