I chose the Innovative Learning program in large part because I realized that I needed to grow as an educator in the area of technology in education and teaching 21st century learning skills. I began my teaching career in 1995 when “you’ve got mail” and “surfing the worldwide web” were rather new and exciting phrases. Over the two decades I’ve been teaching, I have managed to maintain basic proficiency in the use of technology, but I’ve never gained a deep passion for incorporating technology into learning. I used technology solely as a tool to replace other tools - computer for paper & pen, online research to replace the library, email to replace notes or phone calls. I even felt a resistance due to concerns about possible detriments of our societal shift of reliance upon technology. I believe that fluent reading with deep comprehension is the most essential foundation of all learning. Acquiring this fluency and comprehension is a complex process requiring memorization, attention span, background knowledge and interaction with the physical world, early verbal language, socialization, many hours actually reading, and critical thinking skills. I’ve seen how increased screen time, online research, immediate availability of facts, information overload, and shortcuts taken by students can be detrimental to many of these processes. On the other hand, I also realized that my ignorance in the area of technology infused teaching and learning is stopping me from exploring its best uses. I hoped to become a more informed educator in the area of the efficacious uses of technology in the classroom. I hoped the Innovative Learning program would help me leverage my use of technology to maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing any possible drawbacks to student learning and critical thinking. At this point in the program, I already feel empowered to explore all the used of technology and innovative learning/teaching. I feel more confident in distinguishing between responsible, effective use of tech tools that are intrinsically part of a learning process and those that are simply overlays to a process and aren’t beneficial in and of themselves. I’ve certainly grown in my comfort level of the use of particular tech tools. Just the fact that I can post a blog (not write it, just post it) in under a couple minutes is a noticeable difference from the beginning of the semester. Before this class, I can count on one hand the amount of times I published to the web. (Don’t laugh!) From dinosaur to… dog(gedness) to… dynamo? One can hope!
3 Comments
We are DEFINITELY teaching twins! I never really intended to get so immersed in tech -- tech found me! But I love learning and this area was one that is constantly changing and shifting. It is great that you have such a willing and open attitude. I have found that when I jump in and try things out -- I'm amazed not only at how much I can learn, but how enjoyable the process is. Great work.
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Dan Parker
4/27/2017 01:10:23 pm
Thanks for sharing. I know that I for sure have been out of the classroom the longest but reading that you are still growing and changing with technology reminds me that teachers are always learning and changing to adapt to do the best for their students and their profession.
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Dooged endurance, observation and self-criticism have gained me strength to keep on teaching with the ever changing classroom of the modern world we live in. I'm with you I've grown in many ways over this semester but also have seen even more short coming my classroom. I'm not able to use so many new smart ways to express lessons and ideas with students. I need to grow my classroom technology for 21st century.
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December 2017
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