Learning Theory, Instruction, & Technology

Reflection: Final Blog

The course Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society has allowed me to experience and explore the overwhelming role advancements in technology we have in our daily routines.  Throughout the duration of this course I have been able to enhance my knowledge and skills professionally as a teacher by increasing my ability to apply the major Web 2.0 tools necessary for servicing the 21^st  century learners found in our classrooms today.  Through this process I have an increased understanding about how important the design and structure of our instructions are when integrating technology into our classrooms.  In order to transform our classrooms to meet the needs of our digital natives it is necessary for us as teachers to shift our traditional teacher-centered patterns to a more innovative learner-centered approach.  As an educator the expansion technology has allowed our students to take more control in their own learning and has encouraged an increase in students’ performance.

 

When first entering this course I was under the impression that I knew more about technology than I did.  I discovered that although I was knowledgeable in computer trouble shooting issues I lacked the knowledge of the new technological tools and how to apply them in the classroom environment.   This course introduced me to and increased my knowledge of the new technological Web 2.0 tools.  In turn, I have become more aware and comfortable with these tools professionally and how they will assist me in restructuring my classroom instruction in integrating these 21^st century learning skills.  This transformation includes creating a classroom environment that focuses on the needs of my students developing a learner-centered approach rather than traditional teacher-centered models.  I have learned through this course the importance of technology and how its presence allows students to gain more control of their education while developing collaborative skills amongst their peers in school as well as in global networking activities.  Educational models following this format deliver a more efficient education for students and better prepares them with the skills necessary for the digital and global workforce of today.

 

I am excited to continue to expand my knowledge through my course of studies at Walden University and by continuing to independently explore the new tools I have learned through the technology resources provided in this course.   Furthermore, there are many other opportunities to develop my knowledge through my fellow colleagues and class mates at Walden. 

 

The first goal I plan to address in transforming the classroom settings I work in with the general education teachers is to educate them about the many different technology tools.   I have been fortunate to explore and integrate ways to introduce them within their general education instruction providing more opportunities for them to use these tools.  Even though I believe the transformation process may be slow I now believe these tools are necessary elements to include in our classrooms.  My second goal will be to assist and encourage the general education teachers I work with to allow their students to become the center of their classroom settings through technology.  The completion of these goals will result in better structured classroom for digital natives filling our schools while influencing higher levels of achievement in student performance levels.

 

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

The web site Partnership for 21^st Century Skills serves as a great resource for educators and the public which addresses the shift in the way students learn today and the necessary tools and skills that are needed to successfully prepare students for our new globally collaborative and competitive workplace individuals are now being exposed to.

I believe that the information contained on  the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills site focuses on many adaptations that are needed to update our classrooms and support differences found in the way our students learn today.  The mission of this group is to repair the disconnections between what children are being taught in school and what skills and standards are required as they enter into the business world. Technology has transformed the way in which we communicate and complete modern day tasks.  Partnership for 21^st Century Skills recognizes the importance of these advancements in the world and they are committed to help educators go beyond teaching just core subjects by integrating technological tools within their classroom as a part of the overall lesson plan.  Additionally, within this 21^st Century Learning Framework, activities such as project-based collaborative instruction for students create an interactive arena that allows them opportunities to produce, construct, discover, and ask questions in order to draw their own conclusions.  According to the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills, these collaborative exercises, which hone skills in global awareness, civic literacy and more, will better prepare them for the many challenges they will face upon entrance to the workforce.

The site also includes specific state information as well.  This section describes particular state plans for 21^st Century Learning Skills standards, assessment, professional development, and advisory councils.  In the state of New Jersey they describe their overall vision for educational reform in public schools.  They plan to focus attention on key elements geared to the 21^st century skills.  As an educator in New Jersey I believe that we have been slowly attaining this particular goal.

I believe their would be positive implications as a result of the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills vision for both students and teachers by weaving these particular themes within instructional core content areas.  Teachers would become more knowledgeable in technological and global strategies to assist the student to excel in global awareness with their knowledge of the various ranges of literacies each interface has to offer to better prepare them for success in the workforce.