Before I begin actually talking about the first lesson, I just want to say that this is my very first UofC class and I am really impressed. I've taken a few on-line classes before, but I really like the way UofC has everything set up to be so user friendly. Yay!
OK, lesson one. I didn't really know what to expect with the first lesson. I use technology in my classroom every day, and I guess I assumed everyone did. What I didn't really know was that the ISTE had such detailed technology standards and performance indicators for teachers. Some of these things I do everyday without even thinking about it, but others such as "model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use" is not something that crosses my mind very often.
At the beginning of each school year all of our students and their parents sign an agreement saying their children will use the computers and Internet the correct way, but if we're not teaching them what exactly the correct way is, how will they learn? Since I do have older kids (4th and 5th grade) I think I need to develop a lesson that deals with what is appropriate and inappropriate on-line. I have kids ask me all the time if they can "show me a video on YouTube." I always try to remind them that YouTube is not the most educational website, but I know they still go on it at home and that is almost scary to think about. Its one thing for adults to browse the Internet, but when 9 and 10 year-old children are doing it there is no telling what they'll find.
I definitely think that there will always be challenges when it comes to technology and the school where I work. While I do have an "intelligent classroom"; we are a Title 1 school that doesn't always get the latest and greatest so we have to use what we've got. Luckily right now we have enough resources for the kids we have so there are not any challenges I for see in the near future. Hopefully it will stay that way.
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