When I started this class I was against using a lot of technology in the classroom. Since doing some of the assignments in the class I have somewhat changed my mind. I do agree with using technology in the classroom and can now see the benefits. However, I do believe the students should also be taught the 'traditional' way. I had a doctor's appointment the other day and while there the computers went down, I waited for over an hour in the waiting room because, it seemed, no one knew how to function without the computer. While the person was filling out my paperwork they just kept complaining about how they had to write everything by hand. Don't get me wrong, computers do make a job easier but we should also stay familiar of doing things by hand.
I also told myself when I started this class I was going to stay ahead so when I have my baby I am ahead of class instead of behind. Well, that has not happened I am so far behind I am kind of stressing out at this point. I am stuck on our digital storytelling project and can't figure it out, I have no ideas or clues as to how to start it. Hopefully I can spend tomorrow getting caught up on my classes.

Update

I have learned so much about using technology in the classroom. Even things at first I did not agree with at first. I also learned some interesting facts about the amount of people using technology and how young they are. It made me open my eyes and look around at my surroundings and remember calls from customers I received while working at Verizon Wireless. There are children walking around with cell phones, as young as 5, that I know of. Why a five year old needs a cell phone is beyond me, but it shows how young they are starting to use technology. In our textbook it shows children as young as 2 were using the internet. That is hard to believe but I can see how they are learning more about computers. My 2 yr old daughter knows about computers and likes to "play" on my laptop or my desktop. Do I think she knows what shes doing, no. We bought my stepson a computer when he was 7 so he could do research, play games and learn with "technology". I didn't have a computer that young growing up. After watching the video about teaching children with technology and seeing how their faces lit up when getting to use different devices was amazing. I can see how fun that would be for children, especially having the hands on approach. The only problem I see with this now after reading the book and watching the video would be the children that do not have the means to have the technology at home, even though it gives them some access.
On a different note, I enjoyed making the website. I became frustrated at points when I couldn't get certain links to work for me. I tried to make it look interesting and fun. I do believe I am going to add some links for the children to play because I didn't have many of them. While I was doing this I kept pulling up different teachers websites that I know and they did not have nearly the amount of information I have in mine. I think the information we are adding to our websites is going to be very helpful with the parents and keeping them involved.
That is enough for now, more to come after chapter 3.