Reflections

Access to media changes the very look of the classroom (Thornburg, 2004, p. 7).  Use of video, sound, images, text or simulations at your fingertips is by far the greatest advantage to using web2.0 tools in the classroom.  As my studies with Walden University continue, and this course ends, I have been given the opportunity to reflect on where I was before; where I am now and where I need to be if I am to become the type of professional I desire to be.

In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?

            I created my own blog.  I edited and developed a wiki.  I produced a podcast.  I thought of ways of using my students’ smart phones in the classroom.  Those are skills I did not think I would possess or use.  Outside of the development of those technologies, I was also able to use them in a classroom setting.  I saw my students’ faces light up as they listened to their voices on a podcast.  I heard those students discussing ways in which a podcast can be used in their classroom and how they could use this technology for presenting assignments in other classes.

            Like my digital native students (Prensky, 2001), I spent hours fine tuning, editing and developing technology that can be utilized in the classroom.  I also discussed those technology skills with other technology experts and I got tips on how to improve my skill set.  This course has opened my eyes or perspective, so to speak, in a positive way. 

In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?

            I have deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process in various ways.  Firstly, I have a different perspective of the teaching and learning process.  I thought myself to be the provider of knowledge to my students.  Now, I see the teaching and learning process to be different.  I am simply the facilitator of knowledge.  My students are capable of accessing and deciphering information on their own.  I am a guide in the process.

            I also feel a lot more comfortable within the teaching learning process when I am not knowledgeable of a concept or have all the information.  I feel more confident having my students provide me or guide me to new paths to information.  My students are aware of this and this has improved the learning environment.  Our discussions are richer and we are able to learn more.

In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?

I always thought myself to be a learner centered professional.  I prided myself to being an innovative teacher who utilized technology in my classroom.  This course has helped me to view myself in a different light.  What I thought to be learner centered was simply a technology integrated teacher centered classroom.  I used PowerPoint presentations, but never realized that I was only digitizing the traditional approach to teaching. 

Technology for me was an option and not an expectation (Thornburg, 2004, p.4).  This generation of students expects technology.  I have changed my view of technology in that I am convinced that technology is a must in every classroom.  Students will not learn at their optimal level without it.  I have to provide the best teaching learning experience possible for my students and as such I understand that technology is not an option but an expectation.

In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?

           

I have to continue to develop my technology skills once I complete this course.  Very early in this course, we were reminded that by the time we complete a course of study, what we learnt would have become obsolete (Fisch, 2007).  I have to continue to develop my skills and continue to access new and innovative methods and technology in my classroom.  The more I utilize those skills personally and in my classroom, the more likely it will be for me to come across and use new and innovative tools.  This might be the best way to continue to expand my knowledge of those technologies.

            I have started to build my access to new information by increasing my access to newsletters, blogs and other educational information.  I have used RSS feeds to my advantage in that I have links to many blogs and professional newsletters.  This might be one of the best ways of accessing new information, techniques and ideas for building my knowledge of technology that can be used in the classroom.

            My desire for lifelong learning is something I have been developing over time.  I will continue to access new courses that could help me to build my knowledge base as far as technological skills are concerned.

I hope to continue to build on my knowledge of ICTs in education.  I hope to continue to use web 2.0 or other tools that are available for the benefit of my students.