Communication Technology

Technology is known for making our lives easier. One of the main ways it has made our lives easier is through communication. It had made communication between people a lot simpler and more convenient. In todays world it is possible to communicate with people all over the country and throughout the world in seconds. The use of cell phones allow us to call people no matter where they are. The use of the internet allows us to send messages and emails to people we would normally not stay in contact with. It is simple for people and less stressful to communicate. It also makes it easier for somepeople, such as the hearing impaired, to see and type to others, rather than struggling on the phone with hearing aids and such. The use of the internet through web cameras and other technology of the sort is useful especially for loved ones who are far away for long amounts of time. It allows them to not only talk to their family and friends but to see them as well. In todays world technology is also much cheaper than it was years ago, making it more available to others.

Virtual Classrooms

Recently my Learning Through Technology teacher introduced me to a virtual classroom. It was very interesting. I had never heard of such a thing before. Students in a class all log into the same program (elluminate) and are connected in a "classroom" online no matter where they are. It is a very interesting concept and is very convenient. Instead of walking to a classroom to meet, we were meeting with eachother from the comfort of our own rooms. The teacher was able to talk to us through a micrphone, and able to present a powerpoint presentation to us that he had prepared. It was a very rewarding experience and I am very glad that I was introduced to this. I feel it is beneficial and helpful to students. It is a perfect example of technology making our lives easier.

Special Education Classroom

Recently, I observed a speical education classroom. This was a requirement for my Exceptional Child psychology class. It was very interesing, I had never been in an environment like this before. The students were in second, third, and fourth grade and what really stood out to me was the use of computers in this classroom. When I arrived there the students were creating books about the Solar System. They were to write a page about each planet, have it proofread by an adult in the classroom and then type it in Microsoft Word and print it. I was only really introduced to computers in fifth grade, I felt that it was great for them to be introduced to the use of computers earlier in their life. The teacher explained to me that typing on the computers is a daily activity that the children participate in becuase it helps work on their fine motor skills. Many of these children had problems with their fine motor skills and their behavior. Working on the computers allowed them to work on their motor skills while being intrigued by the screen and very focused. Also later in the class, during "math time" the students used a program called Math Blaster to work on their addition, subtraction and multilipcation skills. Each level required higher knowledge of math to pass. The children really enjoyed this game and were learning a lot from it. I feel that the use of computers in elementary and special education classrooms is very beneficial in more ways than one. It helps the students focus, it helps them work on their motor skills and also other skills such as math. In this world of technology it is very valuable to be introduced to computers at such a young age. It will definatley help these children out in the long run.