As the course Integrating Technology in the Classroom draws to an end I am beginning to see how technology can play an integral part in preparing my students for future grade levels and even the world beyond the classroom. Many students of today are “digital natives” they learn much more differently than those students of ten years ago and use technology that “digital immigrants” are unfamiliar with.
This course has enabled me to critique my own personal opinions and beliefs of teaching 21st century skills while incorporating the use of technology. In order for me to be an effective teacher I need to make my classroom more student centered. Students come into school with a wealth of knowledge and a variety of skills, but they are often overlooked because they do not fit in with the curriculum. This can no longer be the case. The skills and knowledge that students obtain outside of the classroom are what will enable them to be successful during school.
In order for me to make my class more student center and see an increase in student achievement I must continue to familiarize myself with their lifestyles outside of the school setting and create ways to incorporate these elements into the classroom. In addition, I must continue to learn about the tools of the 21st century. In order to prepare my students for tomorrow’s world, I must be willing to take a close look at myself and determine the areas in which I need to improve.
Within the next few years I plan to implement the use of Ipods into my classroom. In order to do this a grant will be written to receive four to six Ipods that can be used as reading intervention tools. Many of my students are struggling readers. With the use of podcasts and video clips I can provide extension and intervention activities during center time. Another goal I would like to achieve within the next few years is to continue to learn about all the opportunities to use technology in the classroom. I hope to encourage my district to continue to offer professional development opportunities where the staff can not only learn about, but also experience the new and exciting tools of the 21st century.
