21 April - Strengths & Weaknesses

I feel that I have many strengths when it comes to technology. I have integrated technology into all areas of my life and enjoy learning more things about technology. As I reviewed the NET Standards, I would consider myself a Level VI. I am aware of technology resources and while I do not have very much experience in using it in a classroom, I have every intent to do so and have appreciated learning all that I have learned about integrating technology. As I reflect on the UNI Survey, I noticed that I am considered an apprentice in almost every category. I can see that this means that I am weak in actually designing my own technology and using it with my students. I feel that this will come as I become a teacher and have the opportunity to use all of the things I have learned so far. My weaknesses would be that I do not know as much as I would like to know about integrating technology into my classroom and teaching my students to use technology. I plan on doing everything I can to become more informed and I am not scared to try new things for my students.

I found a couple of workshops that I could attend online to help me learn more ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. There are 2 classes listed on the UEN Professional Development page called "Integrating Technology & Curriculum I and Integrating Technology & Curriculum II." I believe that a teacher should always be learning and trying their best to reflect and make changes as needed with their lessons. A podcast that I found online is called "Moving at the Speed of Creativity" which would teach me more about technology and how to stay current with all of the new things that come out so quickly regarding technology.

These workshops and podcasts will be very helpful to me as I become a teacher. I can take these courses and watch the podcast when I can use it in my classroom and know exactly what it is that I need. As a student it's hard to know what I do not know and once I am in the profession as an actual teacher, I will know better the things that will help me and benefit my students. While I know that I am not a computer or technology expert, I enjoy learning about it and am willing to make the changes necessary to incorporate it into my life and career. I am absolutely for using technology and know that it is important for my students to be exposed to it and learn how to use it themselves.