This course has broadened my views on effective 21st Century-Teaching strategies, by integrating Web 2.0 tools like wikis, blogs, and podcast
into my teaching. Prior to taking this course, I was aware of the details outlined in its successful completion, yet the thought of technology and becoming knowledgeable of navigating through the web to ultimately creating blogs and podcast was a new experience for me; and proved to be somewhat difficult. This course has assisted me in gaining new strategies of teaching by incorporating technology into my lesson plans using innovative thinking through potential resources right in front of me (i.e. cell phones, notepads, etc). Let's face it, until the proper funding is received for schools in America to successfully integrate this 21st Century plan, we as educators have to step up in ensuring our students are successful. Half the battle is already won with the knowledge that our students are "digital natives", whom already possess the basic foundation of navigating through the web. Our role as facilitator sets the tone for the type of content being researched by the student on the Internet.
My new found respect of holding the student accountable for his/her education places more responsibility and focus towards the student. In fact, I pride my students with proving my information to be wrong or right through access of the web; and at times am known to purposely place incorrect information within the lesson plans as a test or experiment. From this information, I am able to conclude which students are using attention to detail and are actually completing the assignments correctly. Realizing our roles as educators has shifted from expert to mentor, guide, and facilitator as a source of information can be a refreshing experience to some, but an end to teacher control for others. That being said, today's classroom structure must entail students and teachers working together in an effort to achieve future success.
The change from teacher centered to learning centered provides the opportunity for students to relate/discuss and find conclusions to present situations as in "real world" events. With technology at the forefront, their is no expert, only a collaborative effort to effectively problem solve. Today's students learn at a faster rate than 10 or even 15 years ago, so their learning styles are far from the traditional ask mom or dad, and get an answer. Now, they can get an answer, decide rather the answer is sufficient enough, and continue research to prove that answer right or wrong. That being said, an educator in the 21st Century must invite the positive use of resources the web has to offer as a learning tool not only for our students, but for us all.
From the course readings, discussion comments, and resources I had the opportunity of recording, editing and uploading my first podcast. To someone with little background in technology, this is an achievement and motivational tool for any upcoming future courses and this approaching school year with my students. This was one of my more difficult assignments and continued beyond the deadline, due to lack of knowledge. Once completed however, the motivating feeling of accomplishment allowed me to break free of my fears of utilizing technology effectively for innovative teaching through the web and its resources.
Two long-term goals I most certainly plan to achieve within my classroom are less lecture and more guidance as a mentor. With the responsibility of learning shared between student and teacher, success is incorporated on both sides, which sets the pace for learning in the 21st Century. In reviewing the checklist from week 1, my views on incorporating 21st Century learning into my classroom were broadened with unlimited information to engage my students interest. The effective educator, understands the ever-so changing world, which has evolved around technology. He/she understands their students success plays a major role in defining the path for this next generation and will make the necessary adjustments for success.
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