EDUC 6710 Week 8: Reflective Essay

As my time in the course comes to a close, the time for reflection begins. How have my technology skills as a teacher been developed? How has my knowledge of teaching and learning been deepened? Has my perspective on teacher-centered -vs- student-centered learning environments been challenged or changed? How can I continue to expand my knowledge of working with technology to increase student achievement?

I suppose, through this course, my technology skills have been developed, as I was asked to create projects I’d yet to attempt in my classroom. While I had familiarity with the process and the ideas behind such tools as Wiki pages, blogs in the classroom, and podcasts, I had not come across an occasion to use them with my kids. After being inspired by a few of our discussions, I have begun to incorporate student blogs and am thrilled with the response the students have shown.

If I am going to be honest, I can’t really say my knowledge of the teaching and learning process has really been deepened. I can say, however, that through some of the research we did over the past 8 weeks, my knowledge and ideas have been validated. I now have research to back up my never-ending technology ideas and requests that I present to my principal!

Again, I can’t honestly say my perspective on teacher-centered -vs- learner-centered learning environments has been changed or challenged. I’ve always believed the classroom should revolve around the student, not the teacher; that the most effective learning happens by “doing;” and that a teacher should take the role of a guide, rather than a “supreme source of knowledge” in the classroom. Through this course, however, I have found ways to make that even more of a reality through the use of technology.

To continue expanding my knowledge of technology, I’ve learned that I must be connected to those “in the know.” I’ve always known they were out there – those technology specialists that have lists of great tools they’ve discovered – but I’d never been connected to them. Through my work in this course, that’s all been changed. I have begun to develop a useful network of teachers and IT folks that are more than willing to share their ideas and suggestions with anyone who will listen - I’m certainly one that will listen!

The first goal I have set for transforming my classroom environment is to get my hands on a class set of laptops with Internet access. In this economy, the biggest obstacle I face is funding. Our school district simply does not have the money to make that goal happen. After asking around, I located a funding source and have begun researching what I need to do in order to write a grant for my laptops. My initial research has me more confused than ever, but I am learning to rely on my network of “those in the know” to help me through. With any luck, my room will really look like a 21st century learning environment by November of this year.

My second goal for transforming my classroom environment is more of a “transforming the opinions of others” goal. There are many teachers and parents that seem to view technology as the enemy. They simply don’t see the need for it and resent its use in the classroom. I firmly believe a technology-rich learning environment will lead to more fully engaged students, which, in turn, will lead to a higher level of authentic learning. I plan to lead by example, and hopefully change the minds of those resistant teachers and parents so all students might benefit from all that is available to them today.