Reflection: A New Mind-Set

Before this class, I had only ever heard of podcasts, wikis, and blogs, but had never used them myself. Throughout the duration of this class, I have not only learned how to use these Web 2.0 tools, but have also learned different ways to incorporate them into my teaching. I have learned the benefits of using these tools as well as how to collaborate successfully with other students across the country without ever meeting face to face.

Throughout this class, I have really learned about how much teaching has evolved over time. With the introduction of the “Information Age” (Laureate, 2008) the teaching and learning process has begun to change dynamically with students becoming more independent and not seeing teachers as the sole provider of information for them. This class has helped me to see that the teacher’s roles have changed and we need to continue to be a guide for students however in a different way. Rather than filling students’ heads with knowledge from lectures and textbooks, we can serve as facilitators and leaders for students to discover the knowledge on their own. It has become student-centered learning rather than teacher-centered. From this class, I have learned to let students have a part in their learning and that there is more of an energy and enthusiasm for learning when students are able to take ownership in their work.

I feel that technology has become an essential part of our society and we must embrace it as it enters our classrooms. As a teacher, I feel that through professional development in the areas of technology and its integration into our classrooms, we can learn so much about creating lessons which incorporate Web 2.0 tools and allow students to have to skills for the 21st Century. Students have a different way of learning than they have had in the past and we must adjust our teaching styles to accommodate for our new learners.

One goal that I have for myself in order to transform my classroom environment and prepare for 21st century learning, it to become a lifelong learner myself. I think that taking the time to attend professional development sessions and learning perhaps one new skill related to technology, such as how to create your own class webpage, then this information can be relayed to other teachers you work with. Then you are a lifelong learner as well as a lifelong teacher. A second goal that I have really taking the time to discover ways of learning that interest my students. I can do this through talking with them and discussing ways that together we can make our learning better. In this student-centered education age, I feel that it is important to bring them into their learning and as a facilitator, expose them to new tools in technology (Smart Boards, wikis, blogs, podcasts…) so that together we can enhance our learning and prepare ourselves for future learning experiences.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society. Baltimore: Author.

My First Podcast

Hello All,

I just finished creating my first podcast! The podcast is for a class at Walden University and I selected three students to ask basic questions about technology. It is definitely something that will take some practice on how to compile data and make the podcast just right but the benefits of being able to use them will be worth it! Enjoy!

My First Podcast!

The Partnership for 21st Century Learning Skills

When sifting through the information on The Partnership for 21st Century Learning Skills http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php, I was immediately overwhelmed by all of the information that has been compiled onto their website. I then began to narrow my search and begin at the beginning. It was surprising how much information that had been placed on this website. The overview of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is designed around maintaining basic core curriculum (math, science, language arts, history…) with the infusion of:
· Global Awareness
· Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
· Civic literacy
· Health literacy
I think that this is fabulous! I think that at some times it may be hard for teachers to incorporate everything that may be going on in the world while maintaining the core curriculum. However, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills curriculum is designed around these interdisciplinary skills that should be taught in schools. The Partnership has many household member names such as Dell, Apple, Scholastic, and McGraw-Hill among many others.

There was not any one thing that I really disagreed with on the website that I found. I do wonder how the curriculum would be implemented into each states curriculum. However I found this site to be very informative and it is one way for us as educators to stay abreast of up and coming advances in the educational world.

Summertime Blogging

Currently I do not have my own classroom rather work one on one with students as a tutor and/or consultant teacher. I have talked with and worked with other teachers on what might be some good ideas for blogging within their classrooms.

One way for teachers to use blogging is during the summer months when students may not be present in schools. A lot of times schools assign summer reading throughout the summer and with the use of blogging, students can keep in touch throughout these months and discuss their readings. Teachers can post various questions through the summer on topics from various reading such as themes or a character analysis and have students respond over the summer months (perhaps every two weeks or so-- it is summer after all!). Teachers can use the posts as a participation grade for the class. This way of blogging might work better in upper grade levels such as middle school or high school.

Using blogging in this way allows students to have conversations with each other on a scholarly level especially if you call for blogging to other's posts. I think that students would enjoy this form of blogging as it is bringing in different technologies that the students may be using on a daily basis as well as calling for them to read more books!

First Time Blogger!

This is my very first blog! I know that blogging has many different uses and I am excited to learn about many of them and continue to share things with all of you!