Reflection

Learning is not always easy. Meeting new challenges can be difficult but also rewarding in the end. That is one thing I learned from this course. Before this course began I had little or no experience with tool like podcasts, wiki spaces or programs blogs. I was familiar with these programs but had little knowledge of how to use them or how they could be used in the classroom.

As I pushed myself and began to learn how to use these technologies, I began to see how they would have a great impact in the classroom. Teaching in a fifth grade classroom, I saw lots of opportunities to use these technologies with my students. The tools I learned about during this course provide opportunities to engage my students and problem solving situations that challenge my students. The learning becomes more student centered with the teacher being more of a facilitator of learning as opposed to someone who gives out information. I also loved the fact that I had opportunities for students to work in groups, collaborating and working together to solve a problem.

As I continue with my career as a teacher, I will seek to learn more about these technologies. I want to become completely proficient in my knowledge of how to use them and incorporate them into the classroom. This in turn should improve student achievement in my classroom. One of my goals as a teacher is to regularly seek to learn about new technologies that I can incorporate into my classroom. Technology is constantly changing and students are usually familiar with these changes. If I want my classroom environment to be one that promotes the use of technology, I must learn about new things that people are using.

My final goal is to make sure that I use technology to challenge students in problem solving situations. Technology is great, but student need to continue to think and challenge themselves as they learn. I don't want the computer to be merely a place where students get information, but a place where they interact with others, and work with others to solve problems.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society [Motion Picture].Skills for the 21st century. Baltimore.

Mr. Peterson's Podcast Episode 1

This episode takes a look at digital learners in 5th grade.



mrpeterson's podcast ep 1