Reflections

Throughout this course I was introduced to two new technologies and worked with one I had some previous experience with. Prior to this class I had used WikiSpaces as a facilitator in a workshop. However, I had never blogged or created a podcast. Despite having used a wiki before, I had not brainstormed ways to use this Web 2.0 technology in my fourth grade classroom. I never dreamed I would be thinking of ways to incorporate blogs and podcasts in my lessons. This class has opened my mind to the many exciting ways I can have my students learning about and using these Web 2.0 applications. This class has caused me to think about the amount of memorizing we ask students to do. With the proliferation of technology and on-demand services, memorizing obscure dates and facts seems like a waste of time. Today, we should be teaching students where and how to find the answers instead of memorizing them. I am not advocating students not learning their multiplication tables or other information, I just think we should be teaching students how and where to find answers.

Although it will be hard for me, I understand the need to change my classroom from a teacher-centered environment to a more student-centered environment. I am going to work hard this school year to develop more lessons that require students to seek and find answers instead of me giving them.

I believe all students need to be exposed to as much technology as possible while in school. To make sure I am up-to-date on the latest technologies, I will continue to read and research about integrating technology in the classroom. I will also find better ways to incorporate my ACTIVboard in my lessons. This is a powerful tool that can help my students become more involved in their learning. I also plan on finishing my master's, taking what I learn in these classes and applying the concepts in my classroom.

One goal I have for the next two years is to move away from journal notebooks and have students complete their journaling online. One hurdle is access to computers. Although I have two computers in my classroom, for every student to be able to use the computer every day I need at least three more. Another way this could be accomplished is through the establishment of more computer labs within my school. As of now we have one, but might have another one in November. This would be great because I could schedule more time in the lab. If the second lab does not become a reality, I will try to secure more computers for my classroom through grant writing or donations. My second goal is to make a conscious effort to transform a majority of my lessons to become more student-centered. This includes letting students make discoveries instead of me telling them the how and why. By completing my AMSTI (Alabama Mathematics, Science, Technology Initiative) training next summer I will be well on my way in science and math. I must do some reflecting on my social studies lessons to reconstruct them to be more student-centered.

Overall, this class has been very beneficial to me. I feel I have a better understanding of the types of technologies students need to be successful when they enter the work force. By introducing some of these in elementary school, students will be on the road to being well prepared for the global society.

Adults vs. Children

To complete my podcast assignment I interviewed two adults and one child. I then compared and contrasted their technology usage. You can hear my findings at http://www.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/1480/episodes/6911.