Teaching Changes with Technology

By researching and learning about different forms of technology, it has become apparent to me that I must conquer my fears and begin to make changes in my teaching practices.  There are many small changes that can be made to make a lesson plan more engaging to students.  Differentiating instruction is a big problem within most classrooms and I feel that using technology can help.  I have also learned that there are many different tools available to make my record keeping and classroom management more manageable.  By using technology  I hope to become a better communicator with parents and fellow colleagues. 

Encouraging the use of technology

I hope to set an example and encourage my colleagues to try new ideas in the area of technology.  I feel like if I can learn to use some of these new things- most of them can and should at least give it a try.  By participating in all of the professional development opportunities and then making the attempt to incorporate changes into my lesson plans, I will be able to share what works and what doesn't for my grade level team.  I have found a tremendous amount of good resources for sharing with my peers to help further our curriculum and by showing them that we can do it together I think it will not be such a big undertaking.

Concerns About Using the Internet

As both an educator and a parent, I have several concerns about the use of the internet for certain things in education.  While there are many positive aspects of this technology, I sometimes fear that we are losing an element of  face to face interaction when too much technology is used.     I also worry that the issue of internet safety is not always as carefully monitored as it should be.  
As a teacher, I have concerns that when the technology I am counting on to use does not work properly time on task is lost. This creates a stressful situation with a classroom of young learners.         I also worry that I may not be as adequately prepared to meet the needs of my students if I haven't received the proper training for using the technology.  Overall, however, I feel that I can alleviate these concerns by being proactive in my lesson planning by always having a backup plan.  If I just stick to what is age-appropriate and find child-friendly websites when using the internet I will not be endangering my students in any way.  I can also do my best to continue to learn skills that will help me to become more proficient and confident in this technological world of education. 

Trying different software

I use the following software applications regularly in my teaching practice:

Harmony- Used for recording attendance, lunch count, student personal information, grades, lesson    planning,  and communication with the administration for discipline

ActiveInspire- Used for many different  types of interactive activities with the students

Microsoft Word-  Used to create worksheets, parent newsletters, and other word processing needs pertaining to the classroom

I would like to improve my skills in all of these areas.  I know that I am  currently just scratching the surface of what is available that I can use to increase my professional efficiacy.  I especially would like to become more proficient in the use of the ActiveInspire software.  It is a very exciting teaching tool for my students and I want to become more comfortable with using it.  This will take some time to play with it and find out what is available and then how to incorporate it into my lesson planning.
I plan to continue to ask for help from someone who has more experience than me and to try to add as many new skills to better myself in these areas.  I want to get better at what I already know before I try to take on too many other new things and then don't do any of them very well.

Preparing Students With 21st Century Skills

As both an educator and a learner in the world of technology, I am most definitely an "immigrant".  I am still learning the basics of using a computer for something other than a social media.   I am learning something new each and every time I sit down to work on a project.  This can be very frustrating and overwhelming because for the most part I am teaching myself these skills as I go.  I do not feel very well prepared to teach 21st century skills at a very high level.    Because I teach in the primary grades, I feel that it may be somewhat easier for me to learn the skills that are necessary for meet to meet the needs of this developmental age.  I like to think that my students leave my classroom with enough exposure to technology that is appropriate for them and with the curiousity and desire to learn more at the next level.
I face many challenges in regards to 21st Century teaching and learning, however, my biggest strength is that I am getting more confident in trying new things with technology without the fear that I once possessed. I'm hoping that this old dog can still learn some new tricks!

How is technology changing my role as an educator?

As I am working on obtaining my Master's degree in education after stepping away from the profession for nearly 15 years to raise a family, I am quickly seeing how the world of learning has rapidly changed.  Technology has changed the framework of how students learn and how eductors must respond to meet their needs in the 21st Century.   For someone of my generation, this poses a great deal of stress and uncertainty when learning to adapt to all of these changes.   I strive to meet the standards placed on teachers by the NETS to incorporate technology into my daily lessons.  I feel that with the advance of technology I have been able to do a better job of advancing the creativity of students, have created learning activities to better address their diverse abilities, and have been able to better communicate with parents and peers because of digital media. 
With all of the benefits that technology offers, there is still many barriers that prevent it's use within my professional setting.  Without adequate funding there is not enough equipment or training to be consistent within our building.  Many teachers have used their own personal funds to purchase items, while others are not able to do so.  
When thinking about my fear of learning the new techniques necessary to teach in a technological world, I feel that just as with anything new, I can rely on my faith to help get me through the dark unknown areas.  With God, all things are possible, and I will do my best to not let fear stop me from trying something new.  There are bound to be some frustrations, but if I never try, I will never grow. 
My personal goals with technology involve boosting my confidence in using it on a more frequent basis.  I hope to be able to find ways to better communicate with parents that might impact their child's education.  I hope to be able to set up a classroom web page to showcase the work my students are doing.  I also hope to be able to find ways to use technology to help me with the diverse learning styles of my students.