What did I know? - I understood that using technology in a classroom setting was important and that the students I teach are very comfortable with technology. They all have cell phones, computers, and are very familiar with many of the current software programs. I also understood how much time they spend on Facebook or other social networking sites.
My students (and I would say most students) have their technology very close to them. Their cell phones are next to them on the desk, their I-pods are in their lap. I am asked many times in my class "can we listen to music?". I am lucky in that my school district does allow Ipods in the class, as long as the teacher has approved it. After I am presenting I allow my students to listen to their music while they are working. I have to say it is amazing just how focused they are as they listen to music.
What I didn't know? - I that students of today need to learn on their turf. This turf includes technology. When I was in school my turf was paper/pens.. Today is so different. I realized it was different, but I guess I did not see how different and how important it was for teachers to really, really understand technology and find as many ways as possible for our students to have it available to them.
How will I use what I learned in this course? - Wow...I will use so much. Blogging, podcasting, moodle, skype....I will use it all. I feel this is a win-win situation. The students get to use technology and so do I. It is way easier for me to post an article up to a Moodle, and have the students post their reflections. I wont have to make photo copies, I wont have to collect any papers, I wont have to bring papers home, I wont have to make additional photo copies because someone lost it.
The student will never have to worry that they don't have ink in their printer to print out their reflections, they wont have to keep track of the paper to turn in during class, they wont have to worry what they missed in class if they could not attend, and they have the opportunity to read other students reflections on the same article.
Like I said "win-win"
This has been a great class and I wish everyone a wonderful 2011-2012 school year.
Glad you were able to take ideas from the class to bring back to school this year. I love Moodle and I am happy you have it in your district. It makes life so much easier. Keep in touch if you need anything. Thanks for your wonderful contributions to the class.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are that your district allows ipods in the classroom. I plan on posting more of my assignments online as well. The challenging part is when not all students have access at home to the internet. Thank-you for sharing your reflection.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point...using technology can make it easier for students and teachers. I hadn't thought about some of the benefits for teachers like being able to update from your home and not having to make photocopies. I hope you have success with your ideas this year!
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