Introduction

Hello everyone. My name is Tabatha Martini. I have two wonderful children who I love with all my heart. I have been married for 12 years, together 13. My husband is my high school sweetheart and has supported my ventures into college life. I do a lot, and everything I do is for them. I am currently on the way to graduating from college in May 2012 with a degree in education, EC-6 generalist certification with sped.. I am also a  teaching assistant in a special education classroom. I love my job, and work mainly with students who are diagnosed with autism.  I use technology everyday in my classroom, from using the computer to pull up curriculum, to doing "circle time" on the Promethean board. I believe that in this day and age it is very important for teachers to incorporate technology into their lessons during the school day. Students need to be introduced to technology at a very young age, because it is now a vital part of our society.

My vision of technology in the classroom is expansive! I think that technology should be incorporated in every way possible. Using ipads to teach a lesson would be something ideal. I could read to my classroom while they followed along on their own ipads, increasing literacy comprehension. This would be a fun way to incorporate technology into group reading. Students could use the classroom computers to conduct research, learn about the world, skype with other students in those places they learn about, use the Promethean board for interactive lessons, ipods to listen to books read aloud during independent reading, read and write pens that read back what the student just wrote, and many many more options. The list is endless. Technology can help students reach their full potential if the teacher has the knowledge and know how to incorporate it correctly. Students can only benefit from such a well rounded education, especially when innovations in technology keep increasing at the current rate.


My goals in the ETEC 424 class are to learn as much as possible about the world of technology when used in conjunction with teaching elementary students, as well as keep an open my mind to any new technology that may seem intimidating. If I have the correct training while getting my degree, I will be able to use this knowledge later when teaching. While I consider myself to be technological savvy in most cases, I know that there is so much that I can learn! Teachers should always continue to strive to gain new knowledge and insight and what better way than incorporating such an innovative field like technology. I hope to be able to use the technology insight I gain, because I learn better when I can actually apply it, and in turn I am able to gain a better understanding of the information presented. Overall, I hope to have fun while learning!