Reflection

This course had changed my outlook on my classroom as a whole.  I have truly enjoyed this class because it has opened many doors to technology that I may have never known about.  I have not used or created a blog or Wiki before and I can several benefits to these aspects of technology and 21^st century learning.  This course has helped me to create a blog site where I have interacted with my peers and posted a podcast.  The most challenging part of my blog experience was getting my podcast onto the blog site, but I was able to get it posted.  During the group project of creating a Wiki, I had several wonderful experiences.  This was truly a great way for me to connect with my peers and to create something together.  I have worked with podcasting prior to this course, so this was not as much as a challenge for me.  I enjoyed creating this podcast and so did my students.

I am excited to continue to expand my knowledge of technology integration with the aim of increasing student achievement throughout my Master’s program.  I am able to continue this journey by staying updated on the most recent findings based around 21^st century learning.  There are several websites I was introduced to throughout this course I intend to check back and see the newest findings.

At the school I currently am employed at we believe in the looping process.  This is very beneficial when setting long-term goals.  This is my second year with my students, so next year I will get a new set of students.  I am looking forward to introducing to them from the start the ideas of a blog site.  With this blog, students will be able to interact with me during after-school hours, or during school.  I will post reminders and any additional information the students and families may need.  In order for the blog to be successful, I will need to inform them of how to post and also make comments to previous postings.

The second long-term goal I am setting for myself is to introduce a Wiki site for my students.  This Wiki will have links to homework, assignments, supplemental materials and ways to check their grades online.  This will enable students to take responsibility for getting missing assignments turned in in a timely manner.  I believe my goal will help meet instructional goals for students because they will feel excited and successful to get assignments off the web instead of waiting for the consequences that come along with not turning in homework on time.