Reflection + Technology Goals

The class understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society (EDUC - 6710I – 1) has helped me move forward with my technology skills. It has helped me modify my goals regarding integrating technology into my classroom. Throughout this course I have gotten to learn new technologies like wiki’s, podcasts, and blogs. I had not had the opportunity to use them before and now I feel that they can be used as great tools in the classroom. They will help keep my students interested as well as up to date with current technologies.
I have come to realize that I need to focus on becoming a more learner centered teacher and to act as the guide for my students. I originally thought using PowerPoint presentations, and using document cameras, projectors, etc was a good effort of integrating technology into the classroom. Those technologies are focused on the teacher as the instructor. My experience in this class has deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process. Students need to learn/ teach themselves and others how to use these technologies and Wiki’s, Podcasts, and blogs. This will get students more involved and interested in their learning.
There are a few ways I plan to try to stay up to date on new technologies that can be used in the classroom. I plan to keep in contact with the technology director who is always brimming with new integrating technology into the classroom ideas. I plan to check educational blogs and to have my students keep me informed of any new technologies they are interested in.
My goals going forward are to set up a classroom blog that contains notes, homework assignments, resources, etc. I plan to have the students be a part of the classroom blog by updating classroom notes, student examples, and discussions. I want it to be a place students can be involved in learning outside of the classroom. Another goal I have is to create Wiki’s for my classes and have the student use them for projects and for creating glossaries of the terms we are going over in class.
I have very much enjoyed this class and how it has brought me closer to the teacher I want and know I can be. I look forward to learning and working with technologies that can be used in the classroom.