Reflection EDU 6713I-1

It is amazing how much one's outlook can vary when given the tools and correct path to follow.  My opinion of technology in the classroom has changed in the time I've been taking classes at Walden.  Initially, I began taking these courses to gain an understanding of technology in the classroom; the main reason being my district is extremely behind in using technology and I am interested in learning more about it.  From day one I wanted to spear head, or at least help lead the way in the push forward in bring more technology into the district.  This class alone has taken me up another step and helped gain more knowledge to back up my ideas and guide/instruct others forward.

A main goal I have in the upcoming years for my classroom is simply this: bring more technology in and make the environment a more successful one for a more diverse learning culture.  The course has provided so many different avenues to go about using technology and given a firm foundation to build off of.  I have a much better understanding of these methods and after our weekly discussion boards, have so many new ideas to implement.

Something I find amazing is how beneficial our weekly discussion boards really are...not too mention we are utilizing the exact basic structure of technology (online technology and communication/collaboration).  I think it is safe to say that many of us gain just as much if not more from the discussion boards than from anything else.  Is there another place, outside of a conference, where so many educators are together and sharing strategy, techniques, giving and receiving ideas, providing help and support and being another set of experienced eyes to bounce ideas off of?

I am very excited about implementing more social networking in the form of assignments in my Health classroom.  The thought of having the students do homework and other class assignments on a forum that is meant for fun (and hopefully, in my mind, associating "fun" with work will help...) is something I think may be very successful.  I am also interested in incorporating Voice Thread into some assignments along with a technology we have just recently learned more about, digital storytelling.  Any of these forms of technology will indefinitely allow and enable students to be more engaged class and be creative in today's world.

I think all good educators have a common goal: create a successful learning environment and give all students an opportunity to a quality education.  With the ever changing, fast paced world we live, technology is only growing.  The students of today will need to be able to use and understand this technology to have a positive impact on workforce.  Allowing an 8th grade student to use technology in the classroom is giving that student the much needed practice to master, or at the very least, be exposed to the essential 2.0 web tools needed for the future.  This class has just given me the tools paired with the ideas and built a foundation for me to pass along information for students in the years to come.

Ken Hartling

Carrying out my GAME Plan!

The single biggest part of my GAME plan being a success is speaking and collaborating with other educators.  As stated in my goals, I would like to be a leader in bringing more technology to my school district.  A problem I've had right off the bat was the negative vibes towards the use of technology by some of the more experienced educators.  I have continued to speak with them and also made it possible, by providing material and references, for them to look at using more technology in the classroom.  I have sent them each a website of a Voice Thread I produced for a previous Walden Class as an example of how the new technology may be used!  I do think I am slowly winning them over and hopefully changing their distaste towards technology!

I, like most of the other educators in this class, are trying to incorporate as much technology as possible in the classroom.  Something I am trying to avoid (and after speaking with another educator, the point makes a lot of sense) is just using technology for the sake of using technology.  If the lesson is not better with technology being used, I will not use it.  I have been in contact with the district technology coordinator and my department chair in hopes of  having a smart board installed in my room and to provide, at the very least, a short workshop regarding the use of smart boards!

I am currently in the process of trying to get clearance to attend a day long workshop in Albany, NY regarding the use of technology in the classroom.  The newsletter I received directly coincides with what we are learning in this class: how to bring more technology into today's classroom and enable our students to use and learn the technology.  I am hoping that the district will grant permission to attend so I can add this as a resource to my learning experience regarding the use of technology.   

All in all, my end goal, above all other goals I may have or generate over time, is to ensure the students that I have are given every and all opportunity to successfully learn the material I am teaching; if technology will help in this pursuit, I welcome any and all to add into my educator's tool belt.