Stewart+Assignment+1

  Technology supports classroom instruction as a tool to generate efficiency in the classroom; however, if not used properly, technology can also hinder classroom instruction. Generally, I aim to be an efficient teacher; and an efficient teacher is a happy teacher. Efficient teachers enjoy teaching because they are not always rushing to get marking complete, know when important meetings are planned, and can effectively meet subject learning outcomes within a suitable time frame. Ultimately, efficiency is strongly determined by organization. There are a few “rules” I try to live by, although I must admit, I don’t always follow:  a) Use the computer as much as you can: If teachers can become familiar with basic software such as Microsoft excel or Microsoft word, the tedious task of planning daily lessons and unit plans can be avoided. This allows the teacher to digitally manipulate your lesson plans and unit plans quickly. In addition, if teachers decide to change a lesson the next time through, it’s easy to digitally alter it. Daily agendas can be projected on the LCD projector and easily altered if need be. Why use the chalkboard and create more work for yourself if you don’t need to. b)  Use to-do lists and/or sticky notes to jot down what needs to be done: I find that if I try to keep my daily tasks in my head, I end up complicating my tasks and forgetting something. Teachers are constantly using their brains and prioritizing daily tasks can ease the stress of their day. c) Grade papers within 1 day of the due date: If not managed properly, student assignments will begin to stack up quite quickly. Just because the school bell rings at 3:00, doesn’t mean the teacher’s day is done. If teachers can try and grade assignments promptly it will ease the stress of too much marking and also benefit the students. Teacher’s assessment of their assignment will be better as the corresponding lesson was that day. d)  If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it. If a particular task takes less than a couple of minutes e) Do it right the first time and use technology to do it. Any task that is done digitally serves as a time and space saver. With this in mind, I try to use the computer as much as possible. Paper copies of lesson plans, agendas, grade books and attendance sheets only serve to add complication to the teaching day. The computer can be used as a tool to organize and keep teaching materials in one place. I find that I am more efficient as a result. Technology, specifically the computer, supports my classroom instruction and daily teaching life. The Teaching Perspective Profile (TPI), indicated my strengths lie in the transmission of information. Upon further reflection, I believe this to be very accurate. I rely on the computer in my classroom to deliver my lessons whether it is through Powerpoint, MS Word, or the internet. As a social studies teacher, there is pressure to meet the PLOs within a limited time frame. In my experience, transmission of information is the most efficient way to deliver instruction. 
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">To what extent does technology support classroom instruction and my dominant teaching perspectives? **