Reflection

Prior to taking the course entitled, Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, I had limited knowledge about Web 2.0 tools such as Wiki's, Blogs and Pod casts. Further, the implications of the use of these tools as a way to enhance student learning was foreign to me. For the past eight weeks, I have had the opportunity to learn about integration of technology in the classroom. My coursework at Walden University has undoubtedly enriched my understanding about the effective use of technology to equip students with essential skills and dispositions that will enable them to succeed in the 21st century.

This learning experience has been very enriching and exciting for me. As an educator, I understand that it is imperative that I engage in professional development and commit to becoming a lifelong learner. Prior to taking this course, I was somewhat proficient in the use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office. I often utilized search engines such as Google and I enjoyed participating in social networking sites, reading news, and shopping online. I had no knowledge of Web 2.0 tools and how valuable they can be when used in the classroom. Over the past few months, I have learned about blogs and wikis. I had no idea that I could obtain a wealth of information on virtually any topic of interest, simply by accessing blogs. I especially enjoy reading educational blogs to gain insight on the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of other teachers. Blogs are not only beneficial to my own growth as an educator, but are also valuable teaching and learning tools in the classroom. I have learned that blogs can be used in a variety of ways to create enriching and engaging learning experiences for students. Similar to blogs, wiki's (collaborative, user created web pages) are also valuable in the classroom. Based on my learning experience in this course, I am able to create and maintain blogs and wikis. As I explore websites with posts that are of interest to me, I utilize RSS feeds for automatic updates. Additionally, I can easily create podcasts and upload them to a hosting site.

With technology such as computers, internet and cellphones changing the way that we work. communicate, access information, and live our lives in general, it only makes sense that schools implement and utilize technology in a way that students are equipped with the skills that they will need when they eventually enter the workforce. As educators, it is imperative that we stay abreast of new innovations in technology. Although I have completed my coursework, I understand that my learning is not over. In fact, it has only just begun. In order to insure that I stay up to date on the effective use of technology in the classroom, I will continue to read the blogs of other educators to learn about current practices. One of the best ways to gain insight about effective use of technology in the classroom is through the sharing of ideas and feedback. In addition to blogs, I will read professional journals and publications centered around education and technology. Another way that I will facilitate my growth and expertise in the area of technology in the classroom is by expanding my knowledge on 21st century skills. Because 21st century skills are centered around a technology rich world, I must focus my instruction around meeting the standards. Although my state of Connecticut does not have any initiatives based on technology, I hope that it does eventually moves in that direction. By doing so, other teachers and I would benefit from continuous and ongoing professional development. Regardless, I plan to move forward in creating learning scenarios that are technology rich and promote 21st century skills.

The two goals that I have for the next few years will result in a classroom in which technology is easily integrated as a way to enhance the learning of all of my students. My first goal is to create a classroom blog. This blog will be useful in many ways. First, it will serve as a communication tool to students and parents. The blog will contain the course syllabus, assignments, study guides and handout attachments. This will ensure that students always have access to essential information and documents. Additionally, I would like to dedicate a portion of the blog to students. Students will demonstrate their learning on the blog through discussions and student created postings. In my U.S. History class, my units are focused around essential questions. Students will respond to the essential questions before, during and after the unit of study. This will allow me (and them) to gauge how their perceptions and understandings have changed as they have progressed through the unit. Student blogging will also allow for all students to participate and will hopefully lead to students to put care, thought and effort into their postings (as their audience will extend beyond just me, as their teacher). A portion of my assignments will be mandatory blog postings. This will insure that all students will gain practice with the 21st century skills that my lessons will be focused on.

My second goal for the upcoming few years is to create more inquiry based lessons and move from a teacher- centered classroom, to a student- centered one. I would love for my students to become more engaged and excited about their learning and I believe that lessons that are centered around students completing inquiry related tasks will allow for students to take charge of their own learning. By engaging in inquiry, students will be utilizing higher order thinking skills. To demonstrate their learning, students will utilize multi-media tools. By combining these aspects together, I believe that the dynamics of my classroom will change.

In conclusion, technology is changing our lives as we know it. We would be doing a huge injustice if we did not prepare our students with the skills that they will need to thrive in this technology rich world. As an educator, I am excited about the implications that this has on my teaching practices.

Assessing Student Needs and Abilities in Regards to Technology

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http://jasminharding.podOmatic.com

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