As my first course in integrating technology into the
classroom comes to an end, I reflect on all that I have learned and continue to
learn in order to prepare my students to be successful in the 21st Century.
I have not only learned how to use four
different types of technology that I have never previously used before, but I
also learned how to work them into my lessons frequently and easily! I have
never been one that has been “scared” to use technology since I was in high school
when most of the changes began to happen in society, but I can say that as a
teacher, I have not used it as much as I should for my students.
This course has taught me the importance of integrating
these technologies into my classroom, as well as looking at the shift that
technology has created in society, and that as educators, we need to be looking
to change our curriculum to include the new skills that are needed in the 21st
Century. With these new skills, I see
how important it is for me to take a step back and allow my students to teach
each other and collaborate on their knowledge that they have gained outside the
classroom by using all of the technologies that are available to them. This
quite possibly will be the hardest thing for me to do, but I do realize that it
is crucial for my students to be able to do in such a changing world. I have started to incorporate a classroom blog
with my eighth grade students and have had them working on group projects
relating to our novel and that we read in class. They have surprised me by
taking off with this assignment and really working together to think deeper and
make lasting connections.
I will continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching,
and leading with technology by taking more courses that will keep me up to date
with the latest technological and educational trends. This will not only
benefit my students, and myself but we have share sessions at our school that
allows me to teach my colleagues as well. Hopefully by collaborating and
spreading the knowledge, we will see the necessary changes being made in
districts around the world. My long-term future goals look to apply for grants
that will help get iPads into my classroom for all of my students. With the
help of a few other colleagues, we are looking into writing to different
companies around our community to help us obtain a few to get us started and
then building this with videos and reflections of students benefitting from
using the iPads in the classroom. Since we are a private school, it is not
always as easy to obtain grants so this may take a few years, but that’s why it
is so important that we get started right away!
I have really enjoyed my first course in integrating
technology into the classroom and am surprised at how much I have already
learned in eight short weeks. I look forward to furthering my knowledge and continuing
to grow as educator to help support my students in any way possible!
