During this course I have learned how to create several technologies that I have only made use of from the user end. I have frequently used podcasts, blogs, Wikipedia, etc, but this course taught me how to make those things and knowing how to create them makes them far more effective teaching tools.
In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
The biggest way is by changing the way I view my students. I knew that they grew up on technology, but the concept of them as digital natives is an interesting one because it changes how the students learn and, as a result, it should change how a teacher teaches.
In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
I don’t know that I have changed from being teacher-centered, because I think I always have been learner-centered. The way you teach has to be based on the way your students learn if you are going to be a really effective teacher and I have always tried to be that way.
In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
Well, obviously I am going to continue my course work with Walden which will expand my knowledge in this area. I am also going to continue learning technology by using it myself. The way that I have gained much of my technical knowledge is by giving it a try and seeing what I like and what I don’t like.
Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
1. Students will spend at least one day every two weeks in the computer lab.
- Seeing as I have very little access to computers with my students I plan on writing a grant for a wireless computer lab that I and my students can make use of.
2. Students will complete two projects per year that require them to make extensive use of technology to complete.
- I know for certain that there will be one project due right before Christmas break that will require the students to create a wiki. The other project I would like to have due at the end of the year and while I am not certain on the specifics I think it is going to be designing an earthquake proof building and then somehow virtually testing it.
