This course has helped me expand my technological knowledge and current forms of communication in the 21st century. Although I consider myself technologically inclined, pervious to this class I had not practiced using the newest additions to internet, referred to as “Web 2.0.” I had never blogged, created a podcast, used my computer video cam or contributed to a wiki. These are all new technology tools that I have been exposed to and given the opportunity to learn for my benefit throughout this course. I feel more in sync with today’s methods of communication and collaboration, and understand the benefits of teaching our students these exact same skills to support their future learning.
My experiences through class have enriched my knowledge of what teaching towards the future really means. I understand the direction today’s workforce is heading in and the skills that are vital for our students to learn in order to succeed in a world that is transforming daily. The teaching and learning process is changing with the times and we must recognize the change. Our students learn differently because they are exposed to technology at the very beginning of their developmental stages of life. It is a new learning style that teachers must understand and teach towards.
Since this is only my third year of teaching it is easy for me to adapt and adjust my style of teaching, I do not feel set in my ways, or overwhelmed transitioning to a student-centered classroom. I understand that it could be difficult for more experienced teachers to make the change from a teacher-centered style of teaching to student-centered. It is a drastic change, but a necessary change. Letting the students discover and explore on their own is the most appropriate way to teach the students the skills necessary to solve the future problems of the world. They need to learn how to find the information they need on their own and discover the best ways to go about it. They need to learn to use the teacher as resource, just like the internet, and realize that the teacher is not the only way to get the answer to a question.
Just like the other technological resources that our students can use in the classroom, we must update and stay relevant with the times. Staying connected with fellow educators and current with the most updated technology is the best way to expand my knowledge and methods of teaching technology to my students. As Will Richardson stated, “The coming years will be marked by a flood of new innovations and ideas in teaching, most born from the idea that we can now publish and interact in ways never before possible (p. 155).” By using the tools that were presented in this class I can stay connected with colleagues, share information, and discuss important topics of education. I can also stay current and familiar with newest forms of technology and ways to integrate them in the classroom.
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
