Final Reflection

I never would have thought that at the end of this course, I would be an experienced blogger with the ability to voice my concerns regarding education through a medium such as this. It has truly been an eye-opening experience having the chance to use the technology that my classmates and I were able to throughout this course.

I believe the most useful piece of technology that I was able to use was creating my own podcast. In using the podcast, I can create commentary on lectures, class discussions and other auditory lessons that students can download and access for their own use. It was also very rewarding to have created something such as a podcast, which for the longest time I thought was impossible to do.

In looking at the learning process, I utilized a lot of trial and error when creating my podcast. I looked at various sites and found one that fit my style.

In shifting from being teacher-centered to learner-centered, I believe I have taken a step back and viewed the material I teach while trying to recognize which types of technology work best when teaching those units. For example, South African Apartheid. I was able to brainstorm with my colleagues how I can  implement blogs within this unit. In doing so, it has spiked my interest in using different types of technology with other units.

One valuable resource that our school district has is the use of multiple technology advisors who are able and willing to help teachers develop their skills with smartbaords, clickers, etc.

Two goals that I would like to strive toward in my classroms for the future would be to record most, if not all of my lessons and/or instructional directions onto podcasts for students to use.  The second goal would to become familiar with using moodle and its services. With these two goals, I hope to work on them throughout the school year, taking each unit and breaking down what essential portions of each I can use.


In looking back at the Week 1 checklist, I would say that my development as a techer and learner has come very far. My exposure to different types of technology and its uses will only continue to expand my knowledge and teaching capacity as a teacher.

First Podcast!

The following link will direct you to my first podcast which I was able to record regarding how my students use technology at home and in the classroom. I must say, it was difficult at first getting the file uploaded, but took no time at all once I figured out my mistake. Feel free to comment.

Podcast

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills

In viewing a website dedicated to the skills and tools needed for success in the 21st Century, there were a few things that peaked my interest:

1) I really enjoyed the colorful graphic that represented the site's framework. I thought it was interesting that the "core subjects" (Green box) was holding up the "essential tools and skills" (red, yellow and blue boxes) in the graphic. Usually, in today's schools, it's vice versa. I agree with what this site has, because the core subjects should be used as a scaffold for the skills they will need when they are out of school.

2) I thought it was interesting that many of today's top corporations also have a hand in the establishment and support of this site. Those involved with technology especially.

3) I was surprised to see that New York, a leading state in education, was not listed as a state taking the initiative to use the tools and resources of this site and take a proactive approach of using it.

4) The P21 FAQ feature was very helpful in educating myself about the website's initiative, goals and steps taken to progress educators and non-educators for tomorrow.

Overall, I really enjoyed the website and what it has to offer to educators and non-educators.

I think that for my students to grasp what is expected of them once they leave school, they will find meaning and appreciation for what they are doing in class, for they see the dynamic shift the world constantly goes through.