A Reflection: Technology equals excitement!

I have always thought of myself as a non-traditional teacher--only using the textbook as a resource. Introducing learning centers, games, etc., but this course I have been taking from Walden University has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of lessons to introduce into my classroom! This course has been a terrific experience for me. I had never given any thought to the idea that with the use of technology in my classroom you have two different options. Technology that enables you to create a new environment and technology that enables you to do the same things just faster, as Dr. Dede and Dr Thornburg stated.

I believe before this class I was doing a little of both, but because of this new found energy I have been creating an even more active learning environment. Even though I had used podcasts as a tool in my classroom, I had never made one with my students. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, by Will Richardson, is almost wore out. My students, I believe, are really enjoying making wikis and podcasts and they love to skype. Communication with the world is at our fingertips, and we need to capitalize on that with our students.

I will continue to use all of the new tools I have recently learned in my classroom. Dr. Thornburg, states that today's students are digital natives and anyone over forty being an digital immigrant. I am in the category of digital immigrant, and if I want to engage my students I need to continue taking classes that are available, and continue blogging and asking questions of other educators on what works in their technology based classrooms. If I can continue to increase my knowledge and let by students see how hard I am working to integrate more technology into my classroom I believe this will influence my students to work harder, and they won't even realize it because they will be having fun. This will all have a positive outcome on my classroom management, as stated in the video, bringing in the fun. With all of this new energy in the classroom my students will achieve more. bringing the fun into teaching students will be collaborating with each other and ideas.

I have many goals set for myself, my classroom, and my students. On my two-year goal list, I would like to start by writing grants that would allow me to purchase 25 laptop computers to have in my classroom at all times. Project based learning that is centered around real world situations. Through skype and epals, connect with other classrooms on a regular basis. Have students being introduced and engaged with new technologies. I want to become technologically proficient, and students constantly being in an active role and myself being a full time facilitator. This is going to take a lot of hard work, but I am up for the challenge!

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). bringing the fun into teaching. (DVD). Baltimore. Author

Laureate Educaiotn, Inc. (Producer). (2008). The changing work environment: Part 1. Baltimore. Author

McHale, T. (2005). Portrait of a digital native. Technology & learning. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/4572