I recorded this in my classroom at school, the students thought it was great that they got to help me with MY homework!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Reflection on EDUC 6710
When this class first started, I was not up to speed on all the latest applications for using technology in the classroom. I only knew what I now consider the basics - doing basic internet research, PowerPoint, and maybe even participating in a discussion board question or topic like in Blackboard. I have now been introduced to a few new tools that I look forward to using in my classroom. These new tools include the use of blogs (other than myspace and facebook), wikis, and podcasts.
I continue to realize and utilize new ideas that stray from what many consider the old tried and true methods of just taking notes, lecturing, etc. Continuing to grow and experience new things as a teacher can only help to better prepare for the future and the 21st century students. As my skills improve so does the quality of education I provide and share with them, which in the end helps prepare them for a more technologically diverse global world.
With my style of teaching, I have never considered myself to be a teacher-centered teacher, but a more learner-centered teacher. The only thing I really have to add to my style of teaching was something I read about how lectures should not be teacher lecturing to students, but actual discussion and sharing of knowledge and ideas. I feel that the way most of my short lectures have been has been more like that anyway, but I continue to re-evaluate my teaching methods to make sure I stay up to date and keep my students well informed.
Two long term goals I have may be accomplished in a two year time period. The first is to get all my students laptops with internet access in my Social Studies classroom. By doing this, they will be able to continue utilize 21st century technology on a daily basis and not be limited to just a few lab days or spending time at home on the internet. I hope to accomplish this by continuing to work with my district and begin writing grants. The second long term goal I have is to no longer have the need for textbooks. As the Social Studies curriculum continues to evolve they keep pushing more and more technology based ideas and lesson as opposed to the old tried and true methods of reading, taking notes, etc. We, the Social Studies department, were very close this year, and will continue to pursue this idea. By continuing to lobby not only the district, but also parents, I hope to achieve this. I feel both will be a challenge because there are still many old school style thinkers that believe all students should still have books and homework every night. The 21st century is upon us and we need to be ready by changing our thinking patterns and adjusting to the world around us.
I continue to realize and utilize new ideas that stray from what many consider the old tried and true methods of just taking notes, lecturing, etc. Continuing to grow and experience new things as a teacher can only help to better prepare for the future and the 21st century students. As my skills improve so does the quality of education I provide and share with them, which in the end helps prepare them for a more technologically diverse global world.
With my style of teaching, I have never considered myself to be a teacher-centered teacher, but a more learner-centered teacher. The only thing I really have to add to my style of teaching was something I read about how lectures should not be teacher lecturing to students, but actual discussion and sharing of knowledge and ideas. I feel that the way most of my short lectures have been has been more like that anyway, but I continue to re-evaluate my teaching methods to make sure I stay up to date and keep my students well informed.
Two long term goals I have may be accomplished in a two year time period. The first is to get all my students laptops with internet access in my Social Studies classroom. By doing this, they will be able to continue utilize 21st century technology on a daily basis and not be limited to just a few lab days or spending time at home on the internet. I hope to accomplish this by continuing to work with my district and begin writing grants. The second long term goal I have is to no longer have the need for textbooks. As the Social Studies curriculum continues to evolve they keep pushing more and more technology based ideas and lesson as opposed to the old tried and true methods of reading, taking notes, etc. We, the Social Studies department, were very close this year, and will continue to pursue this idea. By continuing to lobby not only the district, but also parents, I hope to achieve this. I feel both will be a challenge because there are still many old school style thinkers that believe all students should still have books and homework every night. The 21st century is upon us and we need to be ready by changing our thinking patterns and adjusting to the world around us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
