A New Mind Set-Reflection

Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society is exactly what I gained from taking this course. Prior to this course, I was only using email, the internet, my computers, and an LCD projector. I was only beginning to get my feet wet. Sure I was aware the flip camera and blogging but would have remained very intimitaded by them if it wasn’t for this course. I have always been able to learn quickly so I really don’t know why I was so intimidated. I learned quickly when it came to my online grade book, and our Edline account, and am successful at posting all assignments, test/quiz dates, project guidelines and rubrics online for parents and students. Until now I would have continued to think that in terms of classroom technology that I was native. I would have never imagined that integrating other innovative forms of technology into my lessons could be so user friendly.

I have learned that we are teaching a generation of Digital Natives. Many 21st century kids grow up literally surrounded by the light” (Prensky, 2008, p.42). School systems put many of our natives at a disadvantage by blocking our students from using those technologies in school. We are asking our students to shut off and enter the “darkness of the old fashion classroom” (Prensky, 2008, p. 42). The are expected to function and learn in an educational system that was designed for those socialized in a traditional way. If we change the way information is presented by using blogs, wikis, interactive whiteboards, and Podcasts as learning tools for our students, we would see our students become excited about the content. We need to “infuse skills we teach with technology they use” (Laureate Inc., 2008). This course has introduced me to wikis, blogs, and podcasts and shown me the tremendous educational benefits of using these powerful tools in the classroom.

Today’s students and classrooms have changed. .“They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age” (Prensky, 2001, p.1). However I was not aware that our students require an entirely new skills in order to be successful in this new digital society. These 21st century skills include critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork/collaboration, leadership, creativity/innovative thinking, lifelong learning, self-direction, professionalism, ethics, and social responsibility just to name a few. As educators, it is our responsibility to model these skills in our classrooms and ultimately become facilitators so our students can problem solve independently in the workplace.

This course has introduced me to new technologies, websites, activities, and ideas that will truly engage my students, motivate them to learn, and enhance their education In achieving my goal of becoming a 21st century teacher, I have set two long-term goals. First, I plan to stay current on educational and technological trends and make a greater effort to find ways to fund new forms of technology for my classroom. Second, I will address technology standards in future lesson plans. I can enhance those lessons by incorporating a wiki, and have students create podcasts. I have been introduced to a variety of things that can be added to lessons that will deepen students’ understanding, and most importantly I will maintain an open-mind to try new things as technology continues to influence my students.

Resources:
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008). “The Changing Role of the Classroom Teacher: Part 2”. [Motion Picture]. Baltimore.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).
Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6),

Podcast Assignment: Profiling the Students of Today

This is the link to my podcast that I created using a flip-camera that reports the results of the technology survey that I gave to my 9th grade health class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrBSp0CaBmE

Link to Technology Survey Interview Podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa2P4nfwSEY