Ed Tech Tools in the classroom

Technology is making it easier for teachers to get students' attention and teach effectively. Between smart boards, clickers, powepoint, and educational websites, these tools open the gate to learning in the classroom.
In highschool, my school got its first interactive white board. From experience, I can say that it definantly encourages class participation, and makes learning more enjoyable. At college, I used clickers for the first time. They not only help evalute the classes progress, but help take attendance in large classes.
By the time I have a class of my own, I can only imagine the new tools and services that will be available to make my teaching experience amazing.

Why did I become a teacher?

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. When other kids were playing with Barbie dolls, I was busy teaching my imaginary class addition and subtraction. As a teacher, I hope to make a difference in my students' lives. I know that is cliche, but its the truth.
Although thinking of being in a classroom at the moment makes me very nervous, I know that after graduating from this University, I will be well prepared.

Clickers in the classroom

Wireless clickers have recently been added to classrooms across the nation. These electronic tools provide a way for teachers in large classrooms (such as lecture halls) take attendance, evaluate their students, and get their students involved. Each clicker is equipped with a radio ID, picked up by the teacher's computer. The teacher can poll students, ask them questions, and test them on their knowledge in a multiple choice format. They encourage all students to participate without the fear of being embarrassed. Because all answers are displayed anonymously, students can feel safe sharing their answers. Clickers gather information that can track a student or classes progress, and display needs for improvement.

Picasa

Ever feel like Google is taking over the world? They have added yet another application for online users. Picasa makes downloading, editing and sharing photos easier than ever. Users with Google accounts are given 1 free GB for photos. After that, it is 10 GB for $20 a year, $75 for 40 GB, and $200 for $140 GB. Users are allowed to email photo albums, organize and edit photos, and even make slide shows. There are also ways to transfer images from Picasa to your blog. Soon, tangible photos will be replaced completely with these online photo albums.