“In reality, we now have a Read/Reflect/Write/Participate Web, one that will continue to evolve and grow in ways not yet thought of, spurred by the efforts of creative teachers who recognize the potential to improve student learning” (Richardson, 2009, p.137). After having completed the course Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, I have become one of these teachers that recognize the potential of using the Web and other technology tools to enhance the education of my students.
The students of today grow up in media rich environments and we as teachers need to play to the environment in which they grew up (Davidson, 2008). Blogs, wikis, and podcasts are the three major tools I was given the opportunity to work with during this course. Through using these tools, I was provided with a variety of ideas to incorporate these tools into my classroom. I teach fourth grade and used to wonder if these children were old enough to be using such tools. I have found over the past 8 weeks, that teachers have effectively brought these tools into classrooms with children as young as Kindergarten. With the proper instruction, any child can benefit from technology in the classroom. I have learned that student engagement and motivation increases when these types of activities are used.
I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of technology through further masters’ classes in this field. I am also going to continue to encourage technology trainings to be made available at my school. By starting to incorporate these tools, I will be highlighting 21st century skills my students need to begin acquiring. Problem solving, discovery learning, teamwork, collaboration, and critical thinking are a few of the many skills my students will be using during these lessons. Student achievement will soar along with student engagement and motivation. Expectations will be set higher and the students will meet the expectations because they will be excited and eager to learn using new methods.
The first long term goal I would like to set is to create a classroom blog. “Blogs engage readers with ideas and questions and links. They ask readers to think and respond. They demand interaction” (Richardson, 2009, p.18). A blog, in and of itself, can form a collaborative experience for the students where they will be using 21st century skills that are becoming so prevalent in the workforce.
Davidson discusses the benefits of shifting from lecture to conversation (2009, p.133). Therefore, my second long term goal is to make this shift within my classroom. On a daily basis I generate opportunities here and there for the students to converse but the teacher talk still outweighs the student talk. To better prepare my students to become active participants in their lives and careers, I will continue to make this shift so the students will be collaborating about their ideas, feelings, and point of views more regularly.
Overall, this course has given me a good basis for the tools I can use to usher 21st century skills into the school. My hope is to prepare my students for their post education worlds and enhance their learning.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2008. Skills for the 21st Century [Motion picture]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. Baltimore: Author.
Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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