Struggles of Educational Technology

Educational technology has been slow to change and  faces many challenges.  For example, some educators and school administrators are slow to embrace the latest technology because they are accustomed to the older ways.  This is gradually changing as new educators enter the field because they have grown up with more technology.  When new technology enters the scene, educators have to learn how to use the new and then teach it too; for some this is just too much of a challenge. Another issue is the availability of technology in the home. Not all families can afford computers and iPads, or they might choose not to own it for other cultural reasons. Teachers have to be cautious when assigning homework that involves technology because not every student has the luxury of a computer at home. Lastly, some schools in areas of poverty do not have the financial ability to provide technology for their students, and some cannot even afford to purchase textbooks.

Teachers should embrace technology because it will continue to change whether they like it or not. If educators can stay up to date on the latest resources and tools, then they will not fall behind, and they will be better suited to use it in the classroom. Also, if students do not have access to a computer or other technology at home, then teachers need to be aware of that and provide alternative assignments or stay away from work that requires technology at home. If a teacher works in a school district with no technology and limited resources, then he or she needs to be creative and rely on good ol' pen and paper or a chalkboard if available.  As a future educator, it is important to take note of each of these obstacles in educational technology. Personally, I would follow the points I previously mentioned.

Microsoft Office vs. Google Drive

During my entire thirteen years in the public school system, I never used Google Drive, so this was a new experience for me. In both Google Docs and Google Slides, there is a limited toolbar which I think is hard to navigate.  There are fewer tabs which I thought would make it easier, but I could rarely find what I was looking for on the first try. It's also a very small, thin toolbar which added to the difficulty of it.  Microsoft Word has a large toolbar with many tabs and subdivisions, and I also prefer the visuals included in Word's toolbar because it is easier, in my opinion, to find what I need.  Another difference is Microsoft Word has the ability to adjust the size of images by typing the dimension I want into a box, and Google Docs doesn't have that feature. Instead, I had to measure it on the ruler at the bottom of the toolbar. The one thing I favor in Google Docs is the choice of font types; some of them are very creative and I think they would make documents more interesting for younger students.  Overall, I prefer Microsoft Word, but I think with more use I could get used to Google Docs.

I recently downloaded Microsoft 2016, so I noticed several changes in PowerPoint. There are more options of transformations and animations, and they are better than the simple ones in Google Slides.  One of the biggest complaints I have about Google Slides is the inability to choose patterns as backgrounds like in PowerPoint. With Google Slides, I can only change the color, but, like I said, I am unfamiliar with Google Drive, so it might be an error or mistake on my part. I cannot figure out how to put sound in Google Slides, but PowerPoint makes it pretty easy. I have found that animated .gifs work much better in Google Slides than in PowerPoint which was a bonus. Once again, I prefer Microsoft PowerPoint over Google Slides. Although, I do like that multiple people can edit a project on Google Drive when needed.

In a classroom, I would teach students how to use Microsoft Office and Google Drive.  I like that Google Drive can be accessed from any device with Internet and it is designed for individual work and collaboration.  Also, there is no risk of losing my work because Google automatically saves all changes as they happen.  I think Microsoft programs are easier to learn and use, but I may be biased because of my own experience.  I think it is important to show students their options and let them choose the best fit for them. 

Students Using the Internet

When instructing young students to use the Internet, an educator should realize this may be the first time many students are accessing the Internet and all that it has available to them.  Teaching kids how to efficiently search the Internet is important because it is a useful skill to have and they will continue to use it all throughout their education and beyond.  Searching based on keywords is different than searching for a particular phrase, so little tips and tricks should be taught to the students.  Also, comparing resources to show what is reliable is another important lesson, but it might be a little more advanced and geared more toward upper elementary classes once they have had more experience with technology.  Showing students some of the resources on the Internet such as online math websites, educational games, and interactive sources will help them develop there technology skills and focus on the curriculum.

The Internet should be presented carefully to young students because, on the positive side, they have access to tons of information and resources, but, on the other hand, there are issues with Internet security and safe sites for kids.  I don't think that kids should fear the Internet, but they should understand that there are limits for them as children and not everything on the Internet is true.  This goes along with teaching them how to properly use the Internet and giving them safe resources to use.  Most schools block sites that are inappropriate or could potentially link a student to something inappropriate, but it is important that the kids are taught how to safely use the Internet.  Schools that use iPads install apps for students to use so they can eliminate the risk of inappropriate material.  Also, students should always be monitored while using the Internet or any technology because they will need assistance when they are first learning to use it. It is also a great way for the students to connect and share their ideas outside of the classroom if they have Internet access at home.   I think it is equally important to communicate with the parents about ways to keep their kids safe on the Internet.  Google has a safety center that teaches safe tips and tricks and allows a parent or instructor to limit what a child can see on the Internet once a Google account is developed.  Ultimately, the Internet is a necessary tool in the classroom and, as educators, it will be our job to teach them how to use it and make them feel comfortable with it.   

First Time Blogger

When assigned to create a blog, I thought I could choose any of the recommended sites and they would fit my needs, but there were many factors to consider.  For example, I wanted a site that would be simple and easy to use as a first time blogger.  Blogger had the easiest directions for setup and I had no problems creating my blog.  Another factor to consider is the target user of the site.  Some of the other sites were geared toward businesses and advertising, so I chose to eliminate them as an option because it did not suit my purpose for blogging.  Lastly, Blogger provides dozens of options of layouts, designs, and colors to personalize the blog. 

I was hesitant about blogging because I do not use the Internet as a way to broadcast my opinions or work.  I have never blogged before, but I regularly read certain blogs that have a social message behind them and typically advocate for a certain cause.  I have never felt that I had a great enough purpose to publish my own words on the Internet, but I think this will be an interesting way to begin.  Blogging is beneficial because it is a way to express oneself and it connects people with similar interests and purpose from around the globe.  Bloggers can network with people because they tend to have a group of dedicated readers and receive feedback from them.  I think blogging is also beneficial to the individual blogger because it is an outlet to organize their own thoughts and it forces them to own their words.  I am looking forward to having my own blog now to share with others.