Final Entry

I would use technology in my classroom in order to allow independent learning.  The use of technology can allow students to work at their own pace and as in depth as they want.  It would provide opportunities to students outside of the classroom, to reach beyond the confines of the school out into the world at large.  Technology is being developed at such a fast pace that it is entirely possible that in a few years that the old game of the Oregon Trail will become a full blown virtual reality simulation.  I would stress the use of technology in the classroom and would encourage but not require its use outside of the classroom because I know that not all students have access and background in technology available to them.  I firmly believe in the ability for technology to connect people around the world.

Signing off,

Tyler Thrune

Entry 2

Over the first 7 weeks of my Instructional Technology course I have learned so many things about using technology both in and out of the classroom.  I learned how to create interactive powerpoint for my students to use so they can work at their own pace rather than having to all move at the same pace.  This will be so useful given the variety of levels and types of learning that students bring to the classroom.  I also learned how to evaluate software to be used in my classroom.  This will be useful when I look to order software for use in the class room.  I also created a Delicious account which allows me quick and easy access to various educational sites across the internet.  This will be incredible useful when I need to find out the latest theories, methods, standards and practices in education.  It will also be a useful tool that I can teach my students to use for the projects they must complete.  A major part of the semester so far focused on Robyn Williams' four main criteria for effective design.  It can be summed up in the acronym CARP, not the fish rather Contrast, Alignment, Repetition and Proximity.  I demonstrated this in my brochure I made about the campus radio station WRST.  I also continue to learn many things outside of classroom.  I've learned several effective ways to use spreadsheets as well as about a new Database system in Microsoft.  I hope that the second half of the semester goes as well as the first.

For now,
Tyler Thrune

Entry #1-Role of Technology in the Class Room

First Post.  My name is Tyler Thrune and I am enrolled in an Instructional Technology Class at UW-Oshkosh.  My first post is going to address the role of technology in the classroom and my background with technology.  Firstly, I believe that within the confines of the classroom technology should be used as much as possible.  In truth technology is the way of the future and the field in which more and more jobs will be created.  The problem is that not all students have equal access to technology outside of the classroom.  So while in the classroom, when all students have equal access to the technology (although having albeit varying backgrounds in working with technology) working with said technology should be encouraged.  There should however be no assumptions about students access to technology outside of the classroom and the educator must understand that some students may not have the luxury of technology in their homes. 

As for myself, I have had the privilege of working with technology throughout my life.  I am adequate with the use of the basic desktop and laptop computers (both MAC and PC) and I am most proficient in media software, particularly the audio editing software Adobe Audition.  I am eager to learn more about using technology in my classroom in the future.

Signing Off,

Tyler Thrune