The course I have currently been a part of from Walden University has helped me tremendously with my own technology skills. I have learned how to incorporate some new technology tools. I have used Wikipedia, but I never realized what an actual wiki was until this class. I have learned ways I can incorporate a wiki into my classroom. I have even created a wiki for my professional learning community group at my school.
I knew what a blog was, but before this class I had never been interested in creating one or the potential it could have in the classroom. Now I realize the things I have been missing out on: the opportunities for my students to think critically in the 21st century and for them to collaborate more as peers.
Podcasting was probably the most eye-opening. When I asked some of my students to help me with that podcast assignment, they were so excited to do something academic through technology. Then learning how to use audacity to put together my podcast was a whole new experience for me.
I think this class has helped me by gaining some confidence in my technology skills and to realize the potential uses for it in my classroom.
I have realized that I need to “modernize” the way I teach. I teach how I was taught, but that will not prepare my students for the future. I need to be more purposeful in incorporating 21st century skills. Students are different than they were in the past. Students today are digital natives and many teachers of today act like digital immigrants. Teachers need to overcome that label and adapt to the native world. Technology is so important; David Thornburg (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012a) said it facilitates anywhere, anytime learning
I need to move my classroom from being so teacher-centered to more learner-centered. I have realized that I need to get away from lecture based formats and become more of a facilitator as Chris Dede said (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012b). I need to create more project-based assignments. I need to let my students take more ownership and allow them to collaborate more often. Marc Prensky (2005) said teachers should encourage students to make decisions and allow them to be a part of designing instruction.
One way I will continue expanding my knowledge is by continuing my masters in Integrating Technology into the classroom. I need to be willing to be open to learning new technology. I need to be not afraid to try using new technology tools within my classroom. I need to stay a member of ISTE, so I can stay abreast of new technologies. I need to continue to push my school to realize that we need to beef up our technology availability because we are missing out on so many great opportunities.
I need to work on transforming my classroom environment but there are obstacles that stand in my way. My obstacles are more personal verses institutional or systemic. My biggest obstacle is gaining confidence in using these new technology tools and leaving the past behind and being willing to change how I teach. My other main obstacle is financial issues. My school does not have the money to provide the classrooms, students, and teachers with all of the tools that are needed to transform my classroom.
Goal #1: To have technology tools in my classroom, so that I can integrate technology into all subject areas. (Technology tools needed would be laptops, desktops, or iPads.)
To overcome the financial issues, I am sharing all of the exciting new things that I am learning. I am sharing this information with other teachers, with my principal, and even with parents. My hopes are they will see the potential that is out there and find ways to invest in making it happen. My school is currently looking into revamping our technology, so I am a part of that committee in hopes to speak up for the things that we need to improve. I can also actively seek grants that could be out there for my school. I also need to focus on what we do have and not live in the “what if” world. Within two years, I hope to have at least 10 or more computers/iPads in my classroom for student use.
Goal #2: To allow my students more opportunities for collaboration and critical thinking with tools like wikis and blogs.
My plan to accomplish this goal: Fourth quarter this year, I am going to incorporate using a wiki with my fifth grade students. I want to get comfortable using the tool and really learn the benefits it has to offer. Over the summer, I want to research more ways on how blogs and wikis can be used in a classroom setting. During the 2012-2013 school year, I want to continue to use wikis and create a classroom blog where students can voice their thoughts. By the 2013-2014 school year, I want to see the possibility of my students having their own individual blogs.
When I first start incorporating these tools, I will start small. I will attempt to use them once or twice a month, gradually increasing the use and finding new ways to continually improve having a technology rich classroom.
I filled out a survey in the beginning of the class. My beliefs have changed. My knowledge has changed. Unfortunately my physical answers have not changed yet. I need to not let time get in the way. It is hard to be teacher, coach, wife, and student all at the same time. I am learning so many great tools and concepts, but time constraints keep me from fully developing them right now. The school year is almost over- our fourth quarter starts in 3 weeks. It is hard to change things in the middle of the year. I have, however, decided to start small. I will begin to incorporate wikis this quarter and to create more developed plans throughout the summer. Starting next school year, I can see many of my answers changing. I can see my developing technology skills for my students moving to often instead of sometimes because I know, now, how important it is to incorporate technology. My technology responses at the beginning of this course were rarely or sometimes, but I see them becoming more oftens and sometimes. I want to be a better teacher. I want to prepare my students for the future. I need to help my students develop 21st century skills. I also want to move my collaboration among my students to often.
I am changeable. I will adapt. I will strive to be the best I can for my students. This class has pushed me in the right direction, now I just need to continue.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2012a). Technology and society. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com
Laureate Education, Inc. (2012b). The changing role of the classroom teacher: part 2. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com
Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 63(4), 8–13.
