What have I learned this term? Where should I start?? I think the most important thing I have
learned is that today’s students learn differently. This course really opened my eyes to the fact
that I need to change the way I teach them.
I know that I can’t always be the sole source of information and that I
continually need to mix up how my students get information. However, I realize now that I must step aside
even more. I must allow them to use technology
to construct their own learning and be available for them when they need guidance
from me.
In constructing their own learning, I must provide open-ended
lessons that appeal to the many learning styles, needs and interests of my
students. In the past, this has not been
the easiest thing for me to do. I have learned that by integrating technology,
my job planning lessons becomes a whole lot easier. By using the Web 2.0 (I didn’t know this
existed prior to this class), my students will be able to use interactive tools
and websites to complete projects that are unique to the individual students. Because of my experience designing a
webquest, I feel confident that I can provide my students with the types of lessons
that will meet the needs of all my students.
I have also learned that Web 2.0 tools make it easier than
ever for students to collaborate with one another. Using wiki pages and Google docs allow
students to work on the same document without having to be at the same computer,
or continually email the document back and forth. I can see multiple uses for this on the
administrative side as well. From now
on, parent/teacher conference sign-ups will be done on a wiki page. Gone are the days of sending reminders back
and forth. Parents will have a dedicated
page to sign up, make changes if necessary and double check conference
times.
One of the wonderful benefits of the Web 2.0 is that many of
the tools are free or available for low cost.
Before this class, I assumed we had to purchase costly software to be
able to complete projects or use to “cool tools.”
This is not the case.
Our book provides a long list of resources, and although some may now be
outdated, I know what to search for and how to search for it. I have been actively searching for lesson
plan ideas for years, and I don’t think I have come across the majority of the
resources in our textbook.
I realize that social media can play an important role in
the classroom. Prior to this class, I
was not a fan of social media and saw no purpose for it in the classroom. I
have totally changed my mind. Teachers
can use social media for such things as updating parents on what is happening
in the classroom, informing parents of important events, providing students
with assignment information and for displaying student work. Many teachers also use social media sites as
a way of conversing with parents. To
keep my practice fresh and up-to-date, I plan to search out blogs and social
media sites related to education. Many
of these sites are free and provide tips, ideas and discussions to help make me
a better teacher.
The assistive technology that is available for free or low
cost can really make the difference for my students struggling with a
disability. There is technology
available to help with virtually any type of disability. Assistive technology can also enhance the
learning experience of children who may need extra help in a particular subject
area.
These are just some of the many things I have learned since
beginning this class. I will continue to
search out new websites, apps and technologies.
I will take advantage of the IT people at school and all the resources
they provide. I now see technology as an
opportunity to better myself and my students.
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