Reflection

This course has helped me develop my technology skills as a professional teacher. I have been able to read books and articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts that explain and support my understanding of technology. I now have a greater understanding of how to use the different technology tools in the classroom. Through the support I find the technology easy to use. I have successfully used podcasting and video making within my classroom something that I might not have used in the past. I feel comfortable and confident in using technology.

Through the work and readings of this course I have deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process. In our schools today there is a population of students who have always been surrounded by technology. They are comfortable and accustomed to technology and due to this they are able to access knowledge in a different way than before. It is our job as educators to adjust our classrooms to support these students. If we provide an envorinment that is more exploritory and interest driven students will succeed while being engaged.

With this idea in mind, I have started to change the design of my lessons. I am trying to use technology tools and programs to engage my students and increase their achievement. I use my Smartboard to show quick video clips to introduce lessons. I also use interactive websites and computer generated lessons that able the students to manipulate, touch and develop an understanding of the topic. We also use programs like imovie and garage band to record what they have learned to share with others. I will continue to expand my knowledge in order to foster the learning of my students. My students have only given me positive feedback when using technology because of their excitement I am encouraged to continue learning about different programs to help support them.

If is important for educators to make goals that will keep them current in the field of education. Over the course of the school year I would like to work on improving and transforming my classroom environment. My first goal is to develop social studies units that are student centered. I am going to develop these units through the use of a WebQuest. I teach a second grade special education class. My second goal is to have students engaged in their reading. Through computer based reading programs paired with interactive websites and guided reading students will improve their overall understanding of reading (comprehension, fluency and decoding).