I think that the way things have grown and evolved with our internet usage, it has left a lot of people in the dust. Certain groups of people that are older, that work in jobs that don’t require the continual learning that constant new technology requires. There is basic things of course like watching YouTube, scrolling Facebook or internet banking.  Without it being required daily, I think people are behind including myself.  I just think of my mom who still refuses to use internet banking and drives to the bank to do things.  Future classrooms are going to need to fully engulf in what technologies are being used to achieve certain things.  Teachers have some tools to use and incorporate into the classroom but it takes time to learn and to practice.  Teachers will use basic things like the Smart board for example, but often as a note tool or lunch time entertainment.  I found this to be true in the different classrooms I worked in. I know that there are teachers that are using these tools to their full advantage but from different discussions, I think there are a few struggles as well!

I think that technologies available are amazing and growing by the minute.  The more digital interaction, the less personal interaction that is required. This is a challenge with so many virtual options available but something that needs to be considered moving forward in our classrooms.  Teachers have their hands full and I think they need a lot of time for their own learning, to really have things become part of the regular day, to be comfortable with each new tech tool that becomes available for the classroom.

My name is Julie Hiebert and I am working on my Ed degree, middle years program.  I am originally from Saskatoon but reside at Buffalo Pound Lake.  I am loving lake life and the serenity I get residing here.  I have three grown children and have become an empty nester a couple years ago, which was my cue to get busy and do what I have always wanted to do.  Be a teacher. I am not very good with technology but I am happy to be taking Edtech300 as there are many things I need to learn.  I enjoy writing and I’m realizing, that blogging is just a collection of written articles, videos, photos, opinions or otherwise, and artistic expression.  Making a blog appears to be more simple than expected with the exception of continually second guessing tasks I complete.  I have worked with numerous students on different projects on computers in a classroom setting, but it’s not the same as having to navigate technology in the classroom.  I have observed some of the teachers and their resources they had available like different communication platforms, smart boards etc.  Learning how to navigate will be an important skill one day when I’m in the classroom in a leadership role.