When I reflect back on the past eight weeks and the course material covered, I am amazed with all the skills I have gained. I have learned to create a blog, wiki and a podcast, and I have learned a great deal about the benefits of using technologgy in the classroom. I also received a sense of relief to know that I am not the only teacher who is facing road blocks when it comes to gaining new technology to use in my classroom. So many districts seem to be struggling with funding these new advances. I am also reassured when I hear that other teachers are having trouble recriuting fellow colleagues to join in this movement, and that they are experiencing the same frustrations with finding time to integrate and explore all the technology that we want to.
I will continue to expand my knowledge of technology in the classroom in several ways. For starters I am continuing with courses that will help me to learn all I can about using technology in the classroom. I will continue to explore the links that my group and the other groups posted on their wiki boards. These boards have websites that are proven to be beneficial to students and teachers both.
One goal I am setting for myself is to try to begin a book club with my reading groups in the form of a blog. I am starting slow with one of my reading groups, but hope to add more groups as the year progresses. By doing this I am teaching the students and allowing them practice with those 21st Century skills that are so important for them to have.
Other goal I am setting for myself is to continue to strive to learn more about how technology with help my students. I also feel it is important to gain as many supports both in my school and the district to help as many students as we can. With more supports of integrating and using technology, maybe some funding can be found to provide teachers with the tools they need to help make students successful. Also, I am hoping that many teachers will begin to see how easy it can be and not be so "scared" to branch out and try new things. I will do this by inviting teachers in to watch lessons and offer to host workshops to show what can be done.
I am excited at the possibilities that lie ahead for both myself and my students.
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I am so impressed with your enthusiasm for venturing out into new areas of technology with your class. I am also impressed with your optimism for finding educational funds for education. I am sure Connecticut is not in as much trouble as California is. When you find those tools to help your students be successful.... please send some my way and if you happen to find any extra paper for student copies... could you send some of that to me too? Thanks,
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