Reflection

This course has helped me to develop my technology skills in many ways. I am now aware of the wide range of learning that can take place using technology. I also learned that I should not approach technology with cynicism, but with the hope that it gives many different ways for all of my students to learn.

My perspective is changing from that of a teacher-centered environment to one that is learner centered. Students are now sharing in their own learning. They have different opportunities to share their thoughts with each other and with me. They are also working collaboratively in groups of two or more. Although this type of learning environment is less quiet, I am realizing that learning does happen in different ways.

As the learning environment is changing, so is my approach to gaining knowledge. I am constantly looking for new ways to gain knowledge and in turn help my students to be interactive learners. Technology is one of the greatest ways that this interactivity can benefit the learners in my classroom. They can use the technology that is available to them in school to master the high standards that are set for them.

Two long term goals that I have set and will accomplish within the next two years are having a technology friendly classroom and becoming more of an expert of technology integration into the learning environment. As I complete each of my classes, I am becoming aware that the needs of my students are different. Currently, most students are more advanced in regards to technology usage, so their classrooms must therefore become a place where they can use various technologies to learn.

After looking back on the checklist for this course, I see that I am only utilizing a few of the practices and the skills that were mentioned. As a constant learner, I know that I will eventually be able to check “yes” for all or most of the practices and skills listed on the checklist.