1.         The first concept I chose was Tech Tools 1.1: Tablets, Smartphones, and laptops. The reason I chose to elaborate on this concept was because it focuses on how we use the tech tools in our daily life and not just for teaching. Being a current college student I’ve learned the importance of having these tools around me. With these tech tools I am able to take notes, do online computer work, check my social media, and use the internet as a search engine. Technological advancements are being created 24/7, and the first people to learn how to use them are children and young adults. If teachers implement these tools in their lesson plans, kids will be able to learn better, engage in activities, and show improvement all around. Having said all of this, I believe this will benefit both the child and the the teacher, and create a better relationship between them.

2.          The second concept is having a Technology-Based Learning Environment for kids during school and after. Unfortunately, teachers only have so much time in a day to educate their classes on a specific topic from their lesson plans. And not all kids can learn this information within the six-hour day period, so educators came up with the idea to extend the classroom outside of the classroom. Now teachers are able to “post notes, discussion questions, extra readings, and assignment on a class website or wiki, and students can post their work on the site as well.” This type of system also allows students to have online tutors, and video clips if the he/or she needs assistance. Having this type of learning environment is extremely important in my opinion because it helps kids not to be left behind, and just keep up with the rest of the students.

3.         The third concept that peaked my interest was Building Your Digital Identity as A Teacher. When applying for jobs now, most employers would like to see some form of technology based experience, due to the fact that all classrooms have tech devices being used on a regular day bases. “A digital identity addresses three goals important to aspiring teachers: building a multimedia resume, learning resources and teaching tools, and modeling technology for students.” Learning these skills and then applying them to the classroom could making teaching slightly easier and less stressful. By being in this class I am starting to build my own digital identity as an aspiring teacher.

In conclusion technology is here to stay, and it is our responsibility to learn and embrace it in our lives. Even this blog post was made by using a computer, a computer that will help me throughout this class, college, and my soon to be career.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.