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.