Musings

Before embarking on this course, I considered myself pretty au fait with technology. I've since, as has often been the case throughout my life, had my hubris in this area revealed to me and a brave new world of technological jiggery-pokery has been lain before me.

Some of what we have been looking at has been impressive from a 'look what they can do now' perspective. Most of what we've been taught has either proven to be useful already or has been filed away in 'come back soon, this looks promising.'

Not being a complete neophyte, I was already using several pieces of technology and the associated software before the course began. This included, mainly, word-processing software, the internet, a touch of spreadsheet work and the occasional piece of photo shopping to remove red-eye. It was with this ICT background that I began working as a specialist support lecturer at Swansea Met in October of this year.

In order to assist the students that I work with, computer technology has proven to be useful.  I've used mindmapping software to aid with essay planning; computer calenders to help with organisation; presentation software other than PowerPoint to show students that other (and better!) ways of presenting information are available; and google drive to make real-time changes to documents whilst speaking on the phone, so I don't have to be physically present in order to be able to teach.

As a learner, I've found the range of software and hardware that we have been introduced to is something that I am looking forward to getting the most from in the coming months and years as a student and as a teacher. It is instructive to be in this position, as well as being very demanding on my time. The fact that we are using technology in the classroom for the first time allows me to get a feel for how my students may react if I choose to introduce them to new technology.

I think that it is crucial to be familiar with the technologies and software that are available to teach. This does not mean that they all need to be made use of in the classroom all of the time, but it is important to know which tools are available, as well as having the knowledge and critical ability to determine which are appropriate.