Reflection Post

After concluding my Educational Technology class I have learned many ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.
My Educational Technology class through Walden University has helped me in many ways. The first way, I have learned to use Web 2.0 tools in my own sixth grade classroom. I have learned the benefits and struggles when using these types of tools in my class. I have learned how wonderful it is to incorporate these tools and how much it really does benefit the learning of my students. I even got the opportunity to teach my students how to create their own blogs and it was a huge success! I have also learned to change my view on teaching, I now know the importance of teaching 21st century skills, I am more aware of the important skills that students need to learn to be successful.
I believe I have deepened my knowledge of teaching and learning in several ways. The first way, I feel that I am much more comfortable and knowledgable when it comes to knowing how technology can improve both teaching methods and learning for students. I have learned that technology can really add to student's learning and truly teaches them skills that they will need to be successful in the workforce someday.
Throughout this course my teaching perspective as altered. Prior to this course I hoovered around the idea of having a class where the teacher is the focus- talking and lecturing. Now, I have moved to the idea of a learning-centered classroom. I always believed that learning needs to take place in a hands-on student way, but was never sure how to implement that idea. Now, I feel that students need to have amble opportunities to explore and use technological resources to learn.
I will continue to increase student achievement by implementing many of the tools I have learned throughout this course.  I will continue to teach my students to be critical thinkers, I want them to be active in the classroom and seek out information, even colloborating through tools like blogs. I will continue to learn by working on my masters and researching effective methods to teaching.
My first long term goal: I woud like to ensure that all students are fimiliar with using Web 2.0 tools- such as blogging, wiki, podcasting, and many others by the time they finish sixth grade. I want to implement these tools in my classroom while teaching and have students use them in their own projects.
My second goal: I hope to improve my student's 21st century skills. I want to constantly help my students learn and become better equipped citizens. It is my hope that all of my students have every opportunity available when they graduate, I don't want to limit any student's dreams or hopes.

Overall, this course has helped me greatly. I believe that because of this course I will be a better teacher. I am hoping to continually improve on my own teaching methods and my ultimate goal is always to increase student learning and enjoyment of learning.

Technology Survey- Podcast

Here is an interview I conducted with my students about their use of technology :)
Click on the following link to view my podcast, enjoy!

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=133573&title=Technology_Interview&ref=stubergan