Post #1

I think that in the present day, technology is a major component in all our lives. Even teachers need a fundamental knowledge of computers, as computers are now an important part of the educational experience. Integrating technology into teaching may enhance greater analytical thought processing from students. It is important to utilize the computer as a student's accessory to their everyday functions in the classroom, not to turn the class into a computer skills class. Computers give way to many valuable resources in itself. For example; the internet, word processing, flowcharts, databases, spreadsheets, powerpoint- all great tools that can be used by students and teachers alike, to enhance the classroom functionality. Some critical concerns related to how teachers and students use computers are abuse of copyright laws, hacking, privacy, sending inappropriate e-mails, and how easy plagiarism becomes with a computer. I completely agree that the computer needs to be utilized as a tool by students and teachers. I also believe that the concerns brought up are genuine concerns- but there are solutions. Websites like turnitin.com stop plagiarism in its tracks, as students turn assignments in via the website, and it scans it for any plagiarism.  Yet there will always be risks with any teaching tool you use. 

I plan to make computers a main part of my class room. I will have my own website, where students can check for updates, assignments, and anything else that I post. I will have students format documents on the computer and present them typed up and ready to go. They will also submit any literature to the trusty turnitin.com. I also plan to use powerpoint in order to assemble slides for lectures or any other subject.  I will also expect my students to use the internets databases as resources for any research papers or assignments. I hope that in Eme2040 I will learn how to assemble spreadsheets or tables to use in future assignments. I also hope to learn how to properly  assemble a power point to use as a guide in teaching

As a future english teacher, the internet is an extremely valuable tool that I plan to use. There are endless links to short stories and plays and even novels online that I access and utilize in the class room. The internet also homes blogger.com, where my students can write there own literature and share it with the world.