Reflection of Integrating Technology into the Classroom

As I reflect upon this course, it is amazing how much I have learned about technology. I wasn’t aware there were so many ways to use technology in the classroom. Before this course, I wasn’t familiar with podcast, or wiki’s. I had barely heard of blogs, but I did not have any experience with them. I was under the impression that blogs were only for personal use. At first I wasn’t sure if I agreed with using them in the classroom and then after reading and actually learning how to use them, I began to change my thinking and the wheels started turning and my imagination went wild. This class has given me the opportunity to learn how to use web 2.0 tools and understand how useful they can be in the classroom. I learned how to effectively integrate them in the classroom, and give my students the opportunity to be successful in the workplace. After learning more about how to integrate 21st century skills into the classroom I am beginning to feel more confident. I look forward to learning new techniques as they come along.

Although I am confident that using visual and hands on activities is an effective method for teaching, I now understand that the way of the future is through technology. With our students growing up as “digital natives”, as Marc Prensky refers to them, it is even more important that we as educators learn how to incorporate technology into our lives so that we can relate to our students and be able to reach them. “They have spent their entire lives around computers, video games, cell phones, and all other toys and tools of the digital age” (Prensky 2001).We need to enhance their usage with technology so they will be ready when they enter the real world.

A way for me to begin using the web 2.0 tools and resources I have learned in this class, I have set two long term goals for myself. The first goal I would like to accomplish is to guide and encourage my colleagues at my school to use technology in their classrooms. I want to be able to help them with the wonderful world of technology. My second goal is to start a blog for my fifth grade team. The web page is great, but I would like to see something that is more interactive. I would like to offer students and parents as well as my colleagues a way to collaborate. I think having a school blog will give the parents a better understanding of what is happening in the classroom. They will also be able to communicate with each other as well as myself.

This course has taught me a great deal about how to integrate technology into the classroom. It has provided me with a better understanding of the skills needed for our students to be successful. It has taught me that it’s alright to step out of my comfort zone to teach a different way. By understanding how to use 21st century skills, I will be able to connect with my students, and therefore, prepare them for the future.

Reference:

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).