Reflection Week 8 Class 3

I am finishing my third course at Walden University. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society opened my eyes to the many untapped technologies that are available to me in Education. Three of these technologies are wikis, blogs, and podcasts. These three things have helped me create a more student-based atmosphere in my classroom.
I always knew that technology would continue to play an increased role in education. This class strengthened my resolve to embrace new technologies and use them in my classroom. I am already having my students create their own class wiki page.
The cool thing about technology and education is that the students already have a base knowledge of the technology. Students are eager to use it and will take a leadership role in it if given the chance. An example of this student centered learning occurred just last week in my class. When making a class wiki, I had students choose a "Project Manager" from their class. The Project Manager then asked their peers how the wiki should be designed and then created it. My students made all of the decisions about the project. As a result, the students had ownership in the project and did a really good job.
I can continue to expand my knowledge of new technologies by simple looking for them. There are dozens of ideas and applications available to educators on the web. All I have to do is search them out and use the ones I feel will help my students.
One goal that I have set for myself is to include one technology lesson each quarter in my classes. This should be easy over the course of the next few years as I will continue to have fresh, new ideas introduced to me from this program. I have found this program to be very helpful in that regard.
Another goal I have set for myself is to make a presentation to the other teachers in my district about technology and how it can help them in their classes. I already have a base knowledge and an administration that is willing to support me. All I will have to do is plan a talk and get it on the agenda for one of our staff development days.
Winner

My Thoughts on My 3rd Class

Well, I have come to the end of my third class at Walden University. Overall, I found this class very useful in introducing me to new technologies in education. I learned three new skills: blogging, wikis, and podcasts. These technologies will help me as a teacher.

I deepened my knowledge of technology in one major way. I learned that it is ok to use these things in my classroom. As a society we are becoming more dependent on technology and my students will need to use these things in college and in life. It is important for teachers to expose our students to new technology.

The use of these technologies is inherently learner centered. Giving the responsibility to my students to learn the information is a big change. Less lecture and more inquisitive learning will help my students be successful.

I can expand my knowledge of technology to use in my classroom by using technology. Information aggregators give me access to other teachers and what they are doing in their classroom. I will continue to use them.

One goal that I have set for myself is to use each of these technologies at least once per year. The biggest obstacle for this goal will be time. I already have a schedule that I follow to teach the information mandated by the state. Using ne technologies takes time. I will have to incorporate them into my lesson in an efficient way.

Another goal that I have set for myself is to allow my students to help me create new lessons using technology. Often times, my students know how to use these technologies already. Why not let them help me? It makes the classroom more student centered and increases student motivation if they have a say in their own education. An obstacle that I will face is once again time. This goal will require more time from me setting up new lessons.

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My First Podcast

Check it out here! Click Download to listen.

http://robwinner.podomatic.com/

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