The Teacher Becomes the Student

Day One: An Introduction to Technology (Again...)

How can it be a mere three years since I completed my last degree? I feel very much out of touch with the world of technology (I still find comfort with my flip phone circa 2008 after all) and am a little overwhelmed. However, I fought the urge to "forget" my I-POD touch in the SUB, and have since learned a great deal.

• No matter how long you hold down the square bottom on the front of the I-POD, the device will NOT turn on



• The device is convinced it is January 1970, and although I've tried countless times unsuccessfully to reset my calendar, I now find it amusing the device believes it is in a time during which I-PODS were not even invented



• You may have more "apps" than you may think; by swoshing (I doubt that is the proper term) your screen to the side, you can find even more attractive icons



• The fact above was pointed out by a peer in my class, so having an I-POD and not knowing how to use it is a great way to meet friends



• When taking a video, sound WILL be recorded



• Elaborating on the note above, when filming oneself, it is best to hold the device at eye level to avoid double chins, and a close up of ones nose hairs



• Perhaps somewhat unrelated, I also learned that there are many "dead-zones" on campus, which makes using my newly downloaded "DailyBurn" app rarely difficult

Returning to the classroom was also a bit of an unfamiliar experience. I realized how easily distracted I can become... whether it's watching the weather outdoors, monitoring the download progress of Kurzweil, or listening to conversations in the hall. However, I did find the videos describing the workings of the brain, eye and ear fascinating (I did major in Biology after all). I also learned what assistive technology IS (independent access to a task designed to improve performance) and what it IS NOT ("IT"). Finally, I was forced to really break down how I read, and realized how much of this process is ingrained and routine for me, and that it may be hard to dissect my prior knowledge.