Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 was not the most informative or interesting chapter, but it did show how important technology is becoming in society and as a teaching tool. We all know how much our students rely on technology for school work and for social media.  We, as teachers will need to start using technology in our daily lives in order to keep up with current teaching techniques and to keep pace with our students.  I am always amazed at how technologically advanced many of our students are as compared to myself.  I have had many a student solve an audio-visual/computer problem or glitch that I was unable to resolve.  The section about learners as teachers was eye opening because it says that we as teachers need to be passionate about and embrace technology in our daily lives before we can really appreciate it's uses for our students. The fact that education has been slow to embrace much of this new technology is definitely something that needs to be addressed as we move toward the future. 

     The other important information in chapter 1 was about how to keep our students safe while using these tools.  If we can teach students how to safely blog and us wikis in the school environment, then they will be better trained to use safe practices at home.  We discussed the various obstacles to using blogs and wikis in class last week and there were many.  First the administration has to be on board then the parents will need to give permission and lastly the teacher needs to set up safety practices for students by practicing in the school setting.  Although it may seem like a lot of work, I think that there are lots of lessons and projects that could be better presented with the use of technology.  I also think there is a certain amount of fear that goes with trying new technology as a teacher.  Hopefully, when we finish this class we'll feel much more comfortable and able to embrace this new technology to interract with our students.