Technology Interview Reflection

What I learned from this interview was surprising. I was surprised at how few computers the school had. The classrooms don't have any computers available for the students to use. In the interview, we learned that there is a lap top for the teacher, but it isn't used by the students. I then found out that the socioeconomic status of the area is lower than average. Then I was surprised at how much technology was available for the school and students.

Another surprise was the very little amount of time the students actually have in the lab. With only 30 minutes a week in the lab students don't seem to have a whole lot of time to learn how to use the computer. My cooperating teacher is very good at trying to teach her students to practice typing. She has them type all their stories and poems that they write. But with such little time in the lab, it can take weeks for the students to finish. It is also apparent that most students struggle with using the Internet or any search engines.

This interview was great for me. I now know what will be available to me as a teacher and hopefully there will be even more when I get to that point. By knowing what's avialable in the field of technology,I will be better prepared to create more meaningful lesson plans. If classes are still allotted only 30 minutes a week then I will know as a teacher that the lesson plans will need to be well thought out. I will also want to talk with the students before we actually get into the lab so that their time there is spent wisely and efficiently.

This interview changed my way of thinking about technology in the classrooms. I'm surprised that more isn't being done with technology in this day in age. I want to be a teacher that uses these tools to teach. So much can be done using technology so I will need to make sure I don't get discouraged, even though there may not be as much available to my students as I would like.