This course has been a real eye opener for me and I am very glad I chose the technology emphasis in my master’s degree. Before this course my idea of using technology in the classroom consisted mainly of using the Internet for research, PowerPoint for giving notes, and the computers for typing on word processors. Thought out this course we learned about using 21st century tools in the classroom such as Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts. These new tools and their possibilities made me take a new look at my teaching and how I could utilize these to make learning more fun for my students and myself. For example, this course had me develop a Blog and utilize it for a number of assignments then develop possible lessons/ projects in which I could incorporate Blogs into my classroom with my students. We also did a group Wiki project in which I worked with other students coming up with designs and content to share online with other teachers. These were both awesome experiences in which I can build off of and implement into my classroom teaching.
I now see that my teaching needs to move away form the teacher directed content which I have been doing for a number of years now to a more student centered and directed classroom in which I guide my students using technology while they engage in learning using 21st century tools in the wealth of information available to them online. I am slowly making changes to my curriculum so I can start implementing them as I go into next year in beyond. I realize it is something I need to do but it will take time for me to completely change. Also, availability to technology seems to be the biggest roadblock right now at my school.
Some ways I can continue to expand my knowledge of learning and teaching is through staying up to date on the latest technologies and their possible uses in the classroom. I can do this by checking education blogs and searching the Internet for new useful tools. I can also take technology classes offered by my Intermediate School District, which frequently offers training for teachers in a number of areas. I can also share with my colleagues what I do with technology in my classroom and ask them for examples on how they utilize technology so in turn we both gain new insight and techniques to incorporate into are teachings.
Two goals I have are to utilize technology in some way on a weekly if not daily basis in my classroom in which students are driving the learning not the teacher. Another goal I have is to create two big group projects for each class that I teach in which students will be responsible for collaboration one all content and incorporating 21st century technologies. As of now my projects are collaborative but do not included technology and are teacher driven not student driven and I would love to change this. In order to achieve these goals, I as a teacher need to relinquish some control of my classroom to my students and allow them to drive the learning as much as possible and I need to redefine my idea of what effective teacher is so I am there to guide them and assist them along the way. Probably the biggest obstacle however is the lack of technology available at my school. We share four computer labs amongst 90 plus staff at my high school and it is hard to get time blocked off to do some of the things I want to do.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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