Saturday, June 20, 2009

Course Reflection

Thinking back to the beginning of this course, I can not believe how much I have learned about technology and effective ways to integrate technology in my classroom. I had used a blog before but had never done a wiki or podcast. Now I feel confident that I could use all three effectively in my classroom.

I was a little nervous about facilitating in the classroom and letting the students take more ownership in their learning. I have discovered that they are more engaged, use higher level thinking and enjoy the classroom more. I really enjoy watching the excitement when they discover something new and take it to a level that I may have not planned for if I was teaching in a more traditional way. Students learn differently today, because they are digital natives and they need to be taught and guided in a way that will help prepare them for the global workforce.

I will continue learning new ways to help my students by completing my master's degree in, Integrating Technology in the Classroom. I also just found out that I received a Teaching and Learning for the 21st Century Grant through Washington State, so I will receive new equipment and professional development over the next two years. I am very excited because this will help me use what I am learning in my master's program.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Podcast Interview

I interviewed three of my third grade students about their use of technology at home and school. I was surprised to find that they knew much more about technology than I thought. They all are digital natives, and technology is a part of their everyday life. My concern is that students today will not be prepared for the global workforce if today's educators don't change how we teach. We can't continue to teach the same things, in the same ways when the workforce has changed so drastically. The web 2.0 movement has changed how we work and live and many teachers continue to teach the same way as they did many, many years ago. To hear my interviews with Evan, Amanda and Stone, click on the link below.