Time is the biggest issue in teaching. To effectively integrate technology into the classroom takes a great deal of that precious time. There are many things I want to do to enhance lessons, but it requires researching the tools, learning to use the technology, setting up the equipment, and creating a back-up plan for when the technology doesn't work. It is sometimes difficult to believe that technology can make our lives easier. Even taking technology classes takes time away from the day-to-day planning and grading that needs to be done.
Some of the things I would like to do but have not had time to do are:
* read articles and journals on the latest gadgets and programs
* develop more lessons using ArcGIS
* keep up on mash-ups for Google Earth
* develop more lessons using my SmartBoard
* incorporate podcasts into my lessons
* create Web Quests
However, there are somethings that have been time savers:
*e-mail speeds up communication with teachers and provides quick support from other teachers
* Integrade makes the calculation of grades faster and the printing of mid-terms easier
* Making and editing PowerPoint slides is easier (and neater) than overheads or chalkboards.
* Test generators are a big time saver
* Bookmarking sites like Portaportal and del.ic.ious
I am open to any ideas on how to manage time better to allow for expanding my technology tools in the classroom.
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2 comments:
Well said! - I believe that many would echo your words. Unfortunately there does not seem an end in sight with all that is expected of professional educators today. There is not enough time or energy to stay on top of it all. I guess we are left with prioritizing... what is more important than something else. Today might bring one set of choices and subsequent decisions, alas tomorrow is something different.
I plan to pick one thing that I will dedicate energy to in the next several weeks, balance this with what is necessary and then maybe eliminate one thing that I can probably do without... just me rambling a response!
I wish I had a SMART Board when I was teaching. I would have information on my board, and have to erase it during another class, only to spend more time the following day trying to recreate what I'd written. SMART Boards are great for saving text, images, drawings, etc. to re-open again at any time. Converting those files to pdf documents is also great to create review guides for students, or to simply share what a student may have missed during when out. Yes, technology can make our lives easier, and help us save time, but it requires an initial investment of time to learn all those techniques.
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