Reflection

This course has provided me in a lot of insight on how important technology is in the classroom. It allows me to see how important it is to change how we teach and incorporate new technologies, 21st century skills, and learning styles into the curriculum. This course has helped me learn a few new technologies that I was not comfortable enough to teach my students how to use previously. I know how to teach my students how to make a podcast and feel comfortable enough to have them apply it to the curriculum. It was also nice to have the opportunity to learn new technologies and practice with them before needing to use them in the classroom.

I will continue to expand my knowledge of technology by reading blogs, continuing to use the technology that I do know of, keep in touch with teachers in my school who use technology and continue to take classes through Walden.

Two long term goals I would like to set for myself are:
1. To use technology more often during center time for students to explore different programs and websites to find and use information more independently
2. Use technology as a way of differentiating instruction.

Because I will be moving to kindergarten next year instead of teaching second grade, I will have a lot of challenges with technology. This will be their first experience with technology in the classroom, most likely. I feel they will be very excited about using it as part of their learning. My biggest challenge will be adapting some of the programs to a more basic level for most of the kids. I know some of them will surprise me and know a lot more than I expect and others will know little about technology. By continuing to introduce them to new technology I feel my goals of having students use technology during center time will be likely met and will allow my second goal to be achievable also. Once students know basics, you are able to stretch their thinking a bit to differentiate instruction.

Podcast

Here is a link to my podcast. I tried to embed it into my blog but it was unable to connect. Enjoy!

http://sravo.podbean.com/