Educational Technology: What Was My Experience as a K-12 Student?

     During my elementary school years I attended multiple elementary schools, each different in their own way. As a student I was never given a computer or a laptop individually to work on; however, I remember having a computer class. In this class we would learn the basics of computers, such as how to type on a keyboard or all of the different kinds of things we could actually do on a computer. I remember playing games, usually math related or reading related and I always enjoyed them. Back then, computer class seemed like it was a time where I could take a break from the classroom and the lessons we were learning that day.

     I attended a computer lab class during the three years I was in middle school as well, each year growing increasingly more difficult. The computers I used weren't state of the art computers but they worked, usually, and I enjoyed learning about different tools that I would be able to access in the future. I learned how to use Microsoft Office, such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more. I also gained knowledge about spreadsheets, functions, and other templates as well.

    In high school, it was all about databases and smart boards. During my time spent in the library, I would learn about the different databases I could access online. Mrs. Powers, BMHS' well-known "Database Queen", wonderfully explained where I would be able to find the information that I needed, how I would be able to focus on one specific piece of information, etc. She would repeatedly say, "Databases, databases, databases! They are your best friend." Back then I would roll my eyes, but she was totally right.

    Other than learning about where I could find my information, I also was able to use smart boards to visually see the lessons I was learning in a much more interactive and technology based way. In my high school the smart boards were typically located in the math classrooms only. In my opinion, I liked it better that way, even though other classroom teachers complained about not having the same kind of tools as others.
    As a future educator, I would like to be able to use technology in my classroom to further enhance my students' knowledge. I think computers, as well as other technologies, such as tablets, kindles, laptops, smart boards, etc. would be assets to the classroom and students could really benefit from them.