This
course was very effective and useful to me personally. I am very excited to
start using the new technologies towards helping my students become more
proficient with technology and core subject knowledge through the use of
technology. I learned that when integrating technology into the classroom you
have to have a plan. Often the reason technology integration fails is because
there is not a united front among the staff with a clear plan for the implementation
of technology. I also learned that you have to be prepared for anything. Although
technology has become a wonderful tool for the classroom it can have trouble.
As an educator, we need to be quick on our feet to solve any problems quickly
and efficiently.
Integrating
the internet is going to be a huge bonus for my classroom. There are so many
tools and sites that can be utilized. Students are now able to view the world
outside of their classroom without ever leaving it. There are tools like Twitter,
Pintrest, and many blogs that teachers can use to collaborate on new teaching
ideas. I can also teach lessons to my students after the school day has ended.
I
have met some goals in my Personal Growth Plan. One goal was to increase my
students’ knowledge of technology. This was done through increasing their understanding
of the basics with a computer, the internet, and Microsoft office programs such
as PowerPoint. It has been a recent goal to teach my students to not be afraid
of technology. I find that I have learned some great critical thinking and
problem solving skills by tinkering around with programs. It is my hope that I can pass those confidence
and critical thinking abilities onto my students.
After
I am done with this class I plan to try to increase my technology use in the
classroom. I have gone as far as taking a new job with a virtual school. I am
so excited to utilize the skills that I have learned in this classroom. I hope
to utilize videos, programs, and websites to improve the virtual environment that
I will be creating for my new students. My long term goal is to attend more
conferences to keep my understanding of new technology updated. I am excited to
be able to connect with other teachers who are creative and have a broader
knowledge of technology.
