Module 5 Blog Reflection: Computer Use in 2013

Thinking back a few years on how I used to use my computer, I can truthfully conclude that the extent of my computer skills, both in the classroom and for personal use, was very limited, although, at that time, I made full use of all of the programs made available to me. Having participated in the “23 Things” technology development program, last year, and experiencing a continuation of that program in the “1:1 laptop program, this year, I have come to realize that sending/receiving emails, using word documents, excel spreadsheets, the LCD projector to teach both knowledge and skills, creating PowerPoint projects, and offering learners a variety of online activities comprises only a minute part of the possibilities available in the field of informational technology in the classroom. A wide range of online educational tools are now available allowing more engaging and meaningful acquisition of knowledge and skills by the students, offering a high level of teacher support, more effective communication, better organization and collaboration, global-wide social networking, and easy sharing, presentation and storing of information.

In the future, I intend to use technology more intensively and effectively. In the year 2013, I believe that all students will use laptops for all subjects to explore, research, collaborate, experiment and communicate, that digital "texts" (including images, animations, audio, and video) will replace all paper textbooks, and that the classroom environment (including both the physical and affective domains) will change dramatically to accommodate the demands of Informational Literacy in the twenty-first century classroom.

Traditional papers and other written assignments will be replaced by totally learner-interactive, computer-generated presentations which will be shared with a wider, perhaps, global audience.
By the year 2013, collaborative, global, multimedia student projects, virtual travel and the creation and maintenance of life-long e-portfolios will become a normal part of everyday schooling.