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