Reflection

• Reflecting over my Personal Theory of Learning for Week 1, I think there are some additional technological resources that would be of great benefit to my students. I plan on using Voice Threads and Blogs to have continous discussions over items where students feel they may need more assistance, and utilize these tools as "learning tools.
• Like stated previously two technological tools that I would use in my classroom are Voice Threads ands Blogs, and many more tech savvy progams. The fact that many of our students are computer whizzes, it is important that we as educators embellish on that and allow them to showcase their knowledge and talent.
• The two long-term goals that I have in terms of my classroom are to incorporate more collaborative work, and began to use cues, questions and advanced organizer with a more rationale approach, allowing th students to learn hands on.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning is an important factor in education. Many students learn different ways through trial and error, peer to peer, technology based and so on. The more cooperative learning and working together that takes place in the classroom the better opportunity students have in order to be successful. Throughout the year I have worked with my students on what it is expected during cooperative learning, they are each assigned a task and held equally responsible for carrying their weight in their assigments. In addition to them learning to work together, cooperative learning prepares students for the future in learning responsibility.

My Voice Thread

http://voicethread.com/share/1450445/

Constructivism

In reading and reviewing resources for this week Dr. Orey makes many points in regards to Constructivism. Orey states, that Constructivism "is a theory of knowledge that each individual is actively constructing their own meaning." With this being said, students should be allowed the opportunity to help in the learning process. The classroom should be learner centered versus teacher centered. I have learned over the course of my teaching that peer learning seems more effective than the routine, "standing in front of the classroom lecture." In addition to using peer to peer instruction methods mentioned in Ch. 4 outline Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizer, these methods could assist students to help with organizational and chronological skills needed for their success. Technology that could be used to enhance these techniques include blogging, concept mapping, creating virtual field trips and power presentations. If more construction took place in the classroom more of our students would be successful.

Technology and its collaboration with Behaviorism Theory

The behavorist theory has been and is currently implemented in classrooms nationwide. The importance of our students being taught how to behave in collaboration with education is one of the highest. The engagement of the students in the classroom is also important, and should be an ongoing process in the classroom setting. Because of technology, many of our students ability to learn is on a more technologically based method. This does not mean that our students learn only through technology, but technology can be used as enrichment to help our students. Technology can be implemented in the classroom through PowerPoint presentations, educational gaming, educational tutorials and more. As educators it is important that we allow different avenues of enrichment for our students and keep them authentically and ritualistically engaged.

Course Reflection

Over the last eight weeks, there has been an ongoing learning instance in this course. Though, I have learned many new things about technology in the classroom, I know that there are many additional resources available for educators to learn more about different types of technology, and how to use them.

In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?
As a professional teacher, I have learned ways in which I can incorporate projects into my language arts classroom and trainings, that I may be able to suggest to our school administrator to help other educators on our campus.

In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
In terms of my students education, I am prepared to provide my students with an environment where everyone is capable of learning effectively. Using parent connect capabilities, students should encounter learning which will take place in and outside of the classroom.

In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
Prior to taking this course many of the items or lessons that take place in my classroom are teacher centered. I now understand that many of our young people learn hands on, and through their peers. From here on, I will make sure that my lessons are more engaging and allow my students to learn from each other, and hands on.

In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I can continue to expand my learning with technology by becoming aware, and staying in tune to the new technological advances available. I can use these resources that I learn of and implement them in the classroom, and also allow my students additional experience with the new technology at home if the resources are available.


Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course?

One of the goals I would like to set for the upcoming years in the classroom, is the ability to collaborate with my work peers about different types of technology, and how to incorporate them into the classroom. I plan on achieving this goal by speaking with the school administrator, and discussing what options we have as a school? What type of programs will be feasible for our students in a learning environment?

The second goal coincides with my first goal. I would like to continue my education in technology, and learn as many avenues as possible in terms of technology in the classroom. Once I have learned these different techniques, I would like to use them in my classroom, and decide what works best for my students.

21st Century Skills

Many classrooms today lack the resources needed to transform to the usage of technology into the classrooms. After reviewing the website for 21st Century Skills I found many things of interest in regards to the new age in the classroom.
My reaction to the website:
This website was very useful, in that it provides information regarding the skills needed for the 21st century student and teacher. In addition this site makes avail to teachers/educators, resources that could be very helpful in the classroom setting.

What surprised me about this website was that in addition to the plentiful and helpful information it gives, they are resourceful and well known companies that support and sponsor this organization. By the use of these companies alone, it shows that there was much thought taken into consideration because reputable companies have also invested in their system.

In reviewing the website, there is a strong support for the No Child Left Behind Act, I do not totally disagree with the act, but I do feel there are some areas of adjustment needed in order for our children to "not get left behind."

The implication for me as an educator, would be familiarizing myself with up to date information, and having a continued learning environment for myself and students alike.

Using Blogging in the Classroom

I am a 6th grade language arts teacher, in learning more about different technology I have though of many ways of using blogging in the classroom. One particular way I would like to use blogging in my classroom is through discussion of novels being read. What better way to interact with your peers about a novel than through blogging. I would use this in my lesson plan as a critical thinking skill. I would ask my students a question about the reading for the week and have them post their thoughts and opinions. For example if we are reading Tuck Everlasting, I could ask the students to put themselves in Tuck's place and explain what they would do in his situation. This would be a very resourceful tool in my classroom. Since we are at the end of the year, it would be a great way to end the year with my students.

Education vs. Technology

Many school administrators are afraid to allow some extremeties of technology into the classrooms. Technology over the years has changed the make up and matter of what and how our students learn. Such technologies include instant messaging, video games, skype, and many more. A challenge that many technology savvy teachers face is the opportunity to challenge our students in the classroom with the advancement of technology.

Some students get their technological gains in the computer and technology classes, but what about the core classes? Isn't technology just as important in these classes as well? What options can we give our students with limited amount of technology in the classroom? What ways can we reach out to our administrators and beyond, to allow our kids to explore technology in all core classes:?