Technology Basics

Microsoft word was probably the first computer program I learned how to use. I remember being in third grade, we would have to write an essay and then we were required to type it; this was my first encounter with it. From this point on, it became a more familiar program for me to see in the classroom. I noticed teachers used it to make and format their tests. It has also been used to create our weekly newsletters than were handed out to us. As I got older, I began to use Microsoft Word more and more. Whether it was to use it to create WordArt to put on a poster or to write a report, it soon became a stable for every assignment I had. 

Copyright is a big issue and as students, we were always taught to give credit or cite our sources. I remember my teacher would always stress the importance of not plagiarizing. As a teacher, I imagine to be pretty difficult to create product and material for your classroom and the students without facing issues in copyright. I do know there are programs and websites where teachers share product they’ve created, and they give other teachers the rights to use it in their classroom. I would most likely create my own to make sure there is no gray area of giing credit or if I have rights to it. Not only do you have to worry about the work you create for your students, but also the work students create. I too, as a teacher, would stress how important it is to cite sources. I would most definitely teach them how to properly cite their sources, that way there is no confusion on how to do it and there is no reason for them to not do it correctly. By doing this, it can prevent a lot of mistakes and accidents, not only just while they’re in my class, but also further on in their career as well. 

There are many potential issues that could arise when bringing technology into a classroom. To prevent issues, specifically a digital divide, I would only have work that is required to be done on a computer or iPad to be done in the classroom where every student has equal access. If a project was assigned to be done out of class, I would give them multiple ways for it to be done, such as a poster or PowerPoint, that way they have options, but also, I am not forcing anyone to use a computer since some might not have access at home. As for cyberbullying, I would incorporate online discussions where students can express their feelings, but also have their classmates respond to posts. This would enforce online support and teach them how to use the internet respectfully as well as properly. In order to enforce academic honesty, the first thing I would do is teach students the importance of using their own words. To do this, I would show them how to research but also let them know that websites are only for background information and their knowledge, not to copy. I will also teach them how to properly cite sources and show them different websites that check for plagarism. This will ensure that all work is unique to them. By stressing the importance of this, I think students will have a better understanding of how they should only use their words to express their thoughts, rather than taking someone elses words or ideas.