Reflection for EDUC 6712

Before starting this class, I was under the assumption that students automatically knew how to use a search engine. It never occurred to me to that students had to be taught how to search the internet rather than just browse. The process for teaching effective search strategies should be in-depth, contain a lot of teacher modeling, and student practice. Students have to realize that search engines are used in various ways, and that not all search engines operate the same.
I did not give much thought to teaching students how to use the internet, and how to apply that skill. I have never heard of the new literacy skills until this class. I thought by allowing students to freely “research” a topic, I was giving them experience with technology. However, I realize now that students have to be taught the new literacy skills in order to be productive in this global society.
In the future I will start teaching students how to effectively search the internet, how to develop essential questions, how to evaluate information resources, synthesize information, and how to present this information in various modalities. In order to do this, I will model the skills, and give the students plenty of opportunities for practice. No longer will we use the computer lab time for fun and games, this will now be an actual learning class.
My professional development goal is to continue in the Master’s program in order to gain the skills and knowledge I need in order to teach my students the skills they need in order to be successful. I also plan to complete my Master’s degree and teach at the college level in the future. In order to do this, I will continue to take classes, and develop essential skills in order to reach my goal.