One of the teaching tools that I embraced while teaching at East Carolina University was BlackBoard. It helped me to keep students abreast of any changes in the class or assignments, hold virtual classes during days when there were group work sessions going on but no face-to face classes. It also gave me the freedom to have students post their analysis of readings and experiences via the discussion site, similar to a blog (I think). But most of all, Blackboard allowed me to post documents (articles, assignments, etc) in the course document section of Bb so that it would save me time from having to give them out before class begins. I loved it!
Another form of technology that I am just beginning to use is Facebook. Once I moved to Indiana, PA from Greenville, NC, I felt so isolated that many of my colleagues, friends, and family members highly recommended Facebook. As I fought hard NOT to use this type of social networking, it's been exciting to read what they are doing; therefore, keeping in their lives from a distance. I'm not an avid user, as they complain about, but I will post a hello or comment at least twice a week.
The one thing that I have learned about technology and its greatness, is that if I make a mistake, it is usually forgiven. With computers, if I delete something, I can retrieve it. If I press the incorrect key, I can undo. If I post something of no interest, I can delete it! More importantly, there's not much I can't find using InterNET technology as long as I used a reliable search engine to help. Can you spell GOOGLE?!
Finally, there are two types of technology that I have yet to experience, (1) text messaging; and (2) twitter. If I telephone someone, send an email, or type a comment on their respective Facebook page, then why should I spend time text messaging or twitterling (hope I spelled that correctly)?!
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