Final Reflection on ITC Class

As I look back at my time during this class I can say that the 8 weeks have actually flown by since the beginning of this class. I am glad to say that I have learned much during that time. I knew before this class began that I had a good knowledge of technology and its uses in the world and in school. I am always the person that people come to to ask questions about technology. I can train others how to use certain applications or websites that are available within in our school. I did soon realize how much I did not know, but was about to learn. Wikis, blogs and podcasts were introduced into my world. The ways that these tools can enhance my teaching and my students' learning is amazing. The comfort level with creating content such as blogs to share information and thoughts with a larger community is empowering. Finally having experienced the process of creating a wiki and a podcasts, there is an excitement to jump right in with my students. Actually we have already creating a wiki on endangered animals. The kids are a little nervous yet excited.

The ability to incorporate technology in my classroom and address the different learning styles of all of my students energizes me and pushes me to learn more and teach even more. I know that some students have a hard time seeing how what they are being taught is beneficial to them. They feel that whatever the teacher wants them to learn, they don't need or they just are not interested. The integrating of technology, helps me, as a teacher to make more connections between the content and the students lives. The more connections that are made, the more chances for real learning that exist. With the exposure to media that today's students have, why not use these tools to reach them as much as possible.

This class has also allowed to become more comfortable with the idea of a learner centered environment. I enjoy the possibilities that this environment brings to the educational setting. The use of technology, is a place that I am very comfortable with in school and within my personal life. Obviously incorporating it into the classroom in order to become a guide/facilitator is the logical next step. Technology is also a tools that will help me teach my students 21st century skills. I want to be the guide that shows them how to read critically as they research on the topics on the internet. I want them experience collaborative projects, which is how they will probably groups in the future. The desire that the students have to learn something that involves technology is wonderful to watch. It drives me to teach them more than they think they can learn. I always have a goal, whether in the classroom or the gym, to have my students or players grow as learners and as individuals. Technology will allow them to reach even higher.

I know that this only a step toward becoming a better teacher. The knowledge that I have acquired will only help increase my students achievement. In order to continue my personal improvements, I must stay on top of new breakthroughs in technology, especially as it concerns education. The chance that someone will create a tool that was not originally intended for the educational setting, but that can be molded for the use, by teachers is very exciting.

As I look toward the future I have set two goals for transforming my classroom environment.
First I want to integrate the use of blogs as a tool which students can share their writing and learn from others. I remember my coach telling me once that players tend to listen to their teammates more than there coach because they are their peers. Students often see the teacher as someone who is there to criticize their writing. By allowing them to use blogs they can get feedback from children just like them. They will take the suggestions more openly than when it comes from the teacher. There will be the obstacle that many of my students do not have computers or internet access at home. I plan to overcome this by make blogs part of the daily rituals within the classroom learning environment. This way all the students will have the experience of learning from one another. This collaborative learning, is an essential skill for them to have as they join the global economy in the future.
My second goal is to become a leader within my school, in the integration of technology. Even though our school is rather well equipped as far as computers are concerned, there still are man teachers that are afraid to integrate them into their own classrooms. I hope to show other teachers by example. If they see what my second grade students are capable of, by using technology as a tool for learning, my hope is that they will take the chance and jump on board themselves. I can be their guide also in that process.

This class has been a fantastic learning experience, from the instructor to the activities and most importantly my fellow teachers/students. They have given me feedback and ideas that will become part of my teaching toolbox.

Onto my future classroom!

First Podcast

Now I have ventured into the world of podcasting. I share my analysis of my students' exposure and access to technology. The more that I learn the more that I want to share this knowledge with my students.

Here is the link

http://www.gcast.com/u/xkalibur13steeler/main

you can also click on the title of the post or you can listen right here on my blog.

Hasta luego!