Reflective Essay
Kelly Kern
Walden University
Professor Kathryn Arnold
EDUC 6710: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society
October 29,2020
Reflection Final Essay
In this course, I learned the importance of technology and why it is even more critical for students to learn, especially during a pandemic. After learning about the various tools I could implement in my classroom, I could assuredly say that I am comfortable and eager to use more tools.
I liked the different platforms we used, such as Wiki's, blogger.com, even Twitter. I have never used these platforms but became comfortable with using this in a classroom. I can intervene with students, helping them learn. I have learned that through these platforms,' communication is a lot better. However, teachers' challenge in education is being provided the tools we need to attract this type of work fulfilling and fun!
Coming into this class, I thought I would be familiar with many of the platforms introduced to me. I was wrong. I made was introduced to Web 2.0 tools. These tools, Media, resources, and activities of this course has helped me develop my technological skills. I became more comfortable with multiple platforms. During this course, I learned a lot. I was not too comfortable at first because I was set in my ways with a routine. However, the more I became comfortable and familiar, I started having a lot of fun creating my Wiki, blog site, etc.
I am comfortable with allowing students to understand the new world of technology. With cellphones and no longer needing direct instruction, students do not need to be told what to do anymore. They can learn on their own through technology. You can get information anywhere, but we can experience this in a way that connects students to soak up the skills we teach with the technology they use on a daily basis.
One long goal term goal to support my student's success is using technology tools in the classroom. I want students to people to create their own wiki page by the end of the semester. I will create two more wiki lessons, one being how to create a wiki. I think I will utilize the Wiki site in my classroom. Students will be able to find information on their own, making me become more of a facilitator. I will be able to see what I need to focus on with students. However, I do see a roadblock with this because not all our students will have access to technology. As Richardson says, “Wikis pose some pedagogical challenges. They can be so affected at fostering collaboration that the teacher really needs to carefully examine the role in their use” (Richardson, 2015 p. 61). I can see drama starting with my eighth graders and commenting on discussions. I felt comforted to know that “if the openness of wikis feels a bit too disruptive, wikis can be used in many other contexts insides schools as well” (Richardson, 2015, p.61).
By the end of the year, my second smart goal is implementing podcasts. For absent students, they can listen to my podcast. Or for projects, students can create a podcast on a research topic and use the podcast to present. I know that there will be obstacles from implanting podcasts and wikis. Some students may not want their voices to be heard in the podcast or get nervous. If that is the case, I will give them an alternative option if they still are not comfortable using a podcast to present. Also, instead of repeating directions a million times, podcasts would be an excellent tool for students to listen to directions as many times as they want. I think that Podcasts would support a student's success. This relates to the ISTE standard because students use different tools to communicate and share their ideas (2016)
From taking this course, I am thankful I was given the opportunity to learn more about the 21st-century classroom. I did not realize that more platforms could be used. I was shocked that people still used Twitter! I will continue to share my knowledge from this class and share my ideas with my colleagues
References:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2016). Standards for students.
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2008). Standards for teachers.
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-teachers
Richardson, W. (2015). The future of teaching and learning. From master teacher to master
learner. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
Appendix A
Twitter
1. My Twitter account: @ELAkTeacher
2. The text of my tweet:
I am so thankful for the learning experiences and tools that I've gained through this course. Check out my reflective essay on my blog! #6710App8
