When I
was a young child, I wanted to be a book critic when I grew up so that I could get
paid to read books. As I grew older and gained experience in tutoring other
students, I decided that my love of literature would be better suited serving
others through teaching. For now, I remain to be a nerdy college student with
more books than shelf space but I hope to become an English teacher after graduating
from MSU. I also have an interest in studying
religions so in the more distant future I might be interested in educating
others on that topic as well. Beyond being a book-nerd and an aspiring educator,
I am a fan of alternative/indie rock music. Even my favorite band, The Gaslight
Anthem, is fairly nerdy as they have a song called “Great Expectations” that
alludes to the Charles Dickens’ novel of the same title.
Given
that I have had regular access to computer technology since I was four years
old, I am quite comfortable with general technology. I have mastered all the
basic programs that have been routinely associated with schoolwork such as
Microsoft Office (and its free doppelganger, Open Office) and Engrade. The only
technology that makes me uncomfortable/annoyed is the touch-screens used in the
dining hall. However, that discomfort is an issue of desiring to physically see
the food before ordering rather than a problem with the technology itself.
Having seen smart boards and laptops considered integral tools of education in
my high school, I am aware that the importance of technology is increasing in
schools. I also know how distracting this technology can be for students who
choose to use laptops for game-playing instead of note-taking. From this
course, I hope to learn how to use technology in the classroom productively. By
this I mean that I want to use technology in a way that is helpful and
meaningful to students without causing a distraction or just being technology
for the sake of technology. I would also like to learn more about how
technology can assist in better reaching all students, particularly those with
disabilities. Most of all, I would simply like to gain a greater awareness of
how technology can be used to make classroom content more accessible to
students.
