Final Reflection: IT365

I was unsure of what I would take away from this class when it first began. I consider myself to be pretty proficient with a lot of the current technology that is regularly available and did not know if I would be learning anything new. While I was very familiar with most of the tools that we would be using during the class I realized that I had never really considered how these tools could be used in a classroom environment. I have previously created websites for myself, created home movies, and have kept a blog or two since I was a teenager. All of the previous experience with these tools was more about serving myself.  I had used these types of tools in a way that was more personal and not directly for anyone outside of my friends or my family. Even though I had used these tools often and knew that I would eventually become a teacher I never thought about how I could apply my knowledge of technological tools in my class. I feel that technology is the greatest tool we currently have as educators if used correctly. There are endless things that you can accomplish with the aid of technology in your classroom. Technology not only provides the teacher and student with tools but it also provides a means of communication. The tools that are now available can connect students and teachers with other students and teachers all over the world. Information can be shared more easily and quicker than ever before. We are no longer limited by geography. One student can talk to another student or share a project all of the way on the other side of the world with only the push of a couple of buttons. This was not really a possibility when I was in elementary school. The technology to talk to others on the other side of the world was already around but it was not really available to normal individuals as the cost of technology like this was outside the reach of working class families. I think one of the greatest achievements in the advancement of technology is that it is now accessible to most people. Someone that may not be able to afford a computer can still go to a public library to use email and communicate with someone far away. Free tools like Blogger, Google Docs, and others, provide more tools to effectively communicate.