I am glad to have had the opportunity to participate in this class. This class has helped me develop a better understanding of the roles technology plays in the classroom. I have learned new strategies to effectively implement technology into my lessons. Although I always incorporate technology into each of my lessons, it does not always reflect the technology of the 21st century. This class has required me to become more familiar with 21st century technology such as blogs, wikis, and pod casts by utilizing them. I firmly believe that my experience with these programs will benefit my teaching career and more importantly, my students. This hands-on learning has made me feel more comfortable and confident in coordinating lessons that embrace these tools.
The class also made me re-evaluate my role as a teacher and the role of the students as well. Prior to this class, I was the chief source of knowledge in the classroom. In reality, the students could have been learning more if they were finding the information on their own. I understand the importance of allowing my students to become creators of their own work. By changing my classroom from being teacher-centered to learner-centered, I believe it will increase my students’ learning abilities. In order to ensure that I am preparing my students with skills they need for the 21st century, I must continue to engage in professional development. Adapting my teaching practices and the practices of my students will be difficult if I am not aware of how to effectively do it. Continued professional development will also keep me up-to-date with the newest developments in 21st century pedagogy.
My first goal in transforming my classroom is developing an intranet for the students to use. Unfortunately, the students are currently not allowed to use the internet which limits our use of 21st century tools. Therefore, I might have to compile data that reinforces the argument that technology is important in the classroom for my administrators to understand. Presenting an action research plan that outlines the benefits of technology in the classroom might also jumpstart a school-wide effort to re-design our overall approach of educating students who are incarcerated. I would also need to create lessons that model this approach so that the administrators can witness the effects of having this technology in the classroom.
My second goal is to continue evolving with the changes of the time. As of now, I will remain focused on my graduate studies and take full advantage of the resources each of my classes provides me with. However, I know that my learning will not end at the completion of this program. Recently, I signed up for a six week refresher course in basic computer applications such as Microsoft office and Internet capabilities and etiquette. It is beginning of my Principal’s plan to revamp our program to model a 21st century school. My colleagues and I have recently pitched the idea of purchasing a Mac laptop cart and Ipods for two of our classrooms and updating the two computer labs that are currently inoperable. With a lot of research and the help of this course, we designed a plan that stressed the importance of this technology in the classroom. The plan also states that we would undergo many hours of professional development that would prepare ourselves for the needs of 21st century learners. I am confident that the proactive attitude of my department will lead us to success. I became an educator knowing that I will be a life-long learner; an idea that excites me. I believe that this is one goal that I will never have trouble achieving.
