Reflection

This blog serves as a way for me to reflect about the knowledge that I have gained through the course, “Understanding the Impact of Technology, Work, and Society”. Through this course, I have realized that integrating technology into my classroom is more than just using the Internet and my LCD projector. Integrating technology into my classroom means allowing my students to take an active role in learning. This course has opened my eyes to how much society is changing. I have come to the realization that the students of today learn differently than in previous years. In order for my students to be prepared for their future, I have to integrate 21st century skills into my classroom. In “The End of Work As You Know It” Robert Hof (2007) states, “As technology allows the individual tasks of many jobs to be done independently, the traditional role of an employer is dissolving.” It is essential for my students to learn the skills that are necessary for the future workplace.
Before beginning this course, I was unfamiliar with some of the ways that I could integrate technology into the classroom. The Internet has been a tool that has allowed my students to research topics. I was also familiar with a few tools that made instruction easier such as Turning Point, my LCD projector, and PowerPoint. Through this course, I have learned about blogging, wikipedia, and podcasts. These are great tools that allow my students to be creative and better communicate their ideas. It also promotes collaborative learning. I teach reading and social studies. Through this course, I have found ways to integrate technology into each of these subject areas. In reading, my students can blog about stories that they have read. In social studies, my students can work collaborately to create a wiki about the American Revolution. Podcasts are a great way for my students to work on their speaking skills. They can creatively integrate podcasts into classroom projects.
As I move forward in the classroom, I need to continue to expand my knowledge of technology so that my students will be successful. It is important for me to focus on 21st century skills. In the DVD, “Skills for the 21st century”, Dr. David Thornburg (2008) defines the 21st century skills as information literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, information technology, and leadership. It is essential for schools to work together in order to make a definite change. I must continue to try and motivate other teachers to make a change in their classroom. Technology is a necessity in the schools. However, we all have to be on the same page for this transformation to occur.
I am very excited about transforming my classroom into a modern educational setting where 21st century skills are integrated into the current curriculum. The CRCT continues to be a focus in the classroom. However, I know that my students will be even more successful if they take a more active role in learning. In the DVD, “Bringing the Fun Into Teaching”, one of the teachers, Jeff Houston (2008), explains his three major goals as keeping the kids safe, helping kids learn, and having fun.” I want my students to get excited as they enter my classroom. One of my long-term goals is to integrate blogging into the classroom. This would be such a great way to allow my students to express themselves and communicate with each other. I plan to create a class blog and post a weekly question for my students. Another goal that I have is to teach my student how to work collaborately to create a wiki. There are so many topics where my students would benefit from this. From creating a wiki on the battles of the American Revolution to creating one on the story elements from Superfudge, a wiki would allow my students to be creative and work together toward a common goal.
My transformation through this course is much like the transformation that I would like to see in my classroom. Eight weeks ago, I knew how important technology was for my students. However, this course has motivated me to allow my students to take an active role in learning. I have found ways to incorporate the curriculum into technology. I hope that the knowledge that I have gained will get my students excited about learning and allow them to apply their own knowledge and skills to be successful in the classroom. I also hope to inspire other teachers to create an environment that is ready for the 21st century learner.

References:

Hof, R. (2007, August 20). The end of work as you know it. Businessweek.com Retrieved
December 23, 2009 from
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047426.htm?chan=search

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2008. Skills for the 21st Century. [Motion Picture].
Understanding the Impact of Technology, Work, and Society. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2008. Bringing the Fun into Teaching. [Motion
Picture].Understanding the Impact of Technology, Work, and Society. Baltimore: Author

Week 5 Application: Podcast

Through this assignment, I was able to get a better idea of my students' understanding of technology. As digital natives, my students are more familiar with technology than what I was in elementary school. However, I found that their technology use varied from student to student. After taking a survey and creating a podcast, I have not only expanded my use of technology, but I am also more aware of how to better meet their needs.

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