What I've learned this Semester

Throughout the semester I have learned not only how to use new tools of technology, but the positives and negatives of using technology in the classroom. The tool that I will take the most from is the photostory. I plan to use the photo story when I have my own classroom. Photostory allows you to select pictures of an event or person and put music in the background. This can be a very effective opening activity to a lesson that can introduce a new topic in an interesting way. The podcast is a very unique tool that can be used in the classroom. Most students have an IPod and posting study guide podcasts allows students to "study on the go." The articles we read every week for discussions gave me an insight on what research what saying about using technology in the classroom. We also read articles that gave me insight on ways to effectively incorporate technology in the classroom.