Course Reflection

“To teach these technologies effectively, educators must learn to use them effectively” (Richardson, 2009, p. 136). This course has given me an introduction to technology tools that can be used within a classroom. I explored them myself by using them and then reflected on how they can be used within a classroom. Through the Read/Write Web, I am developing an understanding of how powerful it is to increase my knowledge and effectiveness as a teacher. Will Richardson (2009) stated that, “[w]e’re in the midst of an explosion of technologies that will continue to remake the Web into the community, participatory space Berners-Lee originally envisioned, changing much of our lives in significant ways” (p. 2).

Realizing that I have a vast amount of resources and support through the Read/Write Web increases my learning curve and helps me to become more aware of how digital native students think. Digital natives are this generation’s students and we as educators need to understand their way of thinking and what makes them interested to learn. I have deepened my knowledge as to why my students act the way they do. “Today’s teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students. This doesn’t mean changing the meaning of what is important, or of good thinking skills. But it does mean going faster, less step-by step, more in parallel, with more random access, among other things” (Prensky, 2001, p. 4).

As an educator that is preparing students to go into the workplace, I need to focus on helping my students to “learn actively, independently, in a self-directed way and/or in collaboration with others” (Kirschner & Erkens, 2006, p. 200). This creates a learner-centered classroom that will produce students that are prepared to be successful citizens.

I plan to continue my learning by collaboration with teachers through the Read/Write Web and to expand my knowledge by continuing to explore technology. I am going to use this technology as a supplement to the curriculum that is already being taught. This technology can be used to increase understanding, collaboration, and interest within a classroom.

I have set two long-term goals to focus my classroom on becoming better. The first goal is to increase my student’s understanding of the importance of using blogs to communicate with the world and gain more knowledge. To accomplish this goal I am going to have an activity once every two weeks where my students will post a blog that creates classroom discussion. I will use the blog for the students to ask me and their classmates questions on their homework. I have a blogging capability on my classroom website, which makes this very feasible. My second goal is to increase all of my students’ understanding on how to make a podcast. I will start with each class having one project that requires them to produce a podcast within a group. To make this happen, I will have to research the school’s availability of computers that have microphones and download Audacity software on the computers that will be used. If accomplished, these two goals will start transforming my classroom into a student-centered environment.


References

Kirschner, P., & Erkens, G. (2006). Cognitive tools and mindtools for collaborative learning. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 35(2), 199–209.

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).

Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Classroom Technology Survey Results

I surveyed twenty-six seriors out of a class of thirty students.  I used the results of my survey and an interview of four students to produce a podcast with all of my results.  Within the podcast I also gave a breif demographic profile of Burns High School.  The questions were focused around what technology is used within students lives, how often it is used, and what the benefits of technology are.

http://jeklund.podbean.com/mf/web/phur43/IntegratingTechnologyPodcast.mp3

IntegratingTechnologyPodcast.mp3

www.21stcenturyskills.org

My immediate reaction to the website was amazement at how involved and pro active this group of people is in emphasizing the importance of teaching 21st century skills. This organization believes that “[t]he nation needs a compelling vision for education that will inspire education leaders, teachers, parents and students alike. Clearly, we must work together to fully prepare people for the challenges of work and life in the 21st century” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills).

I filled out a questionnaire that was provided on the website to see how well my school district is implementing 21st century skills. I was encouraged and not surprised to see that we are in the emerging category. I am hopeful that my school district will continue to strive for greatness instead of being content with our current state. I was also excited to see the different resources provided on the website. I watched a few videos which gave ideas of how to implement 21st century skills within a math classroom. There were also other links that lead to a variety of lesson plans specific to other topics.

The beliefs about “the bridge to 21st century learning” consisted of using 21st century tools, learning skills, core subjects, 21st century context, and 21st century content. I strongly believe that we cannot take focus away from the core subjects; we need to adapt our teaching to meet the needs that are presented before us.

I was not able to find anything that I disagreed with on the website. I like the fact that they are trying to inspire all parties involved with education; teachers, students, parents, and leaders. If we could get students and parents more involved it will also benefit teachers, which will lead to better results.

The implication that I see for myself as a teacher is the fact that many students have limited access to the internet. This creates struggles when trying to get students to e-mail one another. There are also many students that do not have computers at home. This hinders their ability to learn new technologies as compared to their peers who do have a PC at home. In addition, I often worry that my students will not use the resources properly.

“Successful businesses are looking for employees who can adapt to changing needs, juggle multiple responsibilities and routinely make decisions on their own” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills). My goal is to continue to teach my students the core subject of math and also teach them necessary skills to become successful citizens within the 21st century.

Introducing blogs within a classroom

I am a high school and middle school math teacher. I teach seventh graders all the way through seniors. Within each of my classes I am finding uses for a blog. Since I have a variety of ages, I have a lot of older students that will be able to help my younger students. This is the benefit of blogs; the ability to communicate with the whole world, or even just higher level math students. Blogs provide a way for teachers and students to continue their learning as far as they want to take it. “The possibilities really are endless” (p. 28).

My idea is to use blogs as a way for students and parents to communicate with me at all times. This will give students the opportunity to get continuous feedback. I have PowerPoint presentations for two of my classes and notes that are scanned for the rest of my classes. I want to post the notes online so parents and students will have access. Then a blog will be provided to help answer questions. There will also be a section that is provided for feedback on how well the students understand the material and how I can better assist them in their learning.

The purpose for my blog will be to better assist students with their learning and to allow parents and students to interact at home while they are studying or working on homework. I will also be able to answer questions and give feedback from home. The blog postings that provide feedback for me and for the whole class will be a great opportunity to reflect upon my teaching style.

Blogging will enhance my lessons by promoting communication and collaboration to increase everyone’s learning. As a teacher, I will be able to determine how much the students might be struggling with a lesson. I will also be able to see which students understand the lessons and which do not. Overall, blogs are a valuable tool that can enhance the learning within and outside my classroom.



References

Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Students view points on integrating technology within the classroom

I am looking for some student input on how important they view the contribution of technology to their learning.  "This idea of empowering students to create their own voice in what they are thinking and ultimately learning goes along with helping them become lifelong learners" (p. 88).  A few examples of different types of technology that could be explored by teachers and implemented within a classroom are blogs, podcasts, wikis, SMART boards, document cameras, computers, and many more.

References

November, A. (2008). Web literacy for educators. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Copyright 2008 by Sage Publications, Inc. Used by permission of Sage Publications, Inc.

Teacher view points on technology within the classroom

I have taken a great interest in integrating technology within my classroom to increase the level of learning for my students.  I am taking the steps to become more aware and familiar with the different uses of technolgy.  Will Richardson (2009) stated that, "[t]he common thread, I believe, is that we make these connections in our own practice first so we can thoroughly understand the pedagogical implications for the classroom" (p. 8).  One thing that I struggle with is managing my schedule in a way that allows sufficient time to explore and incorporate technology.  My goal for this school year is to set aside time each week that is dedicated to my education in technology.

References

Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.