Week 7 - PDP - Strengths & Weaknesses

After reviewing the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and completing the UNI Preservice Teacher Technology Competencies questionnaire, I've discovered that I border between novice and apprenticeship in my technology understanding and practices. Some of my technology strengths include: I have had a lot of experience on computers and feel very comfortable with basic computer programs and operations. I am a quick learner and am not afraid to learn and try new things. I like to find ways to apply what I learn into my everyday life. Some of my weaknesses include: my technology skills are limited to the programs that I've worked with in the past and I have limited experience with the vast amounts of technology available for educational purposes. I am also intimidated by technology and often feel inadequate in my abilities because of the ever changing industry.

To help me gain more technology skills, I found several websites that are designed to help teachers know how to integrate technology in the classroom and provide hands-on training and experiences. One of the sites I enjoyed looking at was http://www.4teachers.org/. This site has a lot of information that I'd like to investigate further. Some of the things it includes are games, learning resources, training video's and basic technology information. The other site I really enjoyed was www.msaveryslinks.bravepages.com/tech.htm. This site has some great links to other important educational websites that would be helpful in the classroom. It also gives information for teachers to gain training in excel, power point, and other basic computer programs. In addition to these websites and many others, I'd like to attend community and district classes to help me keep my skills constantly improving in the technology industry.

Some of my goals as a teacher are to always be seeking out these training experiences so that I can find new ways to bring technology into my classroom. I also need to not underestimate my students abilities (or my own) and provide opportunities for all of us to be exposed to computers as much as possible. I know that as I become familiar with these websites and the many others that I looked at, attend training meetings, community classes, and workshops and always look for ways to improve my technology experiences and knowledge, that I'll be able to keep improving my knowledge of technology in the classroom and in turn, help my students be able to start on their path towards technology and computers.