Reflection of Course 6710

The course, Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work and Society, has helped introduce me to Read and Write Web tools that I can implement into my classroom. Before taking this course I knew how to use a wiki, but did not know how to use blogs or podcasts. I have learned how to use these tools to move my students into more collaboration, communication and problem solving skills to help meet their needs as well as society’s future demand needs. In the article, Technology and Education: Expectations, Not Options, Dr. David Thornburg stated, “We live in a world where it is commonplace for technology to be used to do different things, not just do old tasks differently” (2004, p. 3). I want to engage my students by doing different things through the use of digital tools.

To expand my knowledge of technology integration with the aim of increasing student achievement, I must stay current with the emergence of new digital tools. I will read literature to stay up-to-date on emerging technologies. Furthermore, I will connect with other educators through the use of a RSS Feed Catcher that I already have set up that will allow me to gain additional insights and ways to use new technologies.

Although my classroom is already technology rich, I have two goals that I would like to accomplish within two years. First, I would like to implement blogs as a means for students to post reflections about their learning in my courses. Second, I would like to implement wikis to increase more collaboration and problem solving among my students. I will accomplish these goals by examining my curriculum to find ways to slowly integrate these tools until my students and I feel comfortable using them. I will also have to spend adequate time planning and preparing for the implementation of these tools for them to be successful used in my curriculum.


Thornburg, D. (2204) Technology and education: Expectations, not options. (Executive Briefing No. 401). Retrieved from http://www.tcpdpodcast.org/briefings/expectations.pdf

My Classroom Technology Demographics

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Evaluating 21st Century Skills

My exploration of the Web site, Partnership for 21st Century Skills , enlightened me about the mission of this organization which is to build collaborative partnerships between education, business, community, and government leaders to promote 21 century skills. The framework that has been developed clearly states student outcomes that will help them achieve 21st century skills to become productive workers in a global economy. I was surprised to see the vast numbers of businesses coming together to help usher in this movement. It just shows the seriousness of how these businesses want students who are capable to work in a changing society.

I was surprised at all of the resource links that are provided to help teachers meet the challenge of preparing students. There is a link addressed to Bloom’s taxonomy to help teachers develop higher order thinking skills. In addition, the Route 21 link allows the user to browse resources and also provides a synopsis of websites. The resources include core subjects, learning and innovation skills, technology skills, life and career skills and several others.

I believe the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is moving in the right direction for our society’s welfare. With the continued drive for 21st Century Skills, my students will be better prepared to enter a workforce with the necessary critical thinking, problem solving, technological and collaboration skills. My role as an educator is going to change. I will have to incorporate more project-based learning activities and collaboration activities using technology. It is my responsibility to ensure my students success as a citizen and worker in the 21st century.

Wikis

Wikis can be a great collaboration tool to use in education that helps build critical thinking and problem solving skills. However, there are several things to consider before using this technology in your classroom. First, slowly introduce the concept of a wiki and give students a small assignment that will lead them into writing and using the tools on the wiki. Second, assign each student a task in order to ensure that all students participate in the wiki experience. Third, set guidelines and discuss appropriate things that students should post to a wiki. Stress to students that anyone, anywhere will be able to see what is posted on a wiki, especially if the wiki is made availabe to the public. Last, set a time frame on when the wiki assignment should be finished to keep students on track.

Visit the following link to set up your free wiki today!

Wikispaces

New Technology from Microsoft

I found this Youtube video discussing new technology that is emerging known as surface computing. It is hands on technology without a keyboard or mouse. It is awesome seeing what is being developed and mind boggling to think how society is changing. Will we see this type of technology in our classrooms in the future?

Blogs in the Classroom

Blogs in the classroom is a great way for students to enhance their writing skills in a content area. Students can communicate their ideas in a blog and receive feedback from teachers and peers. Peers can ask the blogger questions to help them take their learning to a new level. By responding to questions students can develop critical thinking skills by reflecting on the questions asked.

I teach 9-12 computer classes. In Keyboarding and Desktop Publishing classes my students could post their work on a blog. By posting their work, students can receive feedback on the design and layout of their documents. In Desktop Publishing we focus on creating documents using appropriate design concepts such as focus, balance, consistency, contrast, proportion, directional flow and color. Instead of  receiving feedback only from the teacher, students can see each others work and provide feedback. In addition, topics related to standards covered during the week could be posted and students could discuss those topics in depth to increase their learning. Sometimes the best learning comes not from the teacher, but from a student's peers.

The Interwrite DualBoard and Me

I am still learning how to use the new technology in my classroom, the Interwrite DualBoard, at a snail's pace. There is just not enough time in my day to learn this technology as I would like too. I am the type of person that has to "do it" before I can feel comfortable using it. After three months I am still not fully comfortable using the Interwrite DualBoard. Yes, my students use this technology quite often to complete projects, and they are very comfortable with it. It amazes me the things they can show me that they can do with it, and they make it look so easy. I know the very basics of this technology, but I want to know so much more about it. I know if I could find the time to "play" with it, I would reach my comfort zone. I keep asking myself the same question. When am I going to be able to find the time to learn the in's and out's of this technology so I can fully integrate it into my classroom?