Finally, it has come to the end of a magnificent journey in the 2.0 web class learning to use 21st century technology. The tools I learned in web2.0 will 1.) forever change the way I use technology in the classroom. 2.) make my personal and professional life more enjoyable. I accept the challenge of trying to get my colleagues to embrace technology and not shy away from it.
Personally, I learned that by creating my own wikis and blog, I can share my thoughts and ideas with others. Diigo and social bookmarking has allowed me to organize, highlight, and store my information. When I find articles I can share them with others who have similar interests. It is important to me to communicate what I learned in this course.
Professionally, google docs will be a critical step for me to communiate with administrators and other staff. I need to challege myself to use these new found tools to greatly enhance my students higher level thinking skills. More importantly, I can use my wiki and blog to vastly improve the communication between my parents and myself.
However, it is still important to close the digital divide that remain between the have and the have nots. Social media is increaseingly becoming popular for the younger generation and the way we communicate. We as educators must learn to incorporate cell phones in the classroom. There are some interesting articles on the positive use of cell phones in the classroom. Lastly, no matter how much technology we use in the classroom, we still need to take extreme measures to protect the privacy of students.
Now that web 2.0 has exposed me to many exciting tools, the challenge for me should I except, is to continue to grow professionally through technology. I will use my newfound knowlege to go back to school in August to encourage my colleagues to embrace technology and not reject it.
In conclusion, my plan for the year includes but not limited to 1.) eliminate the need to rely on paper. 2.) create greater accessibility for parents. 3.) use web 2.0 tools to create challenging and exciting student projects.
I agree with the paperless goal. However, in my school there is a lack of access to technology. So, I plan to find many ways to use smartphones, cell phones, etc. for EDUCATIONAL purposes (Board policy). This way instead of distractions, I should have engagement. So, when I look for new groups or blogs, I search using the term cellphone, or smartphone in classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also want to reach more parents, so during Back to school night, I will hand out invitations to my Twitter, a link to my course website, and a link to a survey. Stay in touch.
I think that technology will greatly enhance my ability to communicate with parents also. Yes, I, too, realize the possible divide between the haves and have not; however, between Internet at home, work, libraries, and cell phones, more people have access. While it may not be available to everyone, those who have access can now communicate with me at their convenience. This is one of the best aspects!
ReplyDeleteWith the additon of smart phones I think we have already come to the point where cell phones are being used in the classroom. Students have to be responsoble enough to use them properly. We as teachers sometimes find it hard to go forward with it because we know they can easily get off track,.ie texting, talking or listening to music. If there is a way to decrease these minor issues then cell or smartphone use should take off.
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