So far the technologies that we have used have been a great refresher for me. Since I am a technology education major, a lot of the technologies that we have started to implement I have used in one shape or other throughout my college and professional career. They are all very powerful tools, but a few of them I really like using.
Skype is a tool that I started using this past summer while I was at an engineering workshop. I really like the features of the product, specifically the ability to send files and have video conferences. The students in my Introduction to Engineering Design course utilize Skype to do a project in which they interact with different schools throughout the state and the country. It is exciting to see these students using this program and seeing all the powerful applications at simple tool like this possess. I have also used Skype in my personal life to communicate with my family which lives three hours away. Right now my dog is at home with them, but a quick connection and I am able to see her.
Google Documents is also very powerful and fun to use. I started using Google Documents this fall when I first noticed an article about the program on an internet article. Google Documents is something that I use in school to help other teachers complete grants and leadership documents. Unfortunately the classes that I teach do not utilize many online documents because I am teaching mostly automotive courses. Hopefully in the near future I will start to have students use online collaboration. Right now I am doing research into the different possibilities and I am open to any suggestions.
I really like the use of the online storage systems as a technological tool. I have files stored on four different computers, which is ridicolous. With the online storgae system, I am starting to assemble alll of my documents into one location so I can have access to all of my information from any of the four. Orginazation is one of the most important things for education and I see great benefits in utilizing this too.
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Hi nick, I did not know that you were teaching automotives. As you probably know auto/auto body are my areas of expertise. since student teaching I have been updating my curriculum and how it is taught. I started using power point and dvd based lessons and I have started thinking about ways to add what we are using in the masters program as well. Currently I use a web database for auto information like wiring, capacities, and repair procedures. In the past I have had students save info to the desktop or a jump drive, but now we are starting to use google docs. I also am looking forward to using skype to share video conference with students that have extended illnesses or suspension. That is what I am doing with what we have so far and I am looking forward to any ideas you and others might have in the future!
ReplyDeleteLooks like some good collaboration is starting! Yay! hat is why we have the technologies - keep it up.
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