3rd Posting: Classroom Internet Use and Consent Forms

So this class was familiar territory for me. I actively participate in an online fantasy-based gaming world, so I already knew all about "netiquette." I have personally never offended anybody in the web-world, to the best of my knowledge.

It was interesting to look over all of the guidelines and protocol regarding what teachers have to do to safeguard themselves and their students from technology abuse. I am pretty glad I have these resources available to me for use in the future!

2nd Posting: We didn't have to use the template?!

Aw, man! How frustrating! I thought we HAD to use one of the pre-made templates for our Powerpoint assignment...


Oh well. I had come up with this really good idea that used YouTube videos to engage my hypothetical students in using descriptive language when writing. Instead of sticking with that, I tried to use a "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" template that ended up involving over 40 slides. NO, NO, NO! Bad Ashley!

I'm going to start from scratch...tomorrow. I'll have the Powerpoint I've wanted to do all along done by next Wednesday. It was just such a waste of time. *Sigh*

Class #1: 9 Jan 2008

And so it starts. A new semester at Florida State, within the English Education track. Another technology proficiency class. Goody. Seriously though, while I have nothing against the use of technology--in fact I'm rather used to it--this is the third technology proficiency class I've had to take since I've been enrolled in college. I blame this on misrepresentation of undergraduate requirements by the various advisers I've had to meet with over the years.

I find it strange that everyone in this section seems to be cheerleaders for the use of technology in the classroom. I find it hard to believe that everyone actually is that pro-tech, since most of my classmates have been my colleagues for a few semesters now. I've seen them present lesson plans. Most of us don't use technology past looking up a piece of literature on an internet browser or finding a movie clip on YouTube. Maybe I'm just being cynical, but I don't think that really counts anymore as being tech-savvy. Or maybe I'm just grumpy because my blood sugar's low. (Ooh, Mello Yello!) Either way, I'm not really trying to come up with expectations for this class, based solely in my belief that I still don't really know what students will expect from me as an instructor. They want entertainment, I do know that much. I just don't know how to go about doing that yet.