Reflection: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society

Reflection: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society

I can’t believe how quickly this 8 week course has passed! I even more so, I cannot believe that I am sad it is over. I have learned so much this past 8 weeks…things I can say that I can truly use in my classroom. Before this class, I thought that technology in the classroom consisted of using a computer to show an occasional PowerPoint presentation. I really didn’t understand the impact that technology has on the lives of today’s students, nor did I think that they were any different than when I was a student 30 years ago. I had an “ah-ha” moment when I was introduced to the concept of Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky (2001). I had never even thought about the fact that today’s students have grown up immersed in technology. After that moment, I found myself questioning my own teaching practices and as a new comer to the “business” of teaching, I vowed to make the changes necessary to teach the 21st century student.

Web 2.0 technology has changed the face of the classroom, or at least it should. From blogs to wikis to podcasts and more, technology can make a classroom truly student-centered and exciting. Students today need more than just traditional, teacher-centered lessons. They are curious and inventive and require stimulation to motivate them. This is how they have grown up, this is the world that they know.

As a “digital immigrant” teacher, my long term goals include integrating technology into my classroom on a regular basis, as much as can be practically and appropriately applied. I also understand that using technology does not just mean doing the same old thing using technology, but rather doing something different and unique and inspiring to accomplish goals and objectives. This may mean doing more project-based learning, which would also allow for differentiation of instruction.

I will incorporate the use of technology into my next Performance Learning Plan (PLP). One goal will be to establish a classroom wiki for each of my classes, and to use them consistently. As I become more comfortable with technology, I plan to incorporate the use of a podcast as an assignment for a major unit. I will have some barriers, such as lack of equipment in my school, access to blogging is currently blocked, etc., but they are only barriers, not walls. I will continue to speak about the positive side of technology to anyone who will listen, and even tutor those who show an interest in learning as well. We were introduced to may websites and tools available out there, and I plan to continue my education far after this classroom. I have ordered several books, bookmarked a dozen websites, and have set a goal to learn something new – a new term, fact, piece of technology, etc.- each week.

Since starting this course, I have become very enthusiastic about the use of technology in the classroom and have started asking a lot of questions – why is blogging blocked in our school? Why can’t I use a YouTube clip in my classroom? etc. For an uncoming Professional Learning Day in January, I was asked if I would be willing to facilitate a technology piece on wikis. I said YES! Now, what did I get myself into???? : ) I know if I can do it, so can everyone out there.

Mrs. Behling's Technology Podcast

http://legomom40.podomatic.com/

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

Browsing the website Partnership for 21st Century Skills , I was a little overwhelmed by the scope and content of the site. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills was formed in 2002, with the goal to "create a successful model of learning for this millennium that incorporates 21st century skills into our system of education." As an educator, I am aware of the importance technology plays in our lives today, but awareness is not enough. Action is necessary to give our students a fighting chance in their future as parents, teachers, employees, employees, and as responsible citizens. As can be seen by the vast array of partners working on this iniative - APPLE, AOL Time Warner, Dell, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and the National Education Association, to name a few - this is an important step in the success and future of our children and our nation. If we cannot prepare our children how to succeed in a world where technology is changing faster than our gasoline prices, we will have failed them miserably.

I was surprised to find that this site and partnership was established in 2002, yet it is not something that we as eduators are aware of. I see none of these efforts being touted in my state, which is truly disappointing. It was nice to see a sampling of what other states are integrating technology into the classrooms and curriculums, but it would be nice see what all states are doing. Integrating technology into education will cost money - equipment, training, infrastructures, maintenance - but it would be money well spent and the payoffs would be great.

As a middle-aged educator, just starting out, I am excited and open to the possiblities that lie ahead. Curriculums must change for every subject area to incorporate technology, training must be provided and embraced, and the culture of our schools needs sto change for us to all succeed as citizens in the 21st century.

If you have any ideas or stories to share on integrating technology in the classroom, I would love to hear from you : )

Blogging in the Classroom

As a high school English teacher, I believe that blogs could be used in my classroom in a variety of ways. We could have a class discussion about a particular piece of literature we may be studying in class. Blogging may be a way for some students to find their "voice". I have seen through things like Instant Messaging and Facebook that students who may be shy and quiet in class enjoy sharing information digitally. I also think that posting student's work is a way of highlighting their abilities, and it is something they can be proud of and show their parents, etc...

Should I be nervous?

This is all very new to me, and I am very excited about the possibilities blogging will create for me as a teacher. I will looking for new ways to use technology in the classroom, not just to do the same things differently, but to actually do things differently!