How well prepared do you feel for 21st century teaching and learning?
I don't feel that I'm prepared for 21st century teaching and learning. I barely know how to use a computer, the projector in the ceiling, and my new iPad. I don't know how to use a Smart Board, clickers, elmos, or any other technology tool other teachers are using. With that being said, you can tell that I'm not even aware of some of the technology tools available for teachers to use in the classroom.
Do your students leave your classroom equipped for success using 21st century skills?
My students leave my classroom with very little knowledge of 21st century skills everyday. That's mainly because they have limited access to 21st century technology. I do feel that my third graders know how to turn on a computer, type with their index fingers only, and can find a web site. That's about the extent of the 21st century skills I can give my students.....technology wise. As far as critical thinking and problem solving skills, I feel that my third graders leave my classroom able to use higher level thinking skills that the 21st century will require. I do follow the state standards and indicators which are geared for 21st century learning.
What are your strengths and challenges in regards to 21st century teaching and learning?
My strengths in regards to 21st century teaching and learning center around my willingness to want to learn how to use new technology in the classroom. I just purchased an iPad with the thought of using it to teach with. What is challenging about 21st century teaching and learning is the rapid growth of technology, and being able to keep up with it. Also, I have little technology support from my school in regards to having the appropriate training on how to use the latest in technology teaching tools. Any technology workshops I would be interested in taking would mean I would have to pay for them and attend them after school hours or on weekends. My school doesn't have the money to pay for any technology training or to hire a substitute teacher for me. This is not exclusive to my school district. Many school districts in my state do not have funding available to train their staff to use new technology or to allow their staff to attend workshops during the school day.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
My Use of Technology in My Classroom
How am I doing at meeting the NETS for teachers standards in my classroom?
In my classroom, I do have 3 student computers, a computer at my desk, a projector hanging from the ceiling, a TV and VCR, and for my personal use, I own a digital camera, a digital video camera, an iPod Touch and an iPad 2 3-G. I use my computer at my desk to play DVD's or to show websites via the projector in the ceiling. Whenever I can, I model how to locate info on the internet. Sometimes I use my computer/projector to play a game for whole class participation. Technology in my classroom is limited, but I try to make do with what I do have.
What are some of the barriers to technology use in your professional setting?
The main barrier in my use of technology is the lack of training. I had to learn mostly on my own how to use the technology in my classroom. I am not aware of some of the technology available for my use via the forms of technology already in place in my classroom and I'm sure there are many things I could be using. My colleagues that are tech savvy keep to themselves or if we are aware of something they are using, we have to arrange a time to learn from them. That makes it very challenging to find a common time.
How does the Biblical directive to "fear not" apply to you as far as technology use?
It really doesn't apply to me as much as it use to as far as technology use is concerned. My fear is that I'm not aware of some of the technology that I could be using and my students (and myself for that matter) are suffering. There are so many things I could be using to engage my students and for intervention/enrichment activities.
What are your personal goals as you begin this class on technology?
My number one personal goal as I begin this class on technology is to learn about some technology tools and how to use them. I want to learn how to use my new iPad 2 and add "apps" to it that I can use in the classroom.
In my classroom, I do have 3 student computers, a computer at my desk, a projector hanging from the ceiling, a TV and VCR, and for my personal use, I own a digital camera, a digital video camera, an iPod Touch and an iPad 2 3-G. I use my computer at my desk to play DVD's or to show websites via the projector in the ceiling. Whenever I can, I model how to locate info on the internet. Sometimes I use my computer/projector to play a game for whole class participation. Technology in my classroom is limited, but I try to make do with what I do have.
What are some of the barriers to technology use in your professional setting?
The main barrier in my use of technology is the lack of training. I had to learn mostly on my own how to use the technology in my classroom. I am not aware of some of the technology available for my use via the forms of technology already in place in my classroom and I'm sure there are many things I could be using. My colleagues that are tech savvy keep to themselves or if we are aware of something they are using, we have to arrange a time to learn from them. That makes it very challenging to find a common time.
How does the Biblical directive to "fear not" apply to you as far as technology use?
It really doesn't apply to me as much as it use to as far as technology use is concerned. My fear is that I'm not aware of some of the technology that I could be using and my students (and myself for that matter) are suffering. There are so many things I could be using to engage my students and for intervention/enrichment activities.
What are your personal goals as you begin this class on technology?
My number one personal goal as I begin this class on technology is to learn about some technology tools and how to use them. I want to learn how to use my new iPad 2 and add "apps" to it that I can use in the classroom.
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