Reflection for class EDUC-6710I-4 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society
WOW! I do not even know where to start on my reflection. I have learned so much this semester. I did things I did not think I ever would, AND I applied them to teaching. The vast amount of knowledge that I did learn seems to have left a permanent mark in my brain. I do have to say that many of the videos I had to watch this class have been extremely helpful.
This course has taught me many technology skills that I did not know I had. I made a blog, wiki and podcast. I have to say I am very proud of the podcast. I could not believe that I made one and edited it all by myself. It makes me grin from ear to ear thinking about how I did that. Not only did I do these things, I applied them to education. They were applied to my learning or the learning of my students.
I now have a better understanding of what it means to be a professional teacher and how to apply the 21st century skills to my classroom. I have always felt I have a good understanding of how the teaching and learning process work with students. With my SpEd background I try to differentiate my lessons to my students. I have found that this class has really opened my eyes even wider. I now know more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and how to use them with the 3Rs and 4Cs in my classroom.
I am now more aware of student learning when I am writing my lesson plans. I incorporate 21st century skills and the 4Cs into every lesson (please see list below for definitions). My knowledge base is much great now than it was eight weeks ago. I feel like I am becoming a better teacher. I also have shared much information with my PLC on struggling learners.
I am much more aware of how the brain is working with digital native learners. This has been a great help to me. I have to remember that even though I am not that much older than my students, a lot has happened since I was their age. I did not have computers until Jr. High, and even then they were green screen. Teaching is much different now than twenty, ten, even five years ago!
This class has helped me see the difference between teacher-centered and learner-centered classrooms. I am glad to say that I was teaching some lessons as student-center, I am even happier to say that I have made more lessons student-centered. I do have to preteach a lot of the work in order for some of my students to be successful. Over all, it has been a good transition.
Next year I teach grades Preschool through third. I am looking forward to the experience of doing a lot of student centered activities in preschool. I also have been brainstorming ways that can add technology in the class of three to five year olds. It is a challenge I am willing to take on. Centers are a fantastic way to have a classroom student-centered. The students are working independently while the teacher walks around and facilitates the lessons when needed.
I plan on continuing to learn more about technology. I would like to be able to expose my students to as much as they can be exposed to. I have found that while getting my masters in education I have done a lot of research on my own. I have found other ways to teach a lesson with the technologies that are available at my school. I found out we have a few technologies that are not being used, because no one knew we had them or no one wants to use them.
Technology also can make my life easier as a teacher. I have many of my files in a word or excel document. This way I can go from year to year and make changes as needed. Most of these things are lists for ordering, books I’ve used, reflections on lessons or lessons themselves.
I know that the world is changing around us. It is “getting faster” as I once heard a classmate say. We, teachers, need to find a way to “keep up” with the technologies that are around students and schools. Teachers do not have to know how to play the newest gaming system; however, they should be aware that their students are playing it.
I have two goals that I plan to complete in the next two years. My goals are simply stated below:
Goal 1: By April 2014, I will have students using tablets daily as part of lessons with 90% accuracy as measured by classroom data.
Goal 2: By April 2014, I will students electronically handing in at least one assignment weekly with 90% accuracy as measured by classroom data.
These goals are going to be tricky for a few reasons. Reason one, funding! I have been looking at grants for tablets for my classroom. I have a few of them downloaded and I will be applying for them this summer. I was also told that I would have to iPads for my classroom next year, if funding comes through. I have to find apps and explain why they would be helpful to a Special Education class. I have been working on these goals the past few months. They are due to the IT by the end of the school year (May 25, 2012).
My second goal will be the hardest of all. Where I teach is very leery of internet based learning, blogs, wikis, emails, etc. when it comes to students. I would like to be able to have students submit assignments to be by either a wiki or a dropbox. It would depend on the lesson. I do know that in order for this to be acceptable I will have to get permission from Administration and The Board. I have a feeling that if I start small, next school year, have a class blog were students, parents, and teachers can post comments. Then add a wiki for assignments, parents and administration can see how helpful a wiki is to student learning. I can then add to assignments being submitted online. I would of course, allow students to do this during class time, as not all of them have internet at home.
The first week of class we had to fill out a self assessment checklist. I thought I was filling it out honestly. It asked us many questions (I have it on the bottom of the page) about how we do things in the classroom. Many of my answer were “often” and “sometimes.” I truly thought I was doing these things. I was, just not to the ability that I now know I can. I should have answered most of them, “sometimes” or “rarely.” If you are a teacher, or work with students, I highly suggest that you look at the checklist below. Answer it honestly, what do you do in your classroom and how do you integrate technology?
If you work with the youth of our nation, I highly recommend you take a moment to familiarize yourself with technologies and the 21st century. We expect our students to learn every day; shouldn’t we do the same thing?! Don’t stop learning and giving knowledge to others!
I know that this class maybe done, however I plan to keep blogging and reading the educational blogs that I found. I love that I can give others information about SpEd and Technology!
Definitions:
3Rs – Reading, Writing, and Arthimatic
4Cs – Critical thinking & problem solving; Communication, Collaboration; Creativity & innovation.
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
21st century skills –information literacy, Critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, information technology, leadership, creativity and innovative thinking, lifelong learning, self-direction, professionalism, ethics, social responsibility
PLC – Professional learning committee (community)
4Cs – Critical thinking & problem solving; Communication, Collaboration; Creativity & innovation.
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
21st century skills –information literacy, Critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, information technology, leadership, creativity and innovative thinking, lifelong learning, self-direction, professionalism, ethics, social responsibility
PLC – Professional learning committee (community)
References:
International Society of Technology in Education. (2007). Profiles for technology (ICT) literate students. Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-S_2007_Student_Profiles_EN.sflb.ashx
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support meaningful learning. AACE Journal, 16(1), 77–92
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Eduation, Work, and Society. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf
Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2011). Retrieved from www.p21.org
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).
Use the Proquest Central database, and search using the article’s title.
Use the Proquest Central database, and search using the article’s title.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants, part II: Do they really think differently? On the Horizon, 9(6).
