Reflection Post for EDUC 6715

As my tenth and final Walden class comes to a close, I cannot think of a more fitting class to end with than New and Emerging Technologies. Up until now, we have looked at what it means to integrate technology into a classroom, why we should do it, and how to organize it all. Along the way, we looked at some of the emerged or emerging tools that are ready to be used in our classrooms. These included the Web 2.0 tools of blogs, podcasts, wikis, and digital storytelling. Since technology is constantly changing, it only makes sense that new tools will become available over time, and will outdate or force our current tools to evolve. As educators, it is essential that we do not just stop with the current technologies, but look forward to the ones yet to come. As a part of this, we need to be able to recognize how and what emerging technologies can be integrated to improve student learning (our ultimate goal). We also must be ready to become leaders of change in our schools. If we know something that can help our students, is it not our job to spread it along, and do everything possible to make it a reality to as many students as possible? This course helped us to reflect on these areas, along with introducing us to some emerging technologies in school, including online learning, MUVEs, and digital gaming.

The project for this course had me use one of the three emerging technologies to plan a lesson, write a report explaining the need and benefit of using the technology, and then to write a rationale for a grant proposal for getting the technology. The project demonstrated my learning in this course by having me explore an emerging technology for use in the classroom, consider how the technology supports 21st century learners, and finally, become a change leader. It also allowed me to consider how technology is changing the way students learn in real and meaningful ways (Lemke & Coughlin, 2009).

To ensure that I am the most effective teacher I can be, I need to be ready to make immediate adjustments to the way I do things in the classroom. A majority of our students are visual learners and that means the traditional teaching style (i.e. lectures) needs to change as well (Gillard & Bailey, 2007). To ensure that I keep up with the latest emerging technologies I can subscribe to sites such as Becta, which offer up-to-the-minute news on new technologies and how they can be used in learning. I will also work to be a leader of change in my school. There are many teachers who may fear change, especially when the change comes from technology. There are also teachers who might want to try integrating technology, but do not know where to begin. I can work with my colleagues to overcome that fear and help them feel comfortable using technology with their students. In short, I will help to transform teaching and learning in my school.

Shannon Eno

References

Gillard, S., & Bailey, D. (2007). Technology in the classroom: Overcoming obstacles, reaping rewards. The International Journal of Learning, 14(1), 87–93.

Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59.