Module+1+Reflection

//Reflection Prompt: How has your knowledge of technology standards changed after this module? Reflect on your own use of technology standards in your classroom and personal use.//
__ //Description// __ Our module this week focused on technology standards. I have spent time for this class reading about the NETS standards, which provide the "roadmap" for educators and what skills they need to effectively use technology to support education, as well as on the discussion boards, both sharing my prior thoughts and experiences with technology in the classroom as well as reading about others' experiences and knowledge. In addition to the coursework, I have begun a new semester at school, with all new classes and students, which has given me a chance to think a little about how I am approaching technology in the courses I teach, as well as how I might begin to implement new technology in this new semester.

//__Impact__// Before starting this course, I knew that I wanted to get a better grasp on technology and how to use it more effectively in the classroom. My district has been exploring different types of technology- we all received new Smart Boards about two years ago- and I want to be 'in the know' when it comes to the latest and best forms of technology to use with my students. The standards helped not only to confirm, but also to put voice to my concerns. I knew that I wanted to use new technology, but I did not really know the reasons why or how I should use technology. The ISTE website explains on its homepage that the world is changing, and that teachers must be the leaders of these changes. The ISTE charges teachers with the responsibility of digital literacy; that is, in educating and making sure students are savvy learners in the digital world. I saw a direct influence of this in my new Mass Media classes this week as I surveyed the students on their Internet usage- many of them use the Internet and new digital technologies regularly, but they are not aware of safety concerns, or they are only use Facebook, but have never created or even used a blog. Technology is everywhere- students carry it with them in their cell phones and iPods in their pockets! But they have no literacy, no mastery over this new technology. Students need to be taught how to use these new technologies, both safely and with skill and knowledge of what they are doing. It has become more clear to me after this module that not only is technology in the classroom useful to making lessons more impactful, but technology-based education is also essential to give students the skills and experiences they need to use technology beyond the classroom, in real-life situations.

__//Intent//__ As a result of my discoveries in the module, I plan to look closely at my classes that I teach this semester and to try and find new ways to integrate technology into my lessons. I also plan to be open to discussions in this online class, and to actively seek new ideas, both through assignments and online discussions with my classmates. I hope that through these methods, I can not only discover and use others' ideas and suggestions for using classroom technology, but that I can also eventually come to a point where I am knowledgeable (and confident!) enough to develop my own technological methods.