Just shy of two decades ago, my Dad created a program called Women In Technology where he worked as a teacher at Armijo High School in Fairfield. His dedication to technology, and the belief that women should have more of a presence in the field, led to a powerful movement at his school and in his community. He went on to win many awards, including Teacher of the Year for his district. I remember going with him to a conference he held at his school (at age ten), and being in awe of the new technology being introduced by powerful and influential women in the field of technology at that time, as well as being so proud of my Dad for making this program come to life. Even that long ago, the benefits of technology in the classroom were recognized and celebrated. I am so thankful I was exposed to this at such a young age through my Dad. This set me on a path where technology became integral in my life as a student, and then later as a teacher.
Technology is an ever-growing, ever-changing field. Teachers are said to be lifelong learners. This could not be more true in the area of technology! It is important that I make a consistent effort to stay well versed in this field, because implementing technology supports the 4 Cs in a meaningful way. Sometimes technology can seem overwhelming because SO much is offered, but it is important to just take one thing at a time and implement it. I often remind myself that it is better to do a few small things, rather than to become so overwhelmed by it all, and do nothing. According to Darling-Hammond, a shift needs to happen in the educational system that in includes equal access to critical education resources, and a shift in curriculum and assessment that support 21st century skills. Darling Hammond discusses five key elements that must be implemented for a high and equitably achieving nation. The first element she writes about is having, “Meaningful learning goals, including thoughtful conceptualizations of the content and skills needed for success in the 21st century“ (pg. 279). This goes right in line with everything we have talked and read about in class so far. It also syncs up with what Mark Morrison discussed in his presentation. The first thing Mark Morrison talked about was active student engagement. He stated that students should be answering important questions and mastering important skills in order to have students be able to articulate what they are learning. Second, Mark talked about the importance of the “4 Cs”, and how we should be providing plentiful and meaningful opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Third, Mark discussed the deeper use of technology as an instructional asset and a learning tool. Technology should be utilized as a productivity tool. An area I want to grow in is allowing multiple options for my students to access the content and demonstrate mastery. Critical thinking skills can be shown on paper, or on a computer screen. When I allow my students a choice for how they access the content and show what they have learned, then I am allowing for them to delve into greater critical thinking by removing the barrier of, “It has done this exact way.” I think that method can also reduce creativity. In the short time I have been in this Master’s program, I have been exposed to more forms of technology that I can apply in my classroom. For example, my students could create their own presentations on Prezi, or they could review for a test through Quizlet. Perhaps having my students blog and respond to one another will be my next method I will implement to support the 4 Cs into my classroom. It is up to me as the classroom teacher to facilitate an environment in which these 4Cs can thrive, which in turn means my students are thriving.
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There were many powerful messages in this week’s resources. One driving point that stands out to me is the fact that we are preparing our students for jobs that do not currently exist. In order for us as teachers to do this, we must be utilizing technology and 21st century skills in a powerful way. This includes using technology in the classroom, and using inquiry based teaching that develops students who can use critical thinking skills. It is important to help students discover their talents, and to encourage them to peruse their dreams while holding high expectations for them to rise to.
Each video I watched about technology in the classroom had some aspect of collaboration in it. One component of collaboration was with colleagues. To successfully use technology in the classroom it is important to collaborate with my colleagues. Collaboration with my colleagues will allow us to analyze standards and find technology to support student learning. It was powerful to watch students working with one another while interacting with technology. Student collaboration with one another through technology leads to powerful learning and the development of 21st century skills in the classroom. Adora Svitak delivered a powerful TED Talk. She stated that it is crucial for adults to have high expectations of children, and a willingness to learn from children. Both of these components are so crucial as a teacher. Dalton Sherman also delivered a powerful reminder to believe in each and every individual child. He stated the importance to believe that each child will reach their highest potential. Implementing growth mindset principles in my classroom will support these powerful statements made by these children. By having high expectations, my students will rise and meet them. In the process, I will learn from my students. I will learn from their creativity, willingness to try new things, and their amazing ability to think outside of the box and bring a fresh perspective. As teachers, we get to spend our days teaching and learning from the next generation. We have the responsibility to shape their minds and to encourage them to continue to dream big, and to carry those big ideas and dreams into adulthood with confidence. Hearing these children speak was such a great reminder to remember to always keep learning from my students because they are absolutely awesome. Ken Robinson in his TED Talk, “Bring on the Learning Revolution,” said that education needs a revolution. He talked about the importance of individuals finding their talents. He said, “Human communities depend on a diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability.” Some people never recognize their talents through life. As a teacher, to take part in this revolution by helping students recognize their individual talents, and to celebrate those talents. Robinson talks about how we are currently in a “manufacturing model of education”, and that we must move to a model that is based on an “agricultural model of education”. He sates that human flourishing is an organic process, and that we should shift into personalizing education for who we are teaching. These statements pair well with what we are learning about technology in the classroom. Technology is a tool that can be utilized by teachers to help shift to a more agricultural model of education. Teaching my students to use technology, think critically, and to peruse their talents will empower them to become better prepared for the future. It is my job to continue finding innovative ways to do this. Implementing ideas from this week’s resources will be a good start. |
Jennifer PerkinsTouro Student, Master's in Innovative Learning Archives
November 2018
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