This course has introduced me to a variety of new technology tools. I now have my own personal blog, RSS feed, shared wiki page with professional resources, and podcast site. By requiring teachers to set-up these tools, their eyes are opened and they are often pushed past their comfort level with technology. This course has taught me the basics of how to use these tools and their benefit in the classroom. Even more importantly, it has showed me the significance of continuing to learn more about them and their role in my classroom. It is up to me as an educator to develop these new skills and discover ways I can implement them to enhance student learning.
This course has improved my understanding of student’s desire and need for the connection of school learning to their lives that technology provides. I now see the role of a teacher as the facilitator. It is my job to ask thought provoking questions and provide problem based learning projects. It is my job to prepare them for the 21st century including introduction to the global world and how to work in collaborative groups (Dede, 2009). Students need to connect learning to their daily lives, which revolve around technology and multi-tasking. I need to challenge my students to go beyond the classroom walls and outside of books to seek their answers and to be creative in their solutions. Being a successful classroom teacher is about finding and using what works with the students.
I recognize that to be an effective teacher I need to be a life-long learner. I can never let the students and society get ahead of my classroom and teaching methods. I need to earn my green card and become a digital native (Thornburg & Davidson, 2009). I need to continue to experiment and use blogs, wikis, and podcasts to communicate with other professionals and bring these tools and experiences into my classroom. I need to plan engaging and challenging lessons that will build 21st century skills.
A goal I have for this year is for my students to make a movie. Some ideas I have is to have the students write a script for one of the Social Studies units or an advertisement for our persuasive writing unit. To achieve this goal I need to find the correct software. This may provide a slight challenge as I may have to look outside of my building if we do not have it at the elementary level. I am sure the high school has it and I could ask to borrow it. I would ideally like to post our movie to a podcast as students benefit from access to an outside publishing tool (Richardson, 2009).
Another goal I have for myself is to set up a classroom blog. I have grand visions of what they will look and sound like with links to podcasts where if students are having trouble with their homework, they can listen and view a demonstration from the teacher. My blog would also provide weekly communication between school and home and inform parents about what we are learning. This will help open dinner table conversations about school. The obstacles I see developing with this goal are that as of now our district does not allow access to a blog site due to student privacy issues. I will have to find a private blog site or petition my administrator to allow me access. Also, I myself have to become more comfortable using blogs and podcasts in order to use it with my students and families.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
21st Century Skills Website
My initial reaction to the partnership for 21st century skills website was that I did not know there was a group supporting or advocating for the implementation of technology into schools. I was also surprised when the site specifically mentioned the need for educators and businesses to work together to achieve success for the students, our nations future.
The first thing I did when viewing the site was to scroll down the side bar to see recent highlights and articles. I noticed an article about 3 new states joining the initiative. I immediately went to check if my state, New Jersey, was in support. I was pleasantly surprised to see New Jersey's name mentioned. I was then directed to my states values and mission page when addressing 21st Century Skills in schools. New Jersey mentioned the need for project based learning, collaboration, and communication to prepare students for the global economy they will be entering.
Knowing that the State of New Jersey supports 21st century skills and sees the value it will add to the classroom gives me a foundation and assistance I need when speaking with administrators about the importance of using technology in my classroom. Many key sites are blocked due to the possible liability posed to the district. Knowing that the state supports the use of technology may help me in providing grounds for its use in my classroom.
The first thing I did when viewing the site was to scroll down the side bar to see recent highlights and articles. I noticed an article about 3 new states joining the initiative. I immediately went to check if my state, New Jersey, was in support. I was pleasantly surprised to see New Jersey's name mentioned. I was then directed to my states values and mission page when addressing 21st Century Skills in schools. New Jersey mentioned the need for project based learning, collaboration, and communication to prepare students for the global economy they will be entering.
Knowing that the State of New Jersey supports 21st century skills and sees the value it will add to the classroom gives me a foundation and assistance I need when speaking with administrators about the importance of using technology in my classroom. Many key sites are blocked due to the possible liability posed to the district. Knowing that the state supports the use of technology may help me in providing grounds for its use in my classroom.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Using Blogs in the Classroom
Good evening classmates,
One way I was thinking blogs could improve my teaching is with my communication with parents. I teach 4th grade and have often contemplated writing a weekly newsletter to families about the goings on in the classroom. In my district 4th grade is still in the elementary school and parents want to be kept as up to date as possible. Using a blog for this is not only environmentally friendly, it also allows me to post at my convienence and provide videos, links to appropriate student blog sites, and a way for parents to ask questions or respond.
I also like the idea of a student showcase. As noted in Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, blogs are best used as a publishing tool. (Richardson, 2009 p.43). So often students work on writing pieces or projects with only a teacher or few classmates as an audience. A blog allows for an extended network for an audience. I am a little nervous about confidentailtiy with this and was thinking about the logistics of pairing up with a buddy class to share or post comments to. I believe this would be a new concept for my school and would need to get written approval from the parents and administration support to maintain student safety (Richardson, 2009 p.46).
Many of my students are hesitant writers and it is an area my district has struggled with. I could see students being motivated by posting on a blog, receiving feedback to their writing, and replying to each others responses (Richardson, 2009 p.46).
One way I was thinking blogs could improve my teaching is with my communication with parents. I teach 4th grade and have often contemplated writing a weekly newsletter to families about the goings on in the classroom. In my district 4th grade is still in the elementary school and parents want to be kept as up to date as possible. Using a blog for this is not only environmentally friendly, it also allows me to post at my convienence and provide videos, links to appropriate student blog sites, and a way for parents to ask questions or respond.
I also like the idea of a student showcase. As noted in Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, blogs are best used as a publishing tool. (Richardson, 2009 p.43). So often students work on writing pieces or projects with only a teacher or few classmates as an audience. A blog allows for an extended network for an audience. I am a little nervous about confidentailtiy with this and was thinking about the logistics of pairing up with a buddy class to share or post comments to. I believe this would be a new concept for my school and would need to get written approval from the parents and administration support to maintain student safety (Richardson, 2009 p.46).
Many of my students are hesitant writers and it is an area my district has struggled with. I could see students being motivated by posting on a blog, receiving feedback to their writing, and replying to each others responses (Richardson, 2009 p.46).
Friday, July 3, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my Blog. I am currently enrolled in my 3rd masters course through Walden University. I am getting my masters degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. I am a 4th grade teacher in New Jersey. I teach in an inclusive environment with a co-teacher in the room all day. It is currently summer vacation and I am coaching a swim team with my 7 month old daughter. I hope you enjoy learning about blogging with me!
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