I have always felt strongly about integrating technology in my classroom. Many teachers have come to me with questions since I began teaching Business in 5 years ago. I do not consider my myself to be an expert in the field of technology but I certainly put forth the effort to be an effective user of technology.
EDUC6710 has been an enjoyable course that has allowed me to improve my technology skills for my students. Not only have I had the opportunity to explore new Web 2.0 tools, I was able to apply the skills in my current classroom teachings. I have become comfortable with using blogs, wikis and podcasts and appreciate all the great resources that were available throughout this course.
As a teacher I was able to communicate with my peers that taught in teaching environments very different from mine and it allowed me to get new ideas for my own students. Technology can enhance the teaching and learning process. Technology should not be optional. In 2009, students are expected to have basic technology skills. It is our responsiblity as teachers to ensure that they get them.
I have learned in this course that in order to be learner-centered we must be willing to do things that will directly benefit the student. It may be a challenge to keep up with the latest technology but technology integration is what students need. As teachers, it is impossible to prepare students with 21st Century Skills without being able to integrate the technology that they need to be able to use and understand.
As long as there is new technology, there will be the need to expand my knowledge. In order for me to teach with technology, I will have to constantly sharpen my skills and seek professional development opportunities. I am committed to lifelong learning because I know that it is the only way to stay abreast of the ever-changing technologically savvy world in which we live.
I am motivated to work with the teachers in my school so that I can help them with their technology skills. As an Academy Leader, I plan to have a work session to teach teachers how to use their class websites and blogs. I believe that with some training, technology can be integrated in all classrooms, regardless of content.
One long-term goal for my classroom is to become totally web friendly for my students. I want to have everything that they need to complete my course on the web for them and organized by units as we progress. Another long-term goal is to create a course wiki that would allow students to connect from semester to semester. In Business, it is imperative that students learn from each other. My school district currently has most free Wiki sites blocks and I am working to gain access to a Wiki site for my students.
Resources:Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
21st Century Skills
Evaluating 21st Century Skills
As a business teacher for the past 5 years, it has been my goal to prepare all of my students for their future careers in the 21st century. The website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is a great tool that can help all educators understand the importance of technology integration and our daunting task of preparing our students with the skills needed to be successful.
I was surprised to see the states that currently have P21 initiatives.
After reviewing the Framework for 21st Century Learning I was better able to understand the overall concept.
At my current school, we are organized in Small Learning Communities. I often see some of my students more than their core area teachers. In our Academy Learning Team meetings it is my goal to help the core teachers understand that my role is not just an elective but it is to help prepare their future.
Every student can benefit from learning skills that they will need to gain employment.
As educators, we must change the way that we teach. As a contemporary educator, it is my goal to have my students prepared for the 21st Century.
P21 serves as a great guide for students and teachers to help prepare solid programs that will benefit students that will enter the 21st Century worforce.
As a business teacher for the past 5 years, it has been my goal to prepare all of my students for their future careers in the 21st century. The website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is a great tool that can help all educators understand the importance of technology integration and our daunting task of preparing our students with the skills needed to be successful.
I was surprised to see the states that currently have P21 initiatives.
After reviewing the Framework for 21st Century Learning I was better able to understand the overall concept.
At my current school, we are organized in Small Learning Communities. I often see some of my students more than their core area teachers. In our Academy Learning Team meetings it is my goal to help the core teachers understand that my role is not just an elective but it is to help prepare their future.
Every student can benefit from learning skills that they will need to gain employment.
As educators, we must change the way that we teach. As a contemporary educator, it is my goal to have my students prepared for the 21st Century.
P21 serves as a great guide for students and teachers to help prepare solid programs that will benefit students that will enter the 21st Century worforce.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Classroom Blogs
Blogging - A new way to discuss...
For the past year I have been wanting to use blogs in my classroom. The county that I work for provides all teachers with space to create a class website. One of the pages that can be created is a Blog page. I decided to play around with creating a blog because I wanted to see how my students would react. To my surprise, they were not as excited as I expected but they did like the ability to read the comments of their peers.
I require all students to respond to my classroom blog. They have more freedom when posting to a blog (as long as it is school appropriate). Traditional writing usually requires students to write in essay/report format. Blogs allow students to get their opinions and thoughts out without having a classroom discussion. The students don't realize that it is a form of writing and can be very educational. Blogs allow deeper thought on subjects. When I post blogs for my students their response must be detailed, much more than a yes or no response is required.
I currently teach Business classes (Banking, Intro to Business, and Insurance) to high school students in grades 9-12. In dealing with the many world issues that arise in the world of business, blogs are practical because students can write reflectively and communicate with their peers.
For the past year I have been wanting to use blogs in my classroom. The county that I work for provides all teachers with space to create a class website. One of the pages that can be created is a Blog page. I decided to play around with creating a blog because I wanted to see how my students would react. To my surprise, they were not as excited as I expected but they did like the ability to read the comments of their peers.
I require all students to respond to my classroom blog. They have more freedom when posting to a blog (as long as it is school appropriate). Traditional writing usually requires students to write in essay/report format. Blogs allow students to get their opinions and thoughts out without having a classroom discussion. The students don't realize that it is a form of writing and can be very educational. Blogs allow deeper thought on subjects. When I post blogs for my students their response must be detailed, much more than a yes or no response is required.
I currently teach Business classes (Banking, Intro to Business, and Insurance) to high school students in grades 9-12. In dealing with the many world issues that arise in the world of business, blogs are practical because students can write reflectively and communicate with their peers.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
...New & Exciting
I have created my very first blog and I am excited to learn more about blogging. I have played around with blogging in the past but I do not consider myself to be a blogger.
I teach Business & Technology in Atlanta, GA.
I feel that it is my responsibility to prepare students for the realities of life. I tell my students that they are expected to be computer savvy. It is my responsibility to continue my learning so that I can share with them the latest and greatest technology available.
I teach Business & Technology in Atlanta, GA.
I feel that it is my responsibility to prepare students for the realities of life. I tell my students that they are expected to be computer savvy. It is my responsibility to continue my learning so that I can share with them the latest and greatest technology available.
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