Thinking about ICT

Hi all,

This past week in ICT class we looked at a lot of ways that we (educators) can better organize our technological lives, as well as discussing how we, the students, feel about technology in our classrooms.  Well, in schools in general!

First off, I want to discuss the different organizational tools we discussed in class.  There were many different sites that helped organize your bookmarks, sites that you can find creative ideas and posts on.  Something that struck me while learning about these sites was that I do not utilize the internet and technology on my computer as much as I had thought I did.  I have a macbook from 2008 AND I STILL DON'T KNOW HALF THE STUFF IT CAN DO!!  Bookmarks?  I know what those are ... but I definitely do not use them.  Bad?  Am I trying too hard to do everything on my own?  Is there a simple answer staring me in the face, as we speak, RIGHT NOW?!  Yes.  I am a terrible person when it comes to trying something new, especially when it involves technology.  I think that is the procrastinator in me. *sigh*

On a similar note, if I am not as in tune with this technology, how do we know if our students are/will be?  A lot of kids do not know how to properly utilize the internet to help themselves.  Okay, for example, I worked in a Sports store this summer and I worked a lot with shoes.  My boss always encourages us to try on the shoes.  Why?  So we can tell our customers what we thought of the product and we can determine what will better benefit the customer based on personal experience.  Experience proceeds theory?  In this case, I believe so.  How can we sell them a product without having tried it for ourselves?  Why should I tell me students to buy this app, if I have not tried it for myself?  It is very important to learn about these resources and try to use them, or else how can we advocate technology in the classrooms if we are inexperienced in using it?

I am going to think really hard on that last sentence.  How can I, as a music educator, advocate for technology in the classrooms?  Suggestions?  Thoughts?  Do not be afraid to let me know.  All comments are welcome!

That was my ICT Blab for the weekend.

BeeLAMS