Technology: Reflection

As I began this course, EDUC 6710: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, I was not fully prepared for what I would be learning. I had always considered myself somewhat “comfortable” with technology, especially since I grew up without computers, cell phones, or video cameras. I am proud of the way I have self taught myself to research, communicate, and create while using technology. I did not realize that this course would provide me with so much more information on how to use Web 2.0 tools. Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to learn how to effectively incorporate technology into my lessons and the importance of doing so. I have also gained experience using and creating blogs, wiki’s, and podcasts. I feel confident incorporating these techniques to enhance my lessons and meet the students various needs within my classroom.

While using technology, I am able to develop my students 21st century skills which allows them to collaborate, problem solve, and use critical thinking skills. These skills will prepare my students for a bright, successful future in society. My classroom is not teacher-centered, but instead learner-centered. My students work together in all subject areas to achieve a common goal. I have always taught this way, but I am now incorporating more technology for students to explore and express their ideas and thoughts. As I continue to further my education and work towards receiving my Masters degree in Technology, I will continue to incorporate new strategies on a daily basis and share with other colleagues.

It is my goal to establish the following:
(1)To create and publish a webpage which includes blogs. I want to give my students and their parents the opportunity to express ideas and thoughts regarding subject matter discussed in class.
(2)To incorporate technology into my reading program. I plan to teach using literature circles and have students collaborate in small groups to create a wiki. Each student will be responsible for adding to the wiki. It will give me the opportunity to evaluate/assess each students understanding of the subject matter discussed during the literature circle.

As a teacher and parent, I am excited about what the future holds for our children. There are so many opportunities that were not available to many of us. If school districts begin to incorporate more of the Web 2.0 tools into their schools, all children will have the ability to succeed and prepare for the future regardless of their economic status.

Technology? Or not?

It is common knowledge that each student, within our classroom, is unique. Check out my podcast as I identify students with various amounts of exposure to technology~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc4q1-kEQEo

21st Century Skills

As an educator, I was thrilled to find an organization that focuses on infusing 21st century skills into education. Partnership for 21st Century Skills supports teachers so we can implement new technology practices that engage more students in learning. If we expect children to succeed in life and have bright futures, we must create problem solvers, critical thinkers, creative individuals… who can enter the workforce and be leaders in society.

The website of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills at http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is a useful site for familiarizing yourself with the basics of 21st Century Skills. I was extremely impressed with “Route 21”: an online interactive tool that demonstrates how 21st century skills can be supported through standards, professional development, assessments and curriculum and instruction. The “snapshot” portion provides resources and shows how the various 21 century skills can be used to support an area of study within the curriculum.

My future goal will be to use this organization, along with other resources, to instill 21st century skills within my students. As I gradually work towards fulfilling this goal, how do I assess my 5th grade students for understanding? Will I create a rubric for subject areas and include various 21st century skills?

Technology within my Classroom

Technology continues to become a larger and more important part of my classroom and teaching style every day. Currently I have a classroom website that includes a blog. I use this blog for students to respond to various topics that relate to the novel we are reading or a specific Science topic we are studying. Writing seems to be a weakness for many of my 5th grade students, so this provides them with an opportunity to communicate, while working on their writing skills. Many of my students enjoy using technology to write and look forward to having time to blog within the classroom.

Movement within the Curriculum

I am currently a fifth grade teacher with an extensive background in dance. Growing up, I had many years of dance training and continued dancing by attending a performing arts college and working as a ballet, tap and jazz instructor at local dance studios. As my own children required more demands from "mom" I was unable to continue with my night schedule of teaching dance to children of all ages. I decided to change my career path and become an elementary teacher. I greatly enjoy teaching in the classroom, but feel that so many students could benefit from a more active and movement oriented curriculum. I tend to incorporate large amounts of movement within my lessons, because of my background. How do I convince my colleagues that this teaching strategy is beneficial, in order to reach students with various learning styles?