This course has not only taught me more about classroom technology, but more importantly, helped shape my thinking towards education strategies. At the beginning of the course, I was very traditional in my thinking in terms of education. In reviewing Dr. Michael Orey’s various learning theories, I would categorize myself as a behavior and cognitive learner. I personally still feel I learn best this way, but when looking at the theories in a deeper sense, it is clear that for today’s student, it is not the most effective method. One area of learning I am intrigued by and would like to learn more about is the social learning theory. My students communicate frequently communicate through the different avenues and platforms the internet provides them. I have tried to embrace this new form of media and utilize it in a way where it not only benefits the student’s education, but is something they are used to doing. 21st century skills and utilizing web 2.0 tools will indefinitely be needed when our youth reach the workforce and to deprive them of fully developing and learning how to properly and efficiently make use of this, is in a sense handcuffing their future development. In addition to the previously mentioned, I have a much better understanding of how the brain rationalizes, retains and references information. Not only myself, but any teacher can benefit from understanding the natural thought process of humans.
There have been so many ideas, lessons and thoughts presented throughout the class discussions and in reading other blog entries that it is like light bulbs going on saying “wow, what a great idea”. This is possible through modern technology, the same technology that I have learned more about in this course and would like to better and more efficiently implement in my classroom.
I currently do not access to the modern technology that I would like. Our district is in the middle of making enormous cuts and it seems like budgets are failing and more and more programs are on the chopping block. I currently use wikis, power point, blogs and have more recently implemented the use of twitter. A few ideas have been moved around regarding twitter and in class assignments being that just about all students have a cell phone and regardless of the rules, access them during class. My question is, instead of banning cell phones, why not embrace the students “know how” and use it in an education platform. Have students answer questions, ask question, and communicate with other classmates through this internet crazy technology called twitter. Michael Orey sums up this thought with “allowing the students to use the technology will make the students the center of the lesson and keep them actively engaged” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
A new form of technology I had never heard of but already have ideas in the works for, is Voicethread. Voicethread could literally be the next step upwards in the already technology trending classroom. There are so many different ways this amazing tool may be used. For the voicethread application a few weeks ago, I put together a small presentation regarding Giant Sequoia Trees and immediately had the idea of creating lessons to put on the internet. What makes this different than other sites is that a voice is attached to a slide(s). Think of all the ideas an educator can use here? Homework, projects, lesson/test review, grading, notes to parents, etc. I am very excited to get this program up and running and see where it takes my 8th grade Health class in the future!
A long term goal I have after this class is learning and keeping up to date in regards to all of the new technology and web 2.0 tools. I would like to keep learning about this and add them to my educator’s tool belt, one by one if that’s what it takes. The education is an ever changing field that is constantly evolving. The only way to stay with the curve is to keep up with what the students are doing and using. If students are using a new form of technology for personal use, wouldn’t it benefit both the educator and student to utilize this in the class?
Another long term goal of mine is to introduce these new and innovative ideas and forms of technology to other teachers. If we can all collaborate and work together, the students will benefit…isn’t that why we chose to teach in the first place? If my fellow educators can utilize some of the technology I do, the students will be more familiar with it (they already know how to use it better than most teachers) and at the absolute worst, sharpen their skills. Technology is making it easier to collaborate and put our minds, thoughts and ideas together to produce a common outcome; that common outcome being to provide our students with the best chance to be successful. In terms of spreading technology throughout my building, I would also like to construct a central technology area where students can try the newest things out there. I think it would be a great idea to have a place where students can really see how far they can take technology. Currently, I am unsure of how this will play out as we are very limited in space and classrooms. I have looked into maybe conducting a weekly meeting where students throw ideas around, it is amazing what a few brains and young, eager, technological savvy minds can produce…on top of being exciting!
At the completion of this course, I am confident and comfortable with the new ideas and technology to implement in my classroom. I have always tried to use as many new and interesting ideas as possible, but this course has really opened my eyes as to what is truly out there.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program thirteen. Technology: Instructional
tool vs. learning tool [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.
Baltimore,
