It is amazing how fast this class has gone by. I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my classmates with the new communication tools we have learned about. Before this class, I did not know how could I use these new technologies within my classroom, but now I am excited to implement the ideas I have.
This class has helped me realize what I can do with blogs, wikis and podcasts within my classroom. I have been able to brainstorm and learn other teacher’s ideas to implement these technologies within my class. I am now more comfortable in using these technologies as well. Before this class, I had never created a blog or wiki, but now I realize how easy and convenient it would be for myself and my students and parents to use.
Within the last 7 weeks, I have learned the importance of making sure that students are exposed to as much up to date information as possible. It is also important that I learn about my students, their learning styles and their background. If I know more about them, then I can adapt my lessons and teaching style to meet their individual needs. I have always been a student centered teacher, but this class has helped reinforce my belief that students are more successful when they guide their own learning. It is essential that students are the leaders in their own learning, and I serve as a facilitator. It is especially important in mathematics. Students learn better by doing, therefore I need to provide multiple opportunities for them to do so within my classroom.
Even after this class, I am going to continue following educational blogs, and continue to stay informed with any research involving student achievement. As a teacher, I need to continue to grow and learn so I can expose my students to information that is recent and also provide richer opportunities to my students. Society and technology is ever-changing, and I feel that my classroom needs to mirror that change. I may not have the funding to have all the new technology in my classroom, but that does not mean I ignore it, rather I can introduce it to them and help them understand the use of technology they may have available to them elsewhere.
Two goals I have are: 1) Introducing more technologies to my students, such as iPods, and individual laptops for students. I am going to try and achieve this goal by applying for grants that are available, and show my principal the benefits that they will have in my classroom. It may take me a while to accomplish this goal, but I am going to try very hard to find outside funding to support this task. 2) I would like to see more teachers in my school implement the use of technology on a daily basis. Luckily, I have been assigned as the IT person at my school, so I feel that I will have the opportunity to accomplish this goal. I plan on having professional developments in which I model ways to use technology, and I will also provide individual assistance if teachers feel that they are not comfortable in using the technology. I want teachers to understand the success their students will have simply by implementing engaging lessons through technology.
I have really enjoyed this class, and will take everything that I have learned and will apply it to my classroom. I hope everyone has enjoyed my blog during these 8 weeks, and feel free to continue to stop by and see what is going on in Samantha’s Classroom Corner!
Happy blogging until next time!
~Sam R.
It has been very enjoyable learning with you this past seven weeks Sam. I hope you are successful getting technology into your school. Something you may consider during your PD's is to get teachers who are notoriously anti-tech to participate and perhaps give the demonstration for you. A little one on one time goes just as far with your colleagues as it does your students.
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