Blog #8

• I definitely think that gesture-based multitouch displays are the most promising for education!  I have become very familiar with such technologies like the iPad and the iPhone and most people in schools have as well. In this day and age practically everyone has a smart phone or some sort of gesture-based electronic or tablet. It blows my mind to see elementary school kids walking around with iPhones, I didn't even get my first smart phone until 9th grade (whhhatttt, I know right). I have heard of certain classrooms that have a class set of iPads and I have heard nothing but goos results with them. I know electronic devices can be so cool and exciting to kids. And it is very practical because using these devices can easily bring a whole classroom together "virtually". There are so many different teacher/ school applications that can be used on these devices and it can easily be used to put everyone on the same program or on the same page.
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  I also think the augmented reality is super cool and provides a new and innovative way to take students on realistic field trips, but to be honest it still freaks me out a bit. I know, I have to get with the times. But I want students to go outside and experience the world, not just through an electronic screen.

  
  The digital divide is a term that has been used to discuss the gap between those who do and do not have access to technology and the internet. I am blessed enough to own my own laptop and have wifi where I live. As I have mentioned in my previous blogs I am not the best in all things technology and basically only know how to use Microsoft word and Powerpoint. But I know I have great resources on campus that I can go to and get help from.
  
  

   It is important to note that all children do not come from the same type of home and not everyone has access to the internet. It is great if you can use the computer to implement some lesson during the day, but giving homework online or an assignment that requires internet access outside of school is not always a good idea. Some students come to school to escape their troubles at home and school is a safe haven for them, so it is important to really know your students and where they come from. You never want to single out a student and say, "raise your hand if you don't have a computer at home" or "is this going to be a problem for anyone". Just because a student doesn't have access to the internet just like most people, it does not mean that they should be penalized or looked down upon. You may think to yourself just go to the library but the students may not have a way of getting there. It is important to always build up your students and never make them feel inadequate. 

  
  I have never created a show before through Powerpoint so this was really neat. It took me a while to figure out how to add in my own audio at first. I think can be really helpful in my future classroom. I liked this assignment because it took PowerPoint one step further. I think this will also hold students attention longer.