Reflection: Final Blog Posting

Technology is a growing component of the educational field since our world is becoming more and more infused with it. As per Richardson, “results of a Netday survey released in March 2005 assert that technology has become an indispensable tool in the education of today’s students (Richardson, 2006).” As our society changes, educators must adapt their lessons to reflect these 21st century skills.

This course has helped me develop a plan to enhance my lessons with technology to better prepare my students for the 21st century. It has also helped me improve my own technology skills by teaching me how to create a wiki and a blog. This course has opened my eyes to the resources available on blogs that teachers can use in their classrooms. For instance in my search on weblogs during the first week of the course, I discovered a range of web blogs that offered ideas for lesson plans for my History classes and resources such as interactive games and other simulations that can motivate students in their learning.

I continue to expand my knowledge of technology integration by continually reading literature about new technological innovations in the educational world. I feel that if educators can keep in tune with literature and new innovations, they can best serve the students and increase student achievement overall. Other literature that is essential to teaching 21st century learners is the study of millennial learning styles. Dr. Dede addressed the fact that 21st learners are accustomed to different skills such as writing as revision and working collectively (Laureate Education, Inc, 2007). Knowing how to teach different learners is essential for the classroom.

There are two long-term goals I have set for myself for transforming my classroom environment in where technology is integrated to meet instructional goals and increase student achievement. My first goal is to create a class blog, in which students can actively participate in classroom discussion from their homes and continue their learning beyond the classroom. As per Dr. Dede, “ the real power of technology is outside of the classroom (Laureate Education, Inc, 2007)” I plan on accomplishing this goal by beginning my next school year with a blog and teach students how to use it. If students can take what they learned in class and extend it beyond the classroom, they can truly take education to a new level.

My second goal for myself for transforming my classroom environment is to infuse more technology into each and every lesson. I want to use more simulations, interactive games, and steaming videos to enhance the motivation in the classroom. I plan on accomplishing my goal by actively seeking out new resources to use in the classroom, such as the ones I discovered when I searched on web blogs.

In summary, this course has opened up my eyes to new ideas on how to use technology in the classroom. I will take everything I learned in this classroom and use it to increase motivation and enthusiasm in the classroom as well as increase student achievement. As an educator I understand that technology is here to stay, so we must adapt and teach our students 21st century skills to prepare students for the workplace.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2007). “The Changing Role of the Classroom Teacher: Part 3”.[Motion picture]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. Baltimore : Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2007). “ Millennial Learning Styles”.[Motion picture]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. Baltimore : Author.

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