My Computer-Can I Conquer the Distractions?

Everytime I sit down in front of the computer, ready to work, I always find myself distracted by any number of programs on my laptop. Of course I need to check all of my e-mail accounts-what if something has happened? Then I need to see if there is anything new happening on MSN, or any other number of websites. Then I usually check my e-mail again, and before I know it, I have wasted half an hour surfing the internet. When I'm really procrastinating, this usually leads to a marathon session of solitaire or hearts. I love my computer, and the freedom it gives me to find information at any time from anywhere, but it is also probably the biggest distraction in my life as well. I do not have a facebook page, which is probably a good thing, because I would never get any work done. I am scheduled to finish my thesis this semester, and my computer is my most important tool for getting it done, but it may also be the key to my demise!

Blogging on Blogging

This is only the second blog that I have ever used, and I still find blogging a bit strange. I have never been one to keep a diary, so writing what is essentially a diary for the public is still somewhat disconserting for me. I use D2L with my class, but have never considered making my students blog for class. I imagine that they would react with a bit of reluctuance as I usually do when required to do assignments of this nature. Logistically, reading 25 blogs would get to be a bit much, (on top of grading papers, prep, etc) so I'm not sure if I will implement blogging in my classroom anytime soon. I realize the blogging forces me to put my thoughts out there for the rest of the world, and to be comfortable with that, which is something that I would like my students to feel comfortable with as well.

Is This The End?

As I have been reading some of the other blogs, and people have commented on the idea that technology may overtake English instruction. While I hope this never happens, it may be inevitable. Will there someday be a program that writes papers for us? (I’m sure someone, somewhere, is working on this concept). Because of texting, blogging, gaming, etc., students have already begun to change the way they write. How many of you have received an e-mail from a student that looks more like a text message, than a well-thought out message? Initially, I was surprised by this complete lack of formality in student e-mail. When I send a message to a professor, I spend a good deal of time ensuring that it sounds and looks professional. I have since become accustomed to these haphazard messages, but I still don’t find it appropriate. I have discussed it with my students, but it seems to be a hard habit to break. I also have to wonder if this trend will follow them into their careers-will they send messages like this to their future employers? Maybe I am behind the times, and this will be the changing face of communication. I am generally behind the times when it comes to technology, but I am not sure I can handle this kind of change. We’ll see…..

Smart Classroom Technology

I wouldn’t say that I am technologically advanced, (as witnessed by my complete ignorance of MOO), but I don’t feel that I am a complete novice when in regards to technology, either. In regards to teaching style, I have become a firm believer in technology in the classroom. During my first semester teaching, I did not have a smart classroom, and I had no idea how helpful that technology could be. During my second semester, I realized the joy of my classroom helper, and have now decided that the smart classroom is the GREATEST INVENTION EVER! However, I have heard a (small) number of people say that the smart classroom technology is a crutch. I completely disagree with this assessment, not only because it makes my job easier, but because the students respond well to the technology. Rather than killing more trees, I can now show examples on the screen, and I can use this technology to show students how to do web searches, show them youtube clips, etc., without ever leaving my classroom. This technology has enhanced my teaching style immeasurably. I don’t believe that I excessively rely on it, but I don’t want to be left without it, either. Our students are arguably more tech savvy than we are, and ignoring these tools at our disposal would be a disservice to the students and their learning styles.