Reflections

During the course of this class I have developed a new set of technology skills. When I first started this class I thought I was at the head of the pack when it came to incorporating technology into my classroom. Sadly, I was deeply mistaken. I thought because I was using power point presentations on a regular basis that I was using technology in a 21st century manner. I never realized that power points could be viewed just as an alternative to writing on a black board. Now that I have completed this course I have a new insight into how I will use technology in my classroom.


I have discovered podcasting, blogging and wikis. Recently I have developed a new respect for Wikipedia which I have often spoken against. Through the required class resources I have learned a great deal about the teaching and learning process. Today’s students are technology savvy and they can learn a great deal of information if technology is used properly. Technology has the ability to allow the teacher to become a facilitator in the classroom and that is something we all should be striving towards.

I plan to expand upon what I have learned by continuing my degree and reading up on the latest technology classroom integrations. I have joined blogs that deal with this issue as well. My long term goals for my classroom include sharing the information I have learned with my coworkers. I am hoping to enlighten enough people to the possibilities of the usage of blogs so that one day my district might see a reason to over turn its currant policy against using blogs. My goal for my classroom is to come up with more projects where my students can practice the 21st century skills that they will need to be successful. It is my mission to do this as often as possible next year.

My first try at podcasting.

http://sadierodgers.podbean.com/

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

I thought the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website is a site that my district officials should take a look at. There is lots of information to show to the high officials that we need more technology and a way to implement it in the classroom. There was not any thing that I disagreed with on the site. I believe that my students do need to work on the three R’s and four C’s (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation). I really liked the listing of professional development sites. It is great that there are organizations out there who are fighting for this cause.   If you have not had a chance to check out this site I am posting the link below.
http://www.p21.org/index.php

School Blogging

I am not sure how I would use a blog in my classroom. My school has a strict policy about blogs. They do not want teachers to be friends on blogs with students. I would love to have a blog where students could interact. If this was possible I would create a blog that was dedicated to young adult literature. I would create a place where my students would be able to find suggestions for books and share their opinions about the latest material that is out there. I teach all four levels of English and I feel like a class blog would bring students of all levels together. Maybe my freshman could learn from my juniors and seniors.

There are two sides to every story...

There are two sides to every story...

Welcome

Welcome to my first blog. I am excited to see what comes of this new experience. I teach secondary English and my students would benefit from having a classroom blog. I look forward to sharing my views and lesson ideas with the world.