Strengths & Weaknesses

What are my strengths and weaknesses? I found the survey a little hard to do because it was geared more towards teachers and how they have implemented, evaluated, and reflected on technologies that they use. So when I took the survey I thought about what I have been able to create in my classes and what I have used in the teaching experiences we have already had. I also tried to put myself into the shoes of a teacher and reflect on what I might do if I had my own class. One thing that I identified as a major strength was my ability to use various technologies. I am a digital native, I can’t remember a day in the last 5 years of my life that I haven’t used the Internet; technology is a constant influence in my life. This is a strength because within the NETS I know the technology and how it works and how I would implement it in my classroom. I understand the process of using technology for assessment, evaluation, reflection, increase in productivity, etc… I also know that if I ever need to know more on any type of technology or need help with an activity, there is a place to find that information and there are networks and places to collaborate where I can continue to learn and to grow.

2 tutorials that I might want to participate in would include: Learning how to use a SmartBoard. In my high school we had SmartBoards in all of our computer classes, but the teachers didn’t use them to their full capabilities, I would like to learn more about them and be able to have one in my classroom when I start teacher. There are also so many tutorials and videos out there it would be so quick and easy to learn more about SmartBoards. I would also like to learn more about podcasts. I don’t have and iPod, so I feel a little behind on that type of technology, but I know there are so many things you can access through podcasts. I would like to learn how to use podcast because then I could expand and use the podcast to learn more about other technologies that I could use. (I found a really great website that I think I will use. It’s called Who’s Using Podcasting in Education and How? http://www.podcastforteachers.org/Who%27sUsingPodcastingInEducationAndHow.htm)

So some of the goals that I want to set are to become an expert in the fields explained in the UNI survey. I know a lot of that information, but as a teacher I need to remember to use it and reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of what’s working and what I could do better on. My goals are also addressed through the tutorials that I want to do. I want to learn how to use a SmartBoard and learn how to use podcasting as a tool to facilitate my own learning and the learning of my future students.