Reflection on Learning

In the course Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, I have been challenged with learning new technologies and the impact these resources have on my students. In this course I blogged, skyped, created a podcast and a wiki! I had not heard of many of these words before this course, so my technology skills have developed tremendously. These tools will be wonderful learning tools in my classroom next year.

Besides all the technology, I have gained a deeper appreciation of the benefits of a learner-centered classroom. Mark Prensky states that the students of today are used to getting information quickly and from multiple sources all at once, they work best when networking with others (Prensky, 2001). This is quite contrary to the direct instruction, teacher delivery method of most today’s classrooms. We must allow students to come to their own conclusions, while guiding them on the correct path.

Another tool that I have learned to use in this course is the RSS aggregators. With this tool, I will continue to monitor blogs, wikis and news feeds that will allow me to follow the latest in technology and learning. It is very exciting to think that I can be at the forefront of new research that will help my students.

My long term goals to transform my classroom to a 21st century context come directly from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I plan to bring the world into my classroom via the internet. Allow students to interact with others, including experts in their field of study on real-world applications that relate to students’ lives. The obstacles to this style are the pressures to teach to the test and restrictions within school technology use. My philosophy on standardized tests is that student centered, 21st century lessons strengthen and deepen understanding of the material students are tested on. This type of learning lasts a lifetime, not just through a week in April of every year. I will start to advocate for students’ use of technology at school and search for solutions to circumvent the restrictions in a safe and responsible manner. The best I can do for my students in preparing them for a productive 21st century society is to model life-long learning myself and bring it to my teaching.


References:
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. A report and mile guide for 21st century skills
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).