My Relationship with Technology
About me
Image source: Personal Photo
Currently I am an ELL and Spanish primary school educator. I have been in the education field for many years and have decided that it was time for a change. I am finishing my Masters in Education and am in my second semester in a MLIS program. Since I could remember I have always wanted to teach and assist children of all ages. My dream has not changed but shifted in new direction. My love for literacy and reading has always been a passion of mine. It was the right time in my journey to shift from education to library services. In my new role I strive to ensure future patrons are able to gain access to materials and resources they need.
Some fun facts about me are that I love to craft and travel! My husband is an Air Force Officer so we do our fair share of moving and traveling. If you did not already know, I love to read! My favorite book series is Harry Potter. I even named my cat, Kingsley after one of the characters. I am always looking for new craft project to work on or new book to read.
My cat Kingsley:
Image Source: Personal Photo
Technology
What is technology? According to the Merriam Webster's website, technology is " the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area" (Merriam-Webster, 2024). I like to think that technology is all around us. My relationship with technology is complicated. Technology is essential but too much of it can be toxic. In order for me to be able to do my job, schoolwork and stay up-to-date on the news, I need technology. I am currently a primary school teacher and I use technology everyday to be able to successfully do my job. I use it to set timers, project lessons on the interactive board, display videos or images and much more! As technology is becoming more popular in the classroom so are troubleshooting issues. I have found that being knowledgable and informed on your technical tools allows for less time being used to troubleshoot. As an educator it is important to evaluate and continue to grow my technical skills but to acknowledge that personal connection is still valuable. If you are interested in reading more about evaluating technology in the classroom feel free to read this article Tech Tools Evaluated in the Classroom
I am surrounded by technology all day and I have come to embrace it. Technology can be a wonderful thing. It is a privilege to be able to have access to information in various forms. I use it personally to check the time, social media and read. However, I try to limit my exposure to it in my personal life as I feel it can consume too much of my time. I find myself scrolling through instagram then coming across a video or reel and the next thing I know an hour has past. Technology has it pros and cons but I love its ability to provide me information and connections to the world. I strive to continue to use technology while still limiting my consumption so that I can enjoy life around me.
Final Thoughts
As I continue my journey in becoming a librarian, I feel excited but stressed about the journey ahead of me. I am excited to obtain more information and knowledge about this new and exciting field. I am nervous about how much there is to learn and the new tools to explore. Technology is always developing and improving but so I am! I feel confident that I am ready for this journey and will strive to do my best. I hope to share what I will learn along the way in these posts.
References
Merriam-Webster. (2024). Technology definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology
Great to meet you, Joseline. Thank you for the background information about who you are as an educator and future librarian. I agree with the complicated nature of technology- the tools are never ending! I'm looking forward to exploring this more with you this fall. Please thank your husband for his service.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment! Technology is definitely a topic that I am constantly trying to find a good balance. I will be sure to pass on the thanks to my husband!
DeleteNice to meet you! I completely agree with your statement " As an educator it is important to evaluate and continue to grow my technical skills but to acknowledge that personal connection is still valuable. " I have come to embrace technology in some forms. I do always have the initial reaction of stress and being overwhelmed when learning a new tool to aid in my teaching. However I usually take few deep breaths and with a couple of google searches I can make it through what ever task lays ahead. I am looking forward to learning along side with you this Fall as we explore new tools to help us succeed in our professions.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseline!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am also a Potterhead! I love the series, but my favorite book and movie is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Also, it's amazing that you are an ELL and Spanish primary school educator. I have a BA in foreign languages. While earning my BA, I had the opportunity to student teach basic Spanish to a group of first graders. I'm not very good with kids, but my group of first graders really took to me. They were so sweet. But being a teacher is hard work and is a huge responsibility. I applaud you for your continued dedication. In your "Final Thoughts", you mentioned being nervous about all there is to learn and the constant changing and improvement in technology. I really resonate with this. During my career as an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) student, I have focused mostly on taking technology-based courses in order to have a tool kit as a Digital Asset Manager. The classes have all been interesting and I've learned a lot, but I'm also nervous about not remembering it all. To calm myself, I remember what my LIS 701 teacher said. It was something to the effect of "A librarian doesn't know everything, but they know where to find it."
Great Post!
~Alisha M.
Nice to meet to a fellow Potterhead! I am sure your Spanish was great! Working in the education field can definitely be difficult but worth it! Working in a classroom means keeping up with the developing and improving technology. I appreciate you sharing that quote from your teacher! I will definitely keep that in mind on my journey!
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