Blog Journal #4

    When the class visited the Tech Sandbox last week, I learned quite a lot. I learned how to use a 3D pen as well as how to make programmed Legos. If I were to picture myself using any of these tools in the classroom, I would definitely use Lego programming. I believe this tool would not only entertain the kids but also allow them to use their knowledge to make things. I would use this when the children are doing science or when they have free time. This would encourage them to want to finish their work to be able to work with the Legos. I would not use the 3D pens with the kids, though, because my grade level will be too young to use such things. They may burn themselves or waste the filament because of their age.

    I wasn’t a very techy kid because I was prohibited from using a lot of technology. I only just got into using social media a couple of years ago. Because of this, I have had to adjust to using social media for the PLN. I have been interacting a lot with hey_missteacher (Mrs. Sunshine) on Instagram. I have found it beneficial because she not only speaks about situations in the classroom but also shows how thrilling being a teacher can be. She shares some of her life outside of school, and when she is in school, she respects the children's privacy and omits names. Though it is illegal to state personal information that is not your own online, especially children's, some social media teachers don’t follow this rule. I appreciate that she follows the rule. This platform will be beneficial in my future career because it shares both the joys and challenges of being a teacher. It shows me reality and doesn’t make me believe that teaching is easy, like other influencers try to do. I also use Pinterest, and it helps me formulate ideas for future classroom decor and lesson plans.

    I went to many schools growing up, but the one I stayed at the longest was digitally poor. The computers were very old, and many were broken. It was hard to find enough computers for a few classes per grade, let alone for state testing. I think this experience definitely let me down when going into high school and college. I am still learning things other people learned when they were in elementary and middle school. The beat-up computers definitely helped me learn how to care for a computer when it’s finicky. I think having better technology would have improved my school experience, though. I would have been able to use Word and Google Docs much earlier and have known the ropes better.