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TE 831 Week 1 Discussion Prompt Lisa Schoen

I would say there were two critical moments that prompted me to use more technology in my classroom. I've never been afraid of trying programs and learning new tricks, but it was sometimes difficult as the art teacher to get a hold of computers - mostly things like laptop carts and computer labs were reserved for the more vital core classes. During my first year our tech department told me about the ELMO, a digital camera that works with a projector to display flat work on a screen. I found it invaluable for use in the classroom, able to easily project demonstrations or follow-the-leader lessons. I checked the equipment out so much they allowed me to house it in my room. Two years later, one was permanently assigned to my room. All my demonstrations are now done using the ELMO.

The second event would be when our school decided on a 1-to-1 Mac laptop program. With every student using laptops, I was created a Computer Graphics class. Since then I've been working to create new, exciting, and relevant technology-based lessons and projects for them.

My excitement and concern center around the same thing. I am really looking forward to learning how to use a wiki properly, but I'm also concerned about what problems I might run into and struggle with solving. I have wanted for a long time to find a way of organizing my lessons, resources, and examples into an easy-to-access digital format. I'm looking forward to having the chance to really learn how to create one.