Reflective Journal
Unfaltering Steps on My Road
What happened?
Questions I asked myself as I navigate new technology and my college classes: 1. What does technology do for schools? 2. How has learning about the newest technologies influenced me personally? 3. How will technology influence the way I teach? 4. As I travel through the world of technology, how will I continue to grow?
1. What does technology do for schools?
Technology helps the teacher become more interesting to the student. Technology, if used right, can be more than just black and white words to absorb. Pictures can improve a child’s ability to recall an idea. If a student lacks interest in a “boring” topic, then animated pictures can make an idea interesting. The Internet offers opportunities for solving information problems. When teachers teach without the internet they could be limiting their students’ opportunity to have all possible information on the subject. When I taught twelve years ago I had often pondered whether or not I was teaching everything needed. I worried about leaving out a crucial piece of information that would have change a child’s point of view or influenced his future, but with the internet I am able to research every historic and current point-of-view.
2. How has learning about the newest technologies influenced me personally?
I feel as though I am going to be a much more effective and professional teacher now that I have technology in its entirety supporting my lessons. I like that technology makes partners. It seems as though technology can’t exist without teamwork. The only reason language was able to succeed was because it needed a partner. This new language, speaking through some form of technology, will be the same. Technology’s influence on me is not completely realized. I feel that I have been exposed to all there is available right now, but I haven’t had time to absorb all that I want to absorb. As time goes by, I am able to see new ways to integrate my imagination with technology.
3. How will technology influence the way I teach?
One of my most favorite times in school was when I was learning and participating in a group. I love interacting with my peers, helping and being helped was influential to my point of view. If the school where I teach has the technology to use, I will establish project based lesson for my students that can be conducted in a cooperative learning environment. I feel that if my students can find themselves in the role of helper or helpee they will develop a better understanding of their own power of community and commitment. With this understanding they will see where they can take technology to even greater heights; especially reinforcing community strength.
4. As I travel through the world of technology, how will I continue to grow?
Ten years ago I learned a new concept called Montessori. In Montessori I learned that children learn best when they are taught by their peers. In this class I learned that the same concept is called consultation. I will use consultation avidly to help my students gain richer understanding of technology, subject matter, and community. My personal growth will include a lot of contemplation on my lesson plans as to how I can use constructivist theory and consultation in my teaching more often.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I feel that the new generation of students has shown us through their style of communication that they appreciate the use of technology. In response to this, I feel teachers have a responsibility to show and encourage our students to learn, and to develop a commitment to future learning through the use of technology.
References
Grabe, Mark and Grabe, Cindy, The Internet as a Tool for Communication (n.d.) Derived from: “Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning” University of North Dakota Technology Facilitator, Grand Forks Schools. Retrieved from the internet, June, 2006, From Mount Saint Mary Collage WebCT http://course.msmc.edu:8900/SCRIPT/ed5700_01_06s1_ls/scripts/serve_home Dyck, Brenda A. Four Principles for True Technology Integration2004Follow these, and you will be a pathfinder! (Updated: April 2,) Retrieved from the Internet, June, 2006 From Mount Saint Mary Collage WebCT http://course.msmc.edu:8900/SCRIPT/ed5700_01_06s1_ls/scripts/serve_home Grabe, Mark and Grabe, Cindy Meaningful Learning in an Information Age. Derived and modified from: “Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning” University of North Dakota Technology Facilitator, Grand Forks Schools Retrieved from the Internet June, 2006 From Mount Saint Mary Collage WebCT http://course.msmc.edu:8900/SCRIPT/ed5700_01_06s1_ls/scripts/serve_home