Reflective Essay

This is my final blog posting for my 2nd course at Walden , Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education,Work and Society(EDUC 6710). I must admit that this has been my favorite course so far. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have. Although the assignments really took me out of my comfort zone and I spent some sleepless nights worrying over learning the new technology, I feel a sense of accomplishment! I am, as Mark Prensky(2001) would say, definitely a "digital immigrant", but I do feel that I am moving in the right direction to become part of the 21st century.

This course has helped me tremendously to develop my own technology skills as a professional teacher in the many ways. Before taking this course, I didn't really have any idea of the exciting possibilities that todays technology could offer. I had never participated in a blog, let alone create one. Now I have my own,which I have used basically for this course, and I have one that I created for my students to participate in! Podcasting using Gabcast was so fun and easy. I know that my students would really enjoy this. The Wiki was a bumpy road and I must say that I enjoyed this the least, but I do see the potential there for a wikispace for my art students. Practice, practice... I do believe that this class has made me more aware of the possibilities out there and less afraid to try and use them.

This course has made me realize what it feels like to be a struggling student (again!). I have felt the frustration and worry over not understanding the lesson and it has put me in the shoes of some of my students and has made me a bit more understanding of their feelings. It also has made me remember to ask questions and do not be afraid to not know something, because there are usually others out there that don't understand either. Also, the learning community here has absolutely benefitted me. Everyone is so helpful and I believe that we all really want to learn for ourselves and for our students. I do believe that we are truly on the path of the" lifelong learner".

I have changed my perspective from being teacher centered to learning centered in a few ways. As I said above, I always want to be a lifelong learner. I don't think that will ever change, so I don't just see myself as a teacher. I also see myself as a learner. I also appreciate the fact that some of my students know more than me, in the field of technology especially and I can learn from my students as much as they can learn from me. I do believe that students learn more when they are fully engaged in what they are learning. The old ways of lecturing and test taking do not work. Personally, I do not believe that they ever really did. With today's technology there is so much for the students to be able to get involved in. They will learn best of they are the ones creating and experiencing things rather than listening me talk about them.

I can continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching and leading with technology to increase student achievement in various ways. I will never stop wanting to learn what is going on in these fields. Daily there is change in these areas, especially though, in technology. I will continue to take courses and continue to stay on top of things. As far as my students are concerned, I hope to integrate technology into more aspects of all my courses. I have recently began a blog with some of my students to create a group mosaic. I have finally had a projector installed into my room so that my students can share in some of the resources that I have. I would love to expand the boundaries of my artroom so that it encompasses more than just our four walls. I would like for my students to have global experiences with other students and professionals. I am hoping to have them share their art with many others. I want them to be able to see the "big picture".

One long term goal that I would like to set for myself is to be able to incorporate technology into every lesson that I teach somehow. This is more of a personal goal, since I first have to become more comfortable in using these technologies myself, but I feel that I am on the right track. I will continue to learn about today's technologies and take courses. I will also ask questions of everyone! Students, other teachers, it doesn't matter. Whoever can help!
Another goal that I have is to be able to have more computers for my students and for them to have some type of drawing programs to use on these computers. I know that today's computers can do unbelievable things in the way of art and I would like to be able to give my students these experiences so that they know what is out there. This may be difficult for me in terms of money, but I can find available grant money hopefully or fundraise for these items.

Upon completion of this course, I do feel that my views on technology have changed a bit. I do see the potential in integrating technology into my classes. And I do realize that this is something that we must do in order to keep our students on track in today's society and to prepare them for their future. Today's society is a very global one and we must be able to adapt in order to survive and thrive in it.

Susan