Skip to main content

Blog Post #1

In this class, I hope to learn how to use my technological resources more effectively. I am not the most technology savvy person, and have yet to utilize many of the applications and websites discussed in the course's overview. For example, I have never used Padlet before this class and have used Canva for only an assignment or two in the past. A goal of mine is to become more familiar with different websites and programs so I can better understand their usefulness. I do not want to struggle to use web applications that could be beneficial to my learning. This course will allow me to expand my technological horizons and help pass on my newfound educational technology knowledge as I use these resources in my future teaching methods.

My experience in using technology in an educational setting is quite basic. When working on a class project, such as making a presentation or writing an essay, I prefer to use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Docs. Although other websites and programs will have more possibilities for different design options or organizational methods, I like the simplicity of the programs I am used to. Though Google or Microsoft is my program of choice for most of my materials, I have tried applications like Canva, Miro Board, and other sites for a handful of assignments. I really hope this class shows me how beneficial it is to explore other technological resources since I will be using ones I am less familiar with.

Recently, I have been learning how to play the piano. Instead of taking lessons in person, I have looked to many online resources to aid in my learning of this new skill. Primarily, I have used an application on my phone, called "Simply Piano", to learn the basics. I follow along in the app to learn different chords and methods of playing. I also follow some people on YouTube that give great tutorials for songs or tips on playing better. My offline resources for my playing include an introductory learning book and even a few friends that know how to play. All of these resources have helped me in different ways. The app on my phone is more straightforward as I follow along to learn a new chord, while my friends can help in more unique ways such as my posture or hand placement.
Labels:

Comments

  1. Miss MiaSeptember 12, 2024 at 9:29 AM

    Hi Gavin! I am also not the most technologically savvy person. Although I like to pretend that I am, because confidence is key. I am not very familiar with Microsoft at all. That is so amazing that you are attempting to take up piano. I find that very inspiring. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mitchell HSeptember 12, 2024 at 9:30 AM

    Hey! I enjoyed your post, especially your perspective on technology and your familiarity, or lack thereof, with the new software and websites we have to use this semester. I also prefer simplicity, and only use a few resources that I am familiar with, while avoiding new and confusing products. I have tried learning piano but I am not very good, although like you I learned guitar through online videos and demonstrations. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Teri MOctober 10, 2024 at 7:08 AM

    Hi Gavin! I loved reading your post, I can completely understand how you feel about the technology we're having to use now. I also am so happy to hear that you're taking up piano I think that's so cool!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog Post #5

When I first started using social media tools, I was around fourteen years old. Personally, I never had a Pinterest or X. The social media tools I did have growing up, though, were Snapchat and Instagram. I interacted with friends through these applications, and it helped me stay in touch with them when my family and I moved a lot. Though I have not used Instagram or X for career driven reasons, I can see how these platforms could be helpful in the future. Social media tools are an opportunity to network and interact with people that could open new doors for my future career path. Growing up, I attended schools that were digitally rich. There were always computer labs that we would use as a class to complete assignments. I feel that this allowed me to feel more comfortable navigating computers, especially in an educational setting. Because I participated in computer classes throughout my K-12 experience, I was more prepared for my consistent technology usage in college. Those who did n...
Post a Comment
Read more

Participation Portfolio URL Shortener

This professional development resource offers a plethora of resources regarding effective teaching strategies and development that teachers can access to increase their efficienct in the profession. It is important to support and problem-solve with one another to always better our teaching practics. From conferences and webinars to helpful blogs, these create a community to share ideas about expanding our knowledge on teaching. https://bit.ly/40SutpE
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog Post 7

Some of the pages that school websites use to relay information are administration/staff pages, calendars, school updates, registration, and more. All of this information is public so that students and parents can stay up to date and access resouces. The administration/staff pages are useful to find staff contact information. Specific tabs are available for parent and student resouces too. Links and downloads to forms, policies, and the handbook can be found, for example.  https://www.okaloosaschools.com/o/choctaw/page/about-us Technology will help me in my professional responsibilities because it will help me stay organized and do my job easier. I will use a plethora of productivity tools in any future job to be more efficient. From communication tools like Remind to management systems like a class calendar, there is a lot of utility available to teachers. I often use Google docs or note-taking apps like OneNote to keep my classes and ideas organized, so they could aid me in the f...
Post a Comment
Read more