Journal #1

Eleanor Yang Su's article "Professors adjust their methods to reach technology-savvy generation" in the Union Tribune reflected on college students use of technology during class lectures and how professor are adapting their teaching strategy to engage students who are easily distracted by cell phones and laptop computers. It is increasingly difficult to hold students attention when the multitasking between surfing the Internet and text messaging all the while listening to a lecture. College professors are reacting to their students use of technology by incorporating it into college courses. They are implementing the use of remote answering devices, especially in large classroom settings, which allow students to electronically submit answers to in class questions, polls, or quizzes. Also colleges use programs like WebCT and Blackboard to allow students to access course discussion boards.

“Colleges due to technology are allowed to offer online courses. What are the benefits and drawbacks of online courses?”
I am currently enrolled in my first online course and I have mixed feelings about taking classes online. It is beneficial in the sense that I am able to complete a college course from my home without having to spend time sitting in a classroom. However I feel disconnected from this course because I never spend time interacting with a teacher and other students. The class is almost put on the backburner because the classes I have to physically attend are on my mind. I am also not sure online classes are beneficial to different learning styles because you put responsibility upon yourself for teaching and learning the material.

“College students are technologically savvy, how can you introduce and incorporate technology into the elementary level classroom?”
The generation of students I will be teaching I am sure will be more technology savvy than I was up until I entered college. I am interested in teaching the primary grades so I would like to introduce my students to the various ways technology is used in their everyday life so they are more familiar with it. There are many educational programs that disguise themselves as games but the students are still learning.