What do I now know about integrating technology?

I have learned a lot about integrating technology... and just technology in general from this class. I not only learned what geospacial tools, non-linear PowerPoints, spreadsheets, and databases are, but how to make and use them. When I started this class I didn't think that I would use technology in my own classroom, but my thoughts have changed. I have come up with lesson plans that I would have probably never thought of before. I know that an art classroom will probably never have a SMARTboard, but a nonlinear PowerPoint would make a great portfolio of a students artwork that is many times necessary to get accepted into a college art program. I think that it is very important for students to have as much exposure to these types of projects and programs as possible to prepare them for their future that will definitely be filled with technology. I wish that I would have had the chance to use Inspiration or Kidspiration when I was in school to organize my reports and essays. I also feel more comfortable using the computer and I never imagined that I would have a blog or be able to make a website. All in all, I feel like I have learned a lot and have developed a better understanding and appreciation for integrating technology into the classroom.

What do I think about using Spreadsheets and Databases in my classroom?

I think that the use of Spreadsheets and Databases in my classroom would be an easy way to incorporate technology into a class that normally does not have that focus. I think that it is important to give students as much exposure to technology as possible in high school. Knowledge of how to create simple Spreadsheets and Databases is something that students may need when they go to college or begin working. Spreadsheets are useful to make calculations and graphs while Databases are useful to sort and look up large amounts of information. Most businesses use these types of programs and it will help students prepare for the real world if I incorporate some of these activities into my class.