I have been asked to describe how the college course in which I am currently taking has helped me develop my technology skills as a professional teacher. In response to that I would like to say that before this course, I had never created a blog, wiki, or podcast. In fact, I wasn’t sure what a wiki or pod cast was. I am now familiar with all 3 of those web 2.0 tools, and can see how each one could be used to give students a broad audience for which to perform for. For the student, this increases motivation, interest, and relevancy to their lives. These tools will be used by many of my students in the future for jobs that don’t yet exist. Interaction with these tools has changed my perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered. I know that it is okay to not always have the answers for my students. If I can effectively model and teach my students the way to search out knowledge, then they will be able to take what they have learned and apply to what they need to know in the future. With the aim of student achievement, I will continue to push forward out of my own comfort zone. I will learn ways to utilize new technology as a tool for learning and seeking knowledge. One of the long-term goals that I have set for myself is to continue with finding new ways to integrate technology into the classroom. I will model for my students, and provide opportunity to try new things..and yes..to even fail in front of them. I have learned that oftentimes when dealing with technology, if a teacher comes up against something that is frustrating or difficult, students will have the opportunity to share what they know, or even experiment to find the answers. This uncomfortable moment for a teacher, may be the moment of opportunity for collaboration and growth for students. Another long-term goal that I have set for myself is to take new knowledge that I have learned, and share what I know with other teachers. There are many things that they could do in their classrooms to integrate technology into the classroom, using what is available to them. Together, we can push forward as best we can with the changing world, in order to prepare our students for the global society and future that lies before them. Obstacles, frustrations, and a feeling of defeat that we as teachers face in the attempt to integrate technology into lessons, must be overcome. For my students, I will model the cause and effect of try, try, try again. Success comes with resourcefulness and an attitude of not giving up.
I have been asked to reflect whether my answers have changed regarding a self-assessment that I took 6 weeks ago. One of the items on the questionnaire asks if I model reflective practices, and whether I encourage my students to do the same to aid in their learning. I would have to say that I have begun to model my own self-assessment in front of my students. For example, the other day I told my students that I didn’t feel I had edited my own work very well, and asked if they agreed. They were very empathic while they agreed with me. I told them how important it is to check yourself and evaluate on how you could do things better, or differently. The powerful thing about what took place at that moment, was that I could tell that they related to me. It was neat to be able to share that learning doesn’t need stop at any point in life. Self-evaluation is always important no matter who you are, or where you are in your life.
Thank you,
Cathryn
