Reflection on the class Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work and Society

When I decided to make the decision to get my Masters degree in Technology in the Classroom at Walden University, I wanted to learn how to bring new advances into the learning environment that I provide for my students. I did not realize, at the time, how much in the world of technology there was to offer. I knew about blogs, podcasts and had visited Wikipedia. However, I did not realize their full potential to educating my students. Now I see all the possibilities that these types of advances could bring.

My own technology skills have improved by taking the class Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. I did not know how to even begin to set up a blog. I have to admit that it was a scary thought at first. Blogging is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Also, the idea of developing wikis was foreign to me. Using a wiki with my students has not crossed my mind before taking this class. Again, once working collaboratively with others on the wiki, I found it to be a rewarding experience. Another thing that I have learned in this class is how to make a podcast. The podcast assignment was one that I have to say I was the most uncomfortable with. It was rather difficult to listen to my own voice. However, the whole process of making the podcast was rather enjoyable. The podcast was a huge accomplishment for me which was rather rewarding.

I can continue to expand my knowledge of technology integration and student achievement even after this course is over. From now own, when I hear of a new technological advancement, I will think about how it can be used in my classroom. Also, I will continue to experiment with what I have learned so far. Once projects are implemented in the classroom, I will find ways to change them and make them better. Just as I have done before with developing my lessons, I will research over the internet ways in which others have used technology in the classroom. When opportunities open up to attend seminars and conferences, I will be sure to attend. My network of friends that I have developed in this class will provide open doors to sharing information and ideas.

I have two main goals that I would like to implement over the next two years in my classroom. The first is to use my school website and email for submitting assignments. I will post assignments on my website that will have to be sent into me by e-mail. The assignments will include homework and projects. The projects will be more student based. Rather than being teacher centered, the students will be in charge of their learning. This idea will be slowly implemented over the course of the next two years. I will begin next semester requiring assignments twice a month that will be turned in via e-mail. Once the kinks are worked out, I will begin to give more lengthy and frequent assignments. Much depends on which class I am given to teach. I will have to make sure that I survey the class to find out who has internet availability at home. Alternate assignments will be given to those who do not, or I will make sure I provide them with adequate computer lab time. The second goal that I have is to get all my students involved in a class blog. Each subject that I teach will have its own blog. The blogs, at first, will be done weekly. The blogging will cover the topics discussed in class as well as addressing how math is used in everyday life. To begin with, I will put my students in groups of two. Each group will have their week to contribute to the blog. The classmates will be required to comment to the blogs.

Prior to applying to Walden, I thought I was very “up” on technology. I had a class set of TI graphing calculators, a laptop, projector and an interactive white board. I have found, however that these devices were just that, devices to help to the same thing a different way. Don’t get me wrong, they are very good materials to have in the classroom. Now I realize there is more to using technology than just having “stuff.” I realize that I need to make learning a different experience. This is what I plan to accomplish.