Reflection

At the beginning of the EDUC 6710 class, I felt pretty comfortable using technology for both personal use and in the classroom. However, I have learned more this quarter than any other class in this program. The course work has provided me with many ideas and ways for students to use technology. Instead of giving a book report out loud, my students now create podcasts using Audacity.
I have learned that students need to develop 21st century skills that allow them to collaborate, problem solve, and use Web 2.0 tools. In order to do this, students need to know how to work in a variety of groups. It has been hard for me to get used to the noise that grouping brings. As an inclusion teacher, the grouping has been a wonderful tool for all of my students, and I will continue to allow this technique in my classroom.
I have incorporated blogging into the classroom, and this has been a difficult process. The district still has the site blocked, and students have to blog from home. This has not been as effective as I would have hoped. This clearly shows that one of my barriers to evolving as a 21st century teacher is the lack of support from our district.
I no longer have a teacher-centered classroom at all times. Sometimes I allow the students to take the lead in the classroom. This is still an ongoing process, but I hope to have a more learner-centered classroom.
I plan to continue to take classes, and learn more about the ever changing role of the teacher in the evolving classroom. In order to be effective, I realize that I need to progress as my students evolve.
In the future, I plan to blog at school with my students. Instead of paper and pencil assignments, I will have more assignments posted to students’ blogs. This is going to be accomplished by talking to administrators, and demonstrating that this type of learning is what is best for the students of today. I also will work toward a learner-centered classroom. As a teacher, it is difficult to give up this role, but as I learn, I hope to teach my students to become responsible for their learning. This will allow them to become proficient in 21st century skills, and be successful in a global society.

Technology Podcast

21st Century Skills

I agree with the article that students need to be taught these core skills. The problem I see is that this looks good on paper, however, funding is a big issue. I live in a small town, and the school system is being cut left and right. It's difficult to teach these skills, provide the needed technology, and keep up with the no child left behind. It would be great if our federal and local leaders would recognize the need for these skills, and provide the needed funding in order to effectively implement them. I agree it's needed and very exciting. I hope I am up for the challenge.

Blogging in the classroom.

I teach 3rd grade. One of the weaknesses our school has according to our state assessment is writing. I feel that having a classroom blog would be a great way to encourage students to write. I could post a topic, and when the class goes to the computer lab, they could comment. I could also post a journal topic. Creative writing would be more fun to do on a blog than on paper. I have talked to my students about this, and we are going to try it. I hope it motivates my students. They seem very excited about the idea. What types of problems do you see with my idea?

Motivation

As a teacher it is hard to motivate all students all the time. How do you motivate your students to learn? How do you keep their attention?

Welcome to the Rudy Manor. As of this hour, all is well at the manor. Alyssa is asleep, and dinner is ready for tomorrow. Goodnight all!