End of Semester Reflection

Before this semester I didn't really think about technology and its uses in the classroom at all. I just kind of figured that was for the "techie" people and I was going to be satisfied with my own simpler way of teaching. Gladly after this class that perspective has changed. I've learned that in order to prepare my students for the world they are being sent into I need to equip them with the tools and resources that is going to allow them to keep up with the other people of their generation. I've learned a number of different tools that I want to incorporate in my classroom- the Smart board, Active votes, blogging, and all kinds of internet resources. I am very excited to have the knowledge of these but I am the most excited to have a new perspective of technology in education. I am glad that now I am open to constantly needing to learn and grow and expand in the area of technology, I don't think I would have ever thought about it before. I want to be a relevant teacher that equips my students with what they need, and having an open mind to new technologies and a willingness to learn these new technologies is one of the best things I can do for my students. I am excited to learn how to incorporate these technologies in my future classroom.

The NETS that I chose to focus on was
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:

a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.
b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.


By learning the new technologies and learning the correct way to approach technology in the classroom I hope to be able to enhance my lessons with technology promoting my student's thinking skills. I hope to always be prepared so that technology is not a hindrance to my class but that it is an effective tool that will help learning take place in the most efficient way possible!