Emerging Technology #2

I'm back!!

That's right it's time for your dose of who cares what kind of technology I have mastered, because it's all about you and your grade.  I know that sounds cynical and just a little flippant, but think about it, do you really care whether I tweeted? or if I did an about face on facebook? Of course you don't you just have to humor me or humor someone else!!  So let's get on with it

I sat at the technology table and had a smorgasbord of tech this time around, I twittered, and I joined the facebook revolution, and finally I posted a video on You Tube!! That's right the 15 minutes of fame underwriter.  let's start with You Tube.  One word, "easy",  I found this technology to be very easy to maneuver and interact with considering I still love my corolla typewriter from years ago.  The process was simple and non time consuming unlike some other things I could reference...hint..hint.  I set up an account, painless and effortless, screen name, password, and they love me.  Second, I hit upload a video, since I didnt have any to upload, it let me do it from my webcam, so I took the time to do an impromptu session on how this technology can help an up and coming teacher like myself.  The first thing it can do is help you communicate in a context that captivates students, they buy into this stuff, so it seems only logical that if you posted a You Tube video, their natural curiousty will help overcome any homework apprehension in taking the time to view it.  I think this technolgoy will gain steam and become a serious tool in the future, when all kids have access to their own laptops, it will be a good way to introduce them to the online educational environment.  They will get a taste of what its like to do online course work, at ages as young as elementary school.  This is also a great medium for allowing them to explore their creativity within the context of what they are trying to learn, what better way could a kid learn about the civil war, than to possibly participate in their own reenactment of a battle or scene that is well known in history.  The interactiveness of a You tube video really speaks to the transformative process in teaching that is needed so badly today.  Lectures are antiquated for young minds, you have to distract them into learning, and tools such as You Tube can facilitate that process quite easily.  You Tube is a great source for engaging fellow teachers in a way that shows them what your working on with kids, and allows you as a teacher to see new and innovative ideas, we always trust what our eyes see.  I enjoyed working with You tube, and will certainly use it to instruct my students in furthering their education through a more autonomous role.