Reflection

As I reflect on what I have learned in the last eight weeks about integrating technology in the classroom it is thrilling. On a professional level, it brought about awareness of what a 21st century teacher is. One of the characteristic is being a risk taker by implementing technology in the classroom, going beyond the norm. When school begins this fall this is the characteristic I will be adopting. I will start with a lesson about online safety and invite parents, administrators and colleges to my classroom to participate with the students. Hoping this will facilitate an open communication among everyone involved.

My students know more about technology than I do. This course has given me a running start with my students. My focus is on my students, that is, how technology can be of assistance to them now and in the future. I will be the facilitator of technology in my classroom. We both will learn together.

Students need to be involved in their education. After all, this is their education. Students will be represented at staff meetings. There will be a change in my role as a teacher and there will be a change in the role of my students as learners. Technology will not drive classroom instruction; rather instruction will drive how technology is used in the classroom.

To increase student achievement I need to start with prior knowledge. Then tie it to new information, which will lead to meaningful learning for students. I will use common sense as I model for my students how to ask questions beyond the curriculum and how to locate the answer.

One goal I have for technology is learning all aspects about using the Smart Board in the classroom. I started this goal about two weeks ago by attending a class on Smart Board. This fall I will use what I learned. After I feel comfortable, I will take the advance class using the Smart Board. Another goal I have is using portable devices in the classroom. This goal will be a challenge, since teachers at my school site are told to confiscate portable devices if they see them. I will have to approach this delicately. I will write a memo to all teachers, administrators, and parents about portable devices being a learning tool. The letter will have signatures from central office, those who are supporting portable devices in the classroom. It makes me think about what Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.”

The biggest change on the checklist from week 1 is being a teacher leader at my school. Up until I took this course I did not promote, participate, or seek other professionals for developing technology in the classroom. Since this course, I have decided to promote, participate and seek other professionals using technology in the classroom. In doing so, I hope to raise student achievement in academics. I wonder if I will see a rise in attendance in those students who seem to miss a lot of school. This coming school year will definitely be a learning curve for everyone involved.