Learning with Technology

The course Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society was a valuable learning experience. This course helped me develop technology skills that will enhance my teaching and put me ahead in the use of technology in my classroom. The introduction of Web 2.0 tools opened the door to new ways in which technology can be integrated in my classroom to engage my students into deeper learning, collaboration, and global connectivity. I found the use of wikis and blogs to be valuable tools that students can use to not only display their work, but to also exchange their ideas with the world. By empowering my students to create their own content, I will allow them to become decision makers, seekers of knowledge, problem solvers, and thinkers. These are valuable skills that my students will need to become successful citizens and workers in our global economy in the 21st century.

As a teacher I understand that to help my 21st century learners become successful learners my role needs to change from teacher-centered to a facilitator of knowledge. I should become a guide to my students’ learning while they are engaged in seeking the needed knowledge to create their projects. As a facilitator of knowledge I also recognize the importance of staying abreast of new technologies that can help my students in their learning and higher achievement. Thus continuing my higher education and attending technology workshops are two ways in which I can become more educated.

One of my two long-term goals is to create a classroom environment that is student-centered and that is aligned with the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). To accomplish this goal I will be developing curriculum that includes more technology integration, is engaging, challenging, meaningful, and exciting. To obtain this goal I need to become a technology integration advocate and show the benefits of its use. My second goal is to continue writing grants to obtain the technological resources I need in my classroom to provide my students with 21st century learning opportunities. I’m looking forward to new learning opportunities for my students and for myself too!