It shocked me today when I found out there are only 20 days of school left, it is flying by way to quickly. I didn't realize how soon March was sneaking up on me until career fair last week. What a stressful, busy, exciting time, to be so close to graduating and starting to apply for jobs. The opportunity to visit and speak with many school divisions is something I am grateful for. Not only was it a great way to network with a lot of people and learn about a multitude of divisions, but I was able to gain an understanding of just how important technology is in the schools. Each table I visited was eager to explain all about the technology in their divisions and schools; what their budget looks like, how many iPads or laptops they have, the wifi, etc. As per usual, I was overwhelmed in the technology department, but quickly realized that many of them are still learning too.
During the career fair I had the opportunity to interview with Sunrise School Division, and I found that to be extremely useful. Not only was it great experience to participate in an interview, but I also received helpful feedback. The interviewer gave me some tips for some of his questions, and then we just continued to chat about school related topics. Something that he mentioned was the amount of technology he uses for his Physical Education classes. I have been able to use technology such as smartboards in the classroom, but I have not yet used technology in Phys. Ed. He explained that something as easy as a school twitter account with updates on practices, games and intramurals is useful for players, students and parents. As we talked more in depth about using technology in the gymnasium, he explained that there are many apps teachers can use that record the students performing a skill and can be played in slow motion to analyze each student's movements.
Whether I am working in a classroom or in a gymnasium, I am excited and scared to use technology. I think it is such a great tool and is beneficial to students when used correctly, I just need to continue practicing. Staying on top of the newest apps, and trends is a good way to ensure I am up-to-date with technology.
I agree, that time has flown by like its nobody's business! The end is in sight!
ReplyDeleteHa, I just realized that last week during the career fair, I did not ask any of the divisions that I visited about technology! :S oh boy oh boy oh boy! I am glad to hear that a lot of the divisions are embracing technology and are working more and more towards including it in the classrooms.
P.s. I didn't do an interview, what kinds of questions did they ask you and what kind of feed back did they give you?
It is scary how quickly we are going to be done. I feel like I realized this at the career fair as well. The school divisions did want to advertise how they are integrating technology in the classroom, many of them seem as thought they are just getting started in making technology a big part of their classroom, so I feel like we are going to be joining a new technological culture that they are trying to create in their schools.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Sam. There is a trend toward BYOD or one to one, and a realization that tech can help make learning more student centred if done correctly.
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