Technology and the Future!

                I really enjoyed watching both the videos because it gave me another outlook on technology and how much technology means to people.  I don't like carrying my laptop every where to stay connected to the internet and technology all the time but I guess if I need to I will in order to stay organized. How can we use technology in the classroom when most students do not have the same resources as others? And some school districts don't have a computer for each child. Will school districts ever get on the same level as one another or will there always be a huge gap with resources in some schools? I think it is wonderful that we are learning so much about technology and its uses because believe it or not technology is the future. 
                       I have noticed that in all the classrooms i have worked in, they all have smart boards but just like we discussed in class I have only seen the smart board used for writing and demonstration and that is pretty much it. I actually was pleasantly surprised that my cooperating teacher uploads a lot of documents to smart board when she is teaching a lesson so that students can see it up close instead of on a document camera. This was the first time I had seen someone use the smart board for something other than writing on it. I think that technology is a major part of our society but as educators I think we need to make the best possible decisions about technology and how we use it in the classroom and what is most beneficial for our students. 

A need for encouragment

Growing up, I have never had to really struggle with academics but I am finally struggling now. I now understand how hard it is for students to test and show their learning through tests and assessments. Tests are not great ways to show what students have learned because assessment should be more about the process that it takes for the student to get to where they  need to be. Some students take a little longer to get there than others but all that matters is that when they do get there they understand how they did it. I have so much more empathy and compassion for students and people who struggle academically because I myself have been struggling to pass this test that could make or break the start of my future. For as long as I can remember I have had a goal to become a teacher and make a difference in my students lives. This year for the first time since wanting to be a teacher i have had to struggle to achieve my goal because of one test that is standing in my way. It is extremely discouraging to think that I may have to put a break on my goals and may have readjust my plan for my future. But isn't that what life's about? Making new plans and adjusting them to your needs at that time. I guess struggling to pass this test has really helped me to understand that there will be bumps in road and it doesn't matter how long it takes you to get over those bumps but what you learned during the process about yourself emotionally, and academically. I have really learned a lot about myself over the past few months and I know I will take what i have learned from my struggles to help better my own students. How can we as educators encourage students to take these tests when we know that they are not always a good indicator of students learning? I know that sometimes tests are good ways to assess students learning but are there ways to help students take tests and feel confident taking them? How can we help students with test anxiety?