Reflection

This course helped me develop teaching skills that I will bring back to my classroom. Learning the importance of blogs, wikis, and podcast is one of the most important things that I learned in this course. Before I started this course, I knew nothing about the three. Now, I look forward to bringing them to my own classroom and helping my students learn to use them as well. Although I teach a younger grade, I believe it's important to start teaching technology now.

This course taught me more about the teaching and learning process. I feel that it is important for teachers to set goals for their students as well as students setting goals for themselves. When incorporating technology into my classroom, I want to set goals that are reasonable for my students to achieve using new technology that I have taught them.

Based on new technology in classrooms, I agree that classrooms now days are moving toward "learning-centered" rather than "teacher centered." Technology use in the classroom is increasing and children are learning to be more independent learners; however, they still need teachers. Teachers are moving from text books to online learning. This is important for student success because their future will rely on technology whether it's in the job market or in school.

To continue aiming towards student achievement, I will participate in professional development that will help increase my use of technology in the classroom. Incorporating 21st century skills into my classroom will also contribute towards student success. Providing lessons which require the children to use their creativity and critical thinking skills are crucial to success.

In order to improve my teaching, I have set two goals for myself. My first goal is to take with me the knowledge that I have learned in this class and apply it to my classroom. I want my classroom to be based more on technology and less on worksheets and books. I know that I can provide guidance for my student's success. My second goal for myself is to research and include 21st century learning skills to all of my lessons. Before I started this class I had not heard of 21st century learning. I want to research more and provide guidance for my colleagues to achieve this goal as well.

Podcast: Profiling the Students of Today

http://jennalbrecht.podbean.com/

21st Century Skills

After reading and exploring the website, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I was both amazed and overwhelmed. My initial thought was, "How are teachers expected to have the time and preparation to accomplish this?" Although it is very interesting to me, I hope to one day feel confident and prepared in utilizing these skills and contribute to "closing the gap" between what children learn in school and what they need to learn for success in the workplace. I was surprised to read that researchers believe that 21st century skills are a key to a strong economy for the U.S.. The reason this surprises me is because they are reducing jobs in the workforce and wanting 21st century skills to prepare students for the workforce all at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I am ready to help and prepare my students the very best I can. I just wonder what the workforce is going to look like in the years to come based on the new wave of technology that is coming about. As a contemporary educator, I incorporate anything I can that is proven to be of best interest for my students. This means that although I have concerns, I will support 21st century learning in my pedagogy. I plan to do this by staying aware of current research, collaborating with my colleagues, planning lessons that promote higher-order thinking skills and advanced communication, and attending professional development seminars.

If you have ideas for incorporating these skills into your classroom, please share!

~Blogging in Kindergarten~

Yes, I think blogging has it's challenges. No, I don't think it's impossible. The children in my kindergarten class are still learning their letters; I do not think it would be possible for them to type on a keyboard. Getting the children to sit still at a computer for five minutes is a task itself! However, I do not think blog use in my classroom is impossible and I believe that I could use the blog in two important ways. First, I would use a blog as a parent portal. As I updated my weekly blog with homework assignments, state standards we are covering, any additional curriculum information, class events such as parties, birthdays in our classroom, student of the week/month information, suggested book list, and school information, parents would be able to visit my blog and see any important information that they may need to know. Also, my room moms would be able to post any information such as reminders for class activities rather than filling up parent's email boxes with constant reminders. Another way I would use a blog in my classroom would be for showcasing student's work. I would be able to upload pictures of student's work as well as pictures in general. I currently upload pictures to Snapfish, which allows parents to see what is going on in our classroom. They love it! The blog would replace that which would allow them the same capability.

I believe a blog would be an essential tool for my class mainly for convenience. With all of the technology we have, it makes most sense to have all of the resources and information in one location. Instead of sending home newsletters, notes, and making phone calls, I would have the ability to post everything to one blog and parents would be able to communicate back to me if needed.

If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Just Me!

Hi everyone! As you can see by my title, I am learning as this is my first blog. I never thought I would be doing this! I want to tell you a little about myself. My name is Jennifer, I am in graduate school at Walden University where I am going to be receiving my Masters Degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. I look forward to learning about technology and how I can use it in my own classroom. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart. We are expecting a baby on or around October 22nd. We do not know the gender which makes for an even bigger surprise. We are thrilled and cannot wait. We have two dogs, Emma and Tallie. They are going to be so jealous when their baby brother or sister arrives home. Oh boy, that is going to be fun!