Technology and Emotion

A Erie 1 BOCES Technology facilitator come in on Friday for a half-day to show two teachers (Spanish & Math) how to integrate technology ideas (webquests, websites, etc.) into their lesson plans. This seminar had a nice one-on-one feel and was very personalized and hands on because of the small number.
The technology facilitator and Michael were able to develop strategies with the teachers individually throughout the session and show them how technology could be integrated into their specific lesson plans.
The gentleman from BOCES was passionate about technology integration and the teachers could sense that. A teacher who is “passionate" about their lesson plans/subject matter makes all the difference in the classroom. Students have to get the sense that you “love what you are doing” and they will feed off that energy. When you’re excited, students are excited too. With my personality, I think that works well.
A point was made that having students who are enjoying the lesson and immersed in it, may lead to the students sharing this information with their classmates (informally and formally). Students may become teachers in some sense and can then share with their classmate’s knowledge of that subject. A great goal.
One of things that I am enjoying about the student teaching experience is being a “fly on the wall”. As a passive student teacher I am receiving the opportunity to listen to what is being said and can then reflect on what was said. I can then think how I might be able to integrate those idea(s)into a lesson OR if that lesson would suit my personality and how I might be able to use it.