This technology course has moved me from a place of intimidation to a place of empowerment. The apprehension that dwelled inside the first time I posted my blog has subsided. No longer am I paranoid about the large audience that can read my thoughts. Instead, I am curious about what insight others offer. Since I was impressed with my personal experience blogging, I shared it with my students. To my surprise, all my students wanted to start a class blog. Ever since we started blogging, the dynamics in the classroom have changed. Students are partaking in academic conversation and talking about books, some for the first time. Podcasting was another component that greatly intimidated me. The night I problem solved how to export Audacity files to Podomatic, I knew I had turned a corner. Being a coeditor of a wiki page was also an intense learning experience. All brand new to me, and amazing to contribute to something bigger than myself. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of technology integration by allowing students to teach me know to use devices with which I am unfamiliar. The new technology skills have proven useful, but more profound is the confidence I gained using technology.
Within two years, I would like my classroom to use Web 2.0 handheld devices. This could take the form of an I-POD touch or a similar device. Each student would be able to access information quickly, listen to books in a language of choice, download podcasts and use a variety of other applications for learning. I have already taken the first step towards this goal. After my mid-point check with my action research on student motivation, it became clear that I wanted to implement more technology. We discussed how I allowed a student to use her I-POD touch in school to add to her power point. She accessed the information in a matter of seconds and quickly added it to her presentation. This got me thinking, why not allow students to use this type of device for learning? So, with encouragement, I spoke to the superintendent about writing a grant for a classroom set of I-POD touch. He suggested we pilot it with one of my classes and would be willing to contribute money to the cause. So, within the next month I will be meeting with the technology department and curriculum directors to select the best option for student use. The opportunity for students to use this tool for learning is guaranteed to grab even the most reluctant students.
Secondly, I would like students to actively implement 21st Century Skills. The goal is to equip students with collaborative skills in order to become the leaders/teachers of the class. The spot light is off the teacher as the primary source of information. Students are held responsible for sharing their knowledge with a larger community, teaching each other, problem solving, discovering creative solutions, and upholding ethical standards when participating on-line. The learning environment is collaborative, filled with discussion, innovation, refinement, and fizzing with energy to continue learning to improve quality of life. A great deal of time will be invested in effective communication and collaboration to ensure a successful transition into the work force.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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