As I reflect on my journey through this educational process (both professionally and academically) I find that my outlook for my students’ progress and my ability to teach 21st century skills to them, allowing them to be as successful as possible. Specifically, this course has allowed me to expand my knowledge of and comfort with technology. Although I had previously been exposed to wikis, blogs, and podcasts- I was still left wondering how I could best implement them into my classroom. Further, it is important that these technologies be used seamlessly as a benefit to my students’ educational process (not simply for the sake of infusing technology).
This course has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with my peers and synthesize my classroom projects to best utilize these technological avenues. The process of having to actually use each technology gave me a newfound understanding of the trials that our students might experience as they try to use each type of technology.
Deepening my understanding of the teaching and learning process, I found how crucial 21st century skills are for our students. By continually assessing the effectiveness and the appropriateness (for 21st century skills) of each activity, allows me to more fully assess the relevance to my students future. As I determine the necessities from the superfluous- I feel that I can more effectively teach my students the keys they need to succeed.
This course has brought to my attention the importance of teaching relevant information and making mandating curriculum relevant to my students To ensure that my teaching remains learner focused (as opposed to teacher-centered). It has exposed my thinking to the idea that is less important what I teach and more important what my students learn. This radical idea redefines the role of the teacher in the classroom. Teachers cannot simply stand and deliver a message or lesson they must rather ignite the passion for learning within their students so that the students can best absorb the information.
I maintain that the essential barrier to a teachers success is themselves. I believe as teacher learn, adapt, grow, and experience new ideas and methodologies- they then become better, more effective teachers. The surest way of accomplishing this is for teachers to embrace professional development, to seize opportunities for embracing change, and to work collaboratively to ensure that the needs of our ever-changing population of students are met.
One challenge I notice for my classroom is the inaccessibility of technology for my students to consume. Our computer labs our over-filled and over-booked and our technology seems to lag behind. Baring this in mind, one goal I have to put in for (and win) grant money for a mobile library for our school. By affording students access to technology in real, teachable ways we can help to ensure our students have the best chance for success as a 21st century learner.
The second, perhaps loftier, goal is to transition my role to a more facilitator role. This transition would engage my students in actively collaborating with each other to help discover the answers and learn lifelong lessons about teamwork, technology, and the process of finding information as opposed to being given information. This transition challenges conventional teaching practice- however if I can step back a little bit every day, I believe that I can transition into this facilitator role.
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